Investment
Turning scientific depth into global companies
ODTÜ70 invests in technology companies born of Türkiye’s scientific, engineering and entrepreneurial strength — technologically differentiated, defensible, and able to scale globally.
Our Investment Thesis
We focus on ventures able to build a durable competitive advantage through proprietary technology, intellectual property, data, engineering depth or sector knowledge. We aim to help technologies born in Türkiye reach international markets and become companies that create value globally.
Our approach is not limited to providing capital: it rests on identifying the right companies early, being an active partner in their growth, and connecting METU’s academic and engineering ecosystem with investment professionals, industry experts, founders and international networks.
Our Evaluation Criteria
We assess every venture holistically across eight dimensions. These are a shared framework for discussion rather than a checklist.
Team
Domain depth, execution capability, speed of learning and adaptation, and the capacity to build a strong team.
Defensibility
Competitive barriers arising from intellectual property, patents, data, algorithms, engineering, process or regulation.
Market and Global Scalability
A large and meaningful global market, a clear beachhead segment and international growth potential.
Evidence of Commercialisation
Technical validation, pilots, letters of intent, industrial collaboration, active usage, customers or revenue.
Economic Scalability
Unit economics that strengthen with growth, and a sustainable business model.
Capital Plan and Milestones
A clear technical, commercial or financial milestone the investment will reach within roughly 18–24 months.
What ODTÜ70 Adds
Technical expertise, strategic customer access, talent, governance, international networks and subsequent financing rounds.
Value Realisation and Exit Potential
Strategic acquirers, consolidation, follow-on investor interest and plausible exit paths.
Our Investment Structure
ODTÜ70 aims to be a growth partner that preserves founders’ control of their companies, and generally invests as a minority shareholder.
Depending on the size of the investment, the stage of the company and the transaction structure, governance rights such as information and reporting rights, pro-rata participation rights, certain protective provisions, and observer or board representation may be included in the investment terms.
Our aim is to be an investment partner that contributes actively to long-term value creation while preserving the founder’s independence in running the company.
Our Focus Areas
We concentrate where technological depth converts into competitive advantage.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise software and next-generation digital platforms.
Deep Technology and Advanced Engineering
Advanced materials, mobility, defence, robotics, energy, climate and engineering-intensive technologies.
Health and Life Sciences Technologies
Health technologies, biotechnology, diagnostics, medical technology, and solutions that advance research and manufacturing infrastructure.
Our Investment Process
The ODTÜ70 investment process builds a bridge between academic knowledge, sector experience and investment discipline. Every decision is assessed in several layers by the fund team and the Investment Committee.
- 01Fund Team
Initial Review
The fund team takes ventures into initial assessment, examining strategic fit, team structure, financing needs and early indicators of impact.
- 02Deep Dive Session
Detailed Evaluation
In the DDS we meet founders and assess the technological maturity, level of innovation, commercialisation potential and scaling capacity of the venture.
- 03Investment Committee
Investment Decision
Guided by the DDS report and financial analysis, the Committee determines the investment amount, terms and possible co-investment opportunities. Decisions are taken by majority.
- 04Fund Team
Documentation and Monitoring
Approved investments move into contracting. After investment, performance, growth and impact indicators are monitored regularly, with follow-on investment or managerial support where needed.
DDS composition
A Deep Dive Session brings together two kinds of participants.
- Domain Experts
- METU academics, alumni and founders invited according to the relevant sector and technology.
- Fund Team
- Coordinates the process and manages documentation and DDS reporting.