F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Bursa, Turkey #799

City Scores

City Total Score

0.175

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.03

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.02

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.13

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

53

Startup Ecosystem in Bursa 🚀

TL;DR

Bursa is currently ranked as the 799th city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. Known for its industrial heritage and growing tech scene, Bursa is rapidly emerging as a friendly environment for entrepreneurs and startups alike.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Procedures are relatively straightforward, with options for online applications.
  • Startup Incentives: Local authorities provide incentives, particularly for tech-oriented startups.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive laws are in place to protect employee rights, though they can be intricate for small businesses.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: While processes exist, obtaining work permits for foreign workers can be a bit lengthy.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Generally around 20%, with potential reductions for eligible startups.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT rates applicable to various sectors, including technology and e-commerce.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: Bursa offers a comfortable living environment, with significantly lower costs compared to larger cities like Istanbul.
  • Culture and Leisure: Rich in history, Bursa boasts numerous parks, thermal baths, and attractions that celebrate its unique heritage.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally manageable; however, specific permits may require more time than anticipated.
  • Government Support: Various local programs are in place to foster innovation and assist startups in navigating bureaucracy.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Entrepreneurs can find opportunities to obtain business visas; efforts are ongoing to streamline these processes.
  • Residency Options: Options are available for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish longer-term residency.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • Bursa hosts a variety of startup competitions and workshops, allowing entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate.
  • Annual events often attract local investors and stakeholders interested in emerging ventures.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • The government offers solid support for tech startups through grants and incubator programs.
  • There are various funding avenues, including local initiatives aimed at boosting innovation.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: Although smaller compared to metropolitan spots, there is growing interest from VCs looking to tap into Bursa’s potential.
  • Major Firms: Some regional venture capitalists are becoming more active in sectors like tech and e-commerce.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Bursa is home to a selection of incubators focused on diverse sectors, including technology and health.
  • Programs typically include essential resources like mentorship and workspace, enhancing startup potential.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Emerging sectors include manufacturing technology, automation solutions, and eco-friendly initiatives.
  • Government Initiatives: Strong emphasis on industrial innovation and technology-driven development.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Turkish is the primary business language, but English is becoming more prevalent in startup circles.
  • Work Environment: Bursa’s work culture is collaborative yet competitive, with an increasing focus on innovation.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Affordable living costs in comparison to major urban areas.
  • Government-backed initiatives and growing support for startups.
  • A strong community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Cons:

  • Limited access to significant venture capital compared to larger cities.
  • Bureaucratic processes can sometimes be cumbersome.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Increasing focus on supporting female-led businesses, with various networking and funding opportunities.
  • Community-backed initiatives are designed to empower women in entrepreneurship.

Bursa’s blossoming startup ecosystem is an exciting place for new entrepreneurs eager to thrive in a growing, supportive environment. 🚀

MeanCEO Index for Bursa 🚀

Bursa is making waves as an emerging startup city in Turkey, but how does it measure up for female entrepreneurs? Let’s dissect the MeanCEO Index score across ten essential factors that shape the entrepreneurial landscape.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 5/10
    • Bursa enjoys a temperate climate with a fair amount of sunny days, especially in summer. Winters can be cool, so it lacks the warmer, sunny reputation of cities like Valetta, but it’s generally comfortable throughout the year.

2. Location 🏖️

  • Score: 4/10
    • While Bursa is located inland, it has access to the Sea of Marmara, which is a considerable distance away. Although there are beach options, they aren’t as easily accessible as coastal cities.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 4/10
    • Turkey has some lingering cultural norms that may not fully support women’s equality. While there are efforts to empower women entrepreneurs, ingrained societal attitudes can pose barriers. Thus, the score remains moderate.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 5/10
    • Bursa is increasingly open to foreign influence, particularly among the younger generation. Residents are generally friendly, but there may still be some reluctance in more traditional circles.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 6/10
    • While Turkish is predominantly spoken, English is gaining traction in startup environments. Many professionals, especially the younger ones, understand and converse in English.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 7/10
    • Known for its rich flavors, Bursa’s cuisine is both diverse and healthy. It features an array of dishes, including some local delicacies, but does have a higher prevalence of onions. There are also limited local wines, which slightly lowers the score.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 5/10
    • The dating scene can be traditional, but there is interest among younger locals focused on health and fitness. Though societal pressures exist, opportunities to form families are prevalent.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 6/10
    • Access to healthcare is generally satisfactory, with decent facilities, but appointment wait times can vary. Costs are moderate compared to Western countries, making healthcare relatively accessible.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Bursa has a developing public transportation system and is fairly well-connected, but it lacks the extensive networks found in larger cities. Proximity to an international airport is a plus for regional and global travel.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 7/10
    • The culture is gradually shifting towards one that embraces risk and innovation, especially among younger entrepreneurs. Government support for startups is increasing, reflecting a positive shift in attitudes toward entrepreneurship.

MeanCEO Index Score: 53/100 🎉

Bursa is mapping its way as a supportive yet challenging environment for female entrepreneurs. While it possesses strengths such as a developing startup ecosystem and a welcoming community, inherent cultural attitudes and access to resources can be limiting. Despite these challenges, the city’s growth potential makes it a noteworthy contender for those looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

Happy entrepreneurship! 🚀