TRVC episode #16 with Merve Zabci 🎙️
GP at Metis Ventures
I recently sat down with Merve Zabci, General Partner at Metis Ventures, for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from investment banking and private equity to building one of the most data-driven venture firms in Turkey and the region.
We talked about:
Why too many startups in Turkey get stuck in the “seed trap” — and how bigger early checks can change the game
How Metis is building a platform that goes beyond just a fund
The overlooked power of governance and impact when scaling startups
And why so many of Turkey’s unicorns have women on their founding teams 🚀
Merve also shared some behind-the-scenes stories about recent investments, the role of exited founders as LPs, and what it really takes for Turkish startups to go global.
🎧 You can listen to the episode on Youtube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
I’m excited to be back on the mic after a few weeks away, and I think you’ll enjoy this one as much as I did recording it.
Best,
Yunus