Frequently Asked Questions

Any team solving a technology-based problem with at least one full-time founder can apply. Tohum expects an idea or prototype, Filiz a working MVP and Dal recurring revenue. Incorporation is not required to apply; a company must be formed for the Filiz investment.

We take about 7% equity for the 3,000,000 TRY investment, paid in two tranches. No equity is taken in the Tohum and Dal programmes. Details are published on the Programme Model page.

No. The application and the panel interview are free. Desks and mentor support are also free for programme participants.

First screening is concluded within 10 working days. Shortlisted teams are invited to a panel interview; the final decision is communicated within 5 working days after the interview.

No. The weekly bootcamps and mentor sessions are held both in person and online. However, we expect at least one founder to be present at Demo Day and the monthly community meetings. You can also use our Istanbul, Izmir and Eskişehir touchpoints.

Yes. Foreign founders can apply provided the company is formed in Turkey and at least one founder is in Turkey during the programme. An English bootcamp track is available.

Intellectual property stays entirely with the company. Çimlen claims no intellectual property under any programme. In corporate pilots, ownership and confidentiality terms are written down at the outset.

Yes. The Tohum programme is especially open to student and recent graduate founders. We offer flexible session hours that fit your course schedule.

Yes. We give reasoned feedback to rejected teams and encourage them to reapply in the next cohort. About a third of finalists from a previous cohort were accepted into the programme in the next.

Yes. Alumni keep access to the community, the mentor network and events. Priority application to the Dal programme and investor introduction support last 24 months after graduation.