A new survey conducted by Globalturk Capital among senior representatives of global private equity funds indicates that Türkiye has re-emerged as a central hub for regional growth and scale-up strategies.
According to a company statement, the 7th “Private Equity Funds Investing in Türkiye and the Region Conference”, organized by Globalturk Capital in strategic partnership with the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA) and with the support of the Presidency Investment and Finance Office, was held in Istanbul. During the event, an in-depth investor survey was conducted.
Strong Investor Appetite for Türkiye
The findings show that 76% of participating investors place Türkiye at the center of their regional growth strategies, while 50% plan to make new investments in Türkiye in 2026.
Among investors with existing portfolios in the country, 56% expect to pursue selective exit opportunities next year. Key investment priorities include:
- Technology – 40%
- Export- and digitalization-focused industry – 20%
- Renewable energy and energy transition – 20%
- Financial services – 12%
Additionally, 55% of investors cited improvements to the legal and regulatory framework as the most critical factor for strengthening Türkiye’s investment environment.
Türkiye as a Strategic Scale-Up Base
Results show that Türkiye’s significance stems not only from its domestic market, but also from its strategic role as a production and supply chain hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf, and Africa.
As global private equity moves away from a U.S.-centric structure toward a more diversified, multi-regional investment approach, Türkiye is positioning itself as a strategic investment center across the Europe–Middle East–Africa (EMEA) corridor.
The declining attractiveness of U.S. mid-market investments and the concentration of market value in a few major tech companies have accelerated funds’ search for new growth corridors—where Türkiye now plays a central role.
If stability in prices and geopolitics is maintained, Türkiye and the wider Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region together are expected to form a new regional scale-up axis.
Türkiye’s strong SME ecosystem, modern manufacturing capacity, integration into global supply chains, and rising export potential provide investors with a diversified and scalable investment environment. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) continue to view Türkiye as a resilient market with long-term return potential and manageable risk.
Major investment themes highlighted by investors include:
- Green transformation & renewable energy
- SaaS and fintech-focused technology
- Energy efficiency & infrastructure
- Value-added manufacturing
- Agriculture & food
- Healthcare
- Tourism
Digital transformation and gender equality also remain key evaluation criteria for private equity funds.
Global Investment Trends Favor Key Sectors
At the recent World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, green transformation, technology, agriculture and food, healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure were identified as major global drivers of employment and inclusive growth. These sectors align directly with investor priorities and long-term value creation strategies.
Türkiye’s rapidly maturing venture capital and technology ecosystem is fostering professionally managed, scalable business models—strengthening the country’s attractiveness for international private capital.
Local fund managers’ disciplined risk management and strong portfolio execution further enhance foreign investor confidence.
With its strategic location, skilled workforce, entrepreneurial culture, and role in regional supply chains, Türkiye is expected to solidify its position as a long-term private equity hub within the EMEA region over the next decade.
“Fundraising Appetite Strengthened After the Pandemic”
Globalturk Capital Founder and Managing Partner, GPCA Central & Eastern Europe Leadership Council Member and Türkiye Representative Barış Öney said that fundraising appetite has strengthened significantly in the post-pandemic period.
Öney noted that three local fund managers raised approximately 300 million dollars from foreign investors this year, adding:
“In the coming period, we expect five more fund management companies to raise close to 1 billion dollars in total.”
Highlighting Türkiye’s 30 years of institutional experience in private equity, Öney said:
“Despite all challenges, it is now proven that foreign funds make money in Türkiye. This confidence will pave the way for new capital inflows.”
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök