Yahya Ulker
InvestorManaging Partner at Yildiz Ventures
Istanbul
Writes $500K – $2.5M checks · typically $1M
About
Yahya Ulker is Managing Director at pladis Global and Transformation Leader at Yildiz Holding, where he incubates and invests in startups across multiple sectors. He oversees e-commerce operations for Sok Marketler and Godiva Chocolatier, and serves as Technology Leader and Board Member of Yildiz Tech. Ulker holds board and advisory positions with Q Angels, Gozde Tech Ventures, and Endeavor Turkey, and is a member of DEIK's Digital Technologies Business Council; he holds a B.B.A. from Koc University.
Experience
- pladis GlobalManaging Directorcurrent2026 — presentEurope
- Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.Ş.Independent Board Membercurrent2026 — present
- Yıldız HoldingVice Chairmancurrent2025 — present
- Yıldız HoldingBoard Member2018 — 2025Istanbul, Turkey
- Godiva ChocolatierBoard Membercurrent2026 — present
- Sabri Ulker Food Research FoundationChaircurrent2025 — present
- Yildiz VenturesChaircurrent2019 — presentIstanbul, Türkiye
- Şok MarketlerBoard Membercurrent2024 — presentIstanbul, Türkiye
- Şok MarketlerCommercial Director2023 — 2024
- Şok MarketlerEcommerce Leader2022 — 2024Istanbul, Turkey
- Şok MarketlerSales and Operations Director2022 — 2023
- Gumlink Confectionery Company A/SExecutive Board Membercurrent2025 — presentDenmark
- Continental Confectionery CompanyExecutive Board Membercurrent2025 — presentTürkiye
- ÜlkerVice Chairmancurrent2025 — present
- Gözde Girişim Sermayesi Yatırım Ortaklığı A.Ş.Board Membercurrent2025 — present
- Bizim Toptan Satış MağazalarıBoard Member2023 — 2026Istanbul, Turkey
- istegelsinFounder & Executive Chair2018 — 2024Istanbul, Turkey
- eStar Global E-TicaretChief Executive Officer2019 — 2021
- Northstar InnovationGeneral Coordinator2017 — 2019
- Credit SuisseFinance Intern2017
Education
- Koç UniversityBachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Business Administration and Management2011 — 2016
- INSEADInternational Directors Programme (IDP71), Corporate Governance2025
- Harvard Business School OnlineCertificate in
- UCLASummer School, International/Global Studies2015
Skills & more
EnglishStrategic PlanningStrategyBiscuitsCakesChocolateChewing GumCandyJellyMarketing StrategySupply Chain ManagementLuxury Goods
+12 more
International Joint VenturesBoard LevelManufacturingJoint VenturesExport OperationsPrivate LabelInvestmentsIncubationBusiness TransformationGlobal E-CommerceResearch and Development (R&D)E-Commerce ConsultingLanguages English · Turkish
From Yahya's professional profile.
Same school
Also attended Koç University32
Meltem TumerAssociate at Fly VenturesEmin Taha CelikInvestment | Growth Funds at 212Musab DemirciInvestment Intern at 212Oguzhan AygorenExperts | Venture Partner at 212EsnaVenture Partner at NVenturesDilara BozyilanAssociate at Autotech Ventures
+ 26 more
Also attended INSEAD668
Patrick ClaessenPartner at Cottonwood Technology FundChris BischoffInvestment Team at General CatalystJan HammerInvestor at Index VenturesSandra SchwarzerInvestor at Index VenturesMahesha SubramaniamHead of Client Relations at Golden Gate VenturesElena PantaziPartner & Head of Platform at Northzone
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+ 662 more
Also attended Harvard Business School Online109
MariaInvestor at InvestinorOliver MarquesPartner, Capital Formation at March Capital PartnersJohn DemeterInvestor at Khosla VenturesJeff RoseAdvisor at AI CapitalTrevor EcklerAnalyst at Volition CapitalCharles BeyrouthyFounder & Managing Partner at Forma Prime
+ 103 more
Also attended UCLA374
Ben HorowitzCo-founder & General Partner at Andreessen HorowitzRon ConwayFounder of SV AngelKirsten GreenFounder and Managing Partner at Forerunner VenturesPaul FieldingFinance & Operations at General CatalystMelody MaExecutive Assistant and Lead Receptionist at Trinity VenturesGizem CakilInvestor at OpenView Venture Partners
+ 368 more
