Money laundering is the process of disguising the origin of criminally derived proceeds to give them a legitimate appearance. This process constitutes a major threat to both national legal systems and the international community. Money laundering not only facilitates the financing of organized crime but also enables the continuation of crimes such as the financing of terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking. Therefore, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) law is essential for state

With the rapid evolution of technology, the way software is delivered to users has fundamentally changed. Instead of purchasing software as a product, many businesses now access it online through subscription-based models known as Software as a Service  (SaaS). This model has become increasingly popular in Turkey, both among technology providers and their clients. However, since Turkish law does not specifically regulate SaaS agreements, understanding their legal nature and a

Investment processes in the entrepreneurship ecosystem are becoming increasingly dynamic, fast, and competitive. Especially for early-stage ventures, reaching an agreement with investors quickly can be more valuable than engaging in long and costly negotiations. This is where SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)  agreements come into play, enabling investors to secure their capital commitment  in a fast and flexible manner. SAFE offers an alternative financing model to C

When it comes to early-stage investments in the entrepreneurship world, flexible financing models are crucial for both investors and founders. This is where the Convertible Note  comes into play. So, what exactly is a Convertible Note, and how is it applied in Turkey? What is a Convertible Note? A Convertible Note is a financing instrument based on the principle that an investor provides a loan  to a startup company, and this debt is subsequently converted  into equity  (shar

Which Companies Are Obliged? Under Article 1524 of the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC), only capital companies subject to independent audit  are required to establish a website. This must be completed within three months of registration . Independent audit status is determined by a Council of Ministers’ Decree. Companies meeting at least two out of three thresholds (total assets, net sales revenue, employee count) for two consecutive periods fall under this scope. In addition,

As start-up investments continue to grow, investors seek mechanisms that safeguard their capital and secure their exit strategies. Under Turkish Commercial Code, one of the most effective legal tools available is the “preferred share” . What Are Preferred Shares? Preferred shares grant certain rights to their holders that go beyond those of ordinary shareholders. These rights may include priority in dividend distribution, superior voting rights, representation on the board of

In the startup world, speed, innovation, and flexibility are major advantages. Yet in this fast-paced environment, intellectual property (IP) rights are often treated as secondary. In reality, a startup’s most valuable assets are rarely its capital; more often, they are the software it develops, the brand it builds, the designs it creates, or the business model it pioneers. Failing to protect IP can lead to serious risks: products being copied, the brand being registered by a

Today, one of the most crucial tools utilized by companies, particularly those operating in the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, to retain and motivate qualified employees  is granting them equity options . This practice is internationally referred to as the Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) . ESOPs boost employee commitment and encourage workers to directly contribute to the company's success by providing them with the opportunity to acquire company shares under sp

Vesting is an equity vesting mechanism  used in the startup world to ensure fairness among co-founders , employees , and investors . The purpose is to incentivize an individual to contribute to the company for a specific period, ensuring they "earn"  or "vest"  their shares upon completion of that period. This prevents a founder or employee who leaves the company prematurely from holding onto unvested shares, which would disrupt the startup's capital structure . Through this

In today’s competitive business environment, confidential information is one of the most valuable assets a company possesses. Trade secrets, customer databases, strategic plans, technical designs, and other sensitive know-how are often the foundation of a company’s market advantage. The loss or misuse of such information may result in reputational harm, financial lo ss, or the erosion of competitiveness. Protecting confidential information is therefore not only a commercial n