We were lucky to catch up with Demirhan Erim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Demirhan, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

I have been a founding member of over 10 ventures, and I originated the ideas for about 90% of them. Since I am an engineer, I mostly focused on products, leveraging my strong product development and problem-solving skills. Additionally, with a master’s degree in international marketing, I was also able to consider the sales and marketing aspects of the business.

In my early ventures, my only capital was my knowledge and the people in my network, so I always tried to operate in the most effective way possible. With the budget I had, I was able to hire the best talent part-time, but sometimes I had to work with average teams. When I saw that neither approach was sufficient, I understood the importance of fundraising. During that time, I also realized how crucial it is to generate revenue and focus on sales. It wasn’t enough just to solve people’s problems.

I am someone who always takes steps and progresses forward, shaping my next moves as my vision expands. I don’t wait too long before taking action. I believe that to see the next steps on a staircase, you need to climb a few steps first. Following this approach, we created an MVP that turned out to be more successful than I expected. This project was called Halleder.com, a concierge service that went viral. The success I had been chasing for years had finally come, but I couldn’t nurture or sustain it, and inevitably, I lost it. We were so successful that we couldn’t keep up with customer demand.

People’s patience has changed—there was a time when we’d wait to connect to the internet, but now there isn’t a single moment when we aren’t connected. From this experience, I learned a vital lesson: don’t focus solely on the end goal. If both your eyes are fixed on the destination, your feet may not be able to carry you there. Glance at the goal, but then look ahead to your immediate path. You can occasionally look back at the goal for motivation—it may have even changed with your new vision—but never forget, if you don’t watch your steps, you will stumble.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Demirhan, an entrepreneur and engineer with a passion for solving problems and creating meaningful impact through technology. My journey began with a deep interest in math and science, which led me to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Koç University. I later pursued a master’s degree in International Marketing at Hult International Business School, which provided me with a global perspective and a solid foundation in both engineering and business. These disciplines have shaped the way I approach challenges, blending technical expertise with strategic thinking.

Over the years, I have been a founding member of more than ten startups, many of which I originated myself. I’ve always been drawn to product development, leveraging my skills as an engineer to create innovative solutions. However, my ventures have also been driven by a strong focus on sales and marketing, ensuring that the products we develop truly meet the needs of our customers.

One of my proudest achievements is uLouder, a location-based mobile app that serves as a digital neighborhood network. It connects people in the same area, enabling them to share announcements, find local services, and foster a sense of community. With over 100,000 registered users and 1,750 digital stores, uLouder has proven to be a valuable platform for micro-businesses and local residents alike. What sets it apart is its ability to address a key challenge for small businesses—reaching their local customer base effectively and affordably.

Beyond uLouder, I founded Erim Ventures, a venture studio that serves as a platform for tech startups, focusing on social impact and scalable solutions. The studio brings together my various entrepreneurial projects under one umbrella, allowing them to support each other and grow dynamically. Through Erim Ventures, I aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and progress, creating ventures that can positively impact millions of people. The venture studio also reflects my commitment to bridging Turkish talent with Silicon Valley’s opportunities, as I strongly believe in the creativity and resilience of Turkish entrepreneurs.

What sets me and my work apart is a commitment to blending purpose with execution. Every product I create is designed with the user in mind, aiming to make their lives easier or better. I want people to know that my work is not just about technology—it’s about creating tools and opportunities that empower individuals and communities to thrive.

At the heart of everything I do is a belief in progress and potential. Whether I’m working on a tech product, building a business, or supporting others in their journey, my focus is on contributing positively to the world and ensuring that every step forward creates lasting value.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My time at the Turkish Naval High School was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. The rigorous physical training, strict discipline, and high expectations pushed me to my limits daily. I remember a survival training exercise where exhaustion took over, yet quitting wasn’t an option. I learned to master my mind, push past my limits, and keep moving forward.

This resilience has been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. Just like in the navy, startups test your endurance and determination. Those lessons in discipline and perseverance have helped me tackle challenges, adapt, and keep striving for success, no matter how tough the path gets.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I pitched for my first investment, I approached it in an unconventional way. I told the investors, “I’m not asking for your money. I want to prepare for presenting to major global investors. I’ll use this opportunity to test my excitement and practice answering tough questions. I’m curious to see how you approach this.” In the end, they invested in me!

I’ve realized that people who seem like they don’t need funding often secure it more easily. That’s why I believe you shouldn’t focus solely on raising money—focus on becoming strong and confident instead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erim.ventures
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmrerim/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirhanerim