Yahya Ulker, Son of Turkey’s Richest Man, Put Fortunes Into Tech

Source: Yildiz Holding

Ercan Ersoy

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As the eldest son of Turkey's richest man, Yahya Ulker was destined to take over his family's multi-billion dollar business. But the 29-year-old opted for a different path, supporting local startups and venture capitalists.

After completing a business degree and a stint at Credit Suisse Group AG, he started to dabble in venture capital instead of taking up an executive role at Yildiz Holding AS, the world's third-largest snack maker that's been in his family for 78 years. His father, Murat Ulker, owns international brands such as Godiva chocolates and McVities biscuits, and has a net worth of $4.7 billion, according to Forbes.