EUVC VC | E483 | Rina Onur on Offboarding as a VC Partner, Istanbul’s Gaming Boom & the Tug-of-War Between Building and Investing
Jun 3, 2025
Rina Onur, co-founder of Peak and Spyke Games and formerly of 500 Istanbul, shares her unique journey between operating and investing in Turkey’s vibrant gaming ecosystem. Enis Hulli, a partner at E2VC, sheds light on the global rise of Turkish startups. They dive into the emotional complexities of offboarding as a VC partner and the urgent need for proactive engagement with founders. Their candid discussion highlights the tension between risk aversion and entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of trust in partnerships.
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Rina's Career Pivot Story
- Rina Onur transitioned from private equity to co-founding Peak, then briefly into venture capital before returning to building companies.
- She preferred founding over investing due to the desire for hands-on creation and control.
Graceful VC Offboarding Tips
- Offboarding as a VC partner requires transparency and a gradual transition to avoid disrupting portfolio and LPs.
- Ensuring a capable team is in place before leaving is crucial for continuity and success.
Fundraising Challenges for New Funds
- Fundraising for a VC fund is harder than for a startup because you must convince many LPs simultaneously.
- Early-stage Turkish ecosystem made convincing traditional investors especially challenging for first-time funds.