By: Joshua Finley

Community plays a vital role in business. From fostering connections to driving growth, bringing people together fuels collaboration and new ideas. Didem Altop has spent decades working across cultures, particularly between the U.S. and Turkish markets. Now, through her Miami-based initiative, she focuses on supporting immigrant founders as they navigate the complexities of building businesses in the U.S. Her team combines business expertise with cultural insights, offering more than funding—a supportive network for entrepreneurs facing unique challenges.

Finding Her Place Between Two Cultures

Born to Turkish parents in Pittsburgh, Didem’s journey spans both American and Turkish business landscapes. “When you’re from an immigrant family, you’re always looking for a place to fit in, a sense of belonging,” she explains. “That tribe might be your choir, your after-school club, or it might be a nonprofit organization or a new startup.”

After completing her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins and graduate work at Carnegie Mellon, Didem discovered her passion for entrepreneurship. The intersection of cutting-edge technology and business at Carnegie Mellon opened her eyes to new possibilities. “There were all these science and engineering wizards always creating things. The business students would join forces with them and launch these amazing initiatives.”

Bridging Business and Social Impact

Didem’s career path took an interesting turn after an opportunity at the World Bank between her studies. This experience shaped her understanding of economic development and its connection to entrepreneurship. “I really like the convergence of where business, entrepreneurship, and economic development come together,” she shares. Her perspective on social impact challenges conventional thinking. “We always talk about social impact as charitable work or doing goodness and kindness, but when you think about it, every single business is creating social impact. They’re creating jobs, engaging with suppliers, providing products and services. Social impact begins with business.”

At Treeo VC, Didem and her team provide more than just funding. “When you add the immigrant layer to entrepreneurship, there’s another level of complication, whether it’s philosophical, cultural, or even access to networks and self-confidence issues related to speaking with an accent,” she notes. The fund generally makes modest investments in early-stage companies. While they rarely take the lead in funding rounds, their contributions extend beyond financial support. “It’s interesting to see why these companies choose to work with us. They often express appreciation for the unique cultural perspective we bring alongside our business expertise,” notes a team member.

Three Keys to Success

Looking back on her journey, Didem shares three key insights:

• Mentorship shaped her path: “Half the time, you don’t know what you don’t know, so you don’t ask,” she says. Good mentors fill these knowledge gaps. Now, she pays it forward, noting that “you can’t pay a mentor back, you can only pay it forward.”
• Emotional growth takes time: “In our 20s, emotions hit so hard you can only feel one at a time,” Didem reflects. “By my 30s, I learned to compartmentalize. In my 40s, I finally learned how to intentionally manifest a state-of-mind.” This evolution and self-awareness is crucial for handling entrepreneurship’s ups and downs.
• Financial literacy matters: “Regardless of what you are earning, save 20% of your income,” she advises. “It’s not just about survival – it’s about wellness. When you figure out how to manage money better, everyone becomes calmer. And for startup founders, understanding and respecting financial matters is a critical success factor.”

Building a Future for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Today, based in Fort Lauderdale, Didem continues her mission of supporting immigrant entrepreneurs while building bridges between cultures. Her work extends beyond Treeo VC – she hosts monthly webinars for the Turkish Philanthropy Fund, discussing topics like the philosophy of giving. “Being able to give comes back to you tenfold,” she reflects. “Whether it’s through philanthropy or mentorship, creating that loop in your life is a huge secret to having a fulfilling life.”

To connect with Didem Altop or learn more about Treeo VC’s work with immigrant founders, visit her profile on LinkedIn.

 Published by Anne C.