Istanbul supports a virile IT & technology industry, which can be seen in the types of companies and startups that have set up shop there. In fact, the city has successfully managed to leverage its strengths in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital marketing platforms to gain international attention. One of the standout companies in Istanbul’s IT & technology industry is Insider, a growth management platform (GMP) designed to help digital marketers drive engagement across the customer journey. By using real-time predictive segmentation powered by advanced AI and ML technologies, Insider enables businesses to deliver personalised experiences across multiple channels: web, mobile, apps, and ads. The platform is gaining traction globally, with offices in major cities like London, Singapore, Tokyo, and Istanbul. Insider’s growing influence in the tech industry has been highlighted by its inclusion in WIRED Magazine’s 100 Hottest Startups and its recognition as a Red Herring Top 100 Europe company in 2017. Another key player making waves is Intuition Machines, a company specialising in AI and ML for enterprise security. Their most notable product, hCaptcha, is widely used for securing online systems by differentiating between human users and bots. With a distributed team and a strong focus on rapid iteration, Intuition Machines is a prime example of Istanbul’s growing capacity for developing cutting-edge security solutions. The company’s approach, which prioritises small, agile teams and high autonomy, has made it a leader in the increasingly important field of cybersecurity. Meanwhile, global companies like Gusto offer comprehensive platforms for small businesses. Gusto provides an all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, and team management, empowering businesses with essential tools to manage employee needs, from health insurance to retirement plans. Diversity and inclusion are central to Gusto’s ethos, so the company hires people from a wide range of backgrounds.