About Igniters Tech Law
Empowering tech entrepreneurs to navigate legal complexities with confidence and clarity.
What does Igniters Tech do?
Igniters Tech provides comprehensive legal support for software and AI startups, including company formation, IP strategy, venture financing, and cross-border expansion between MENA and the U.S. We are a tech-forward law firm headquartered in Istanbul, specializing in helping technology companies navigate complex legal challenges while scaling globally.
Igniters Tech Mission & Vision
Mission
To provide exceptional legal services to technology entrepreneurs and businesses, empowering them to overcome legal and business challenges in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
Vision
To be the leading legal partner for innovative technology companies worldwide, known for our expertise, integrity, and commitment to fostering technological advancement and entrepreneurial success.
Who is a good fit to work with Igniters Tech?
Seed to exit startups that want practical, responsive counsel from lawyers with startup experience. We've proudly worked with leading companies and investors across the tech ecosystem.
Our Expertise Spans
- Delaware C-Corp and Flip-up incorporations
- SAFE, Convertible Notes, and Series A-B financing
- IP strategy and patent protection
- Cross-border M&A transactions
- ESOP and equity compensation plans
- Data privacy and regulatory compliance
Recent Success Stories
Real results for technology companies navigating complex legal challenges
Gaming Startup Series B
Helped a gaming startup complete a $50M Series B with international investors, including complex IP licensing agreements and ESOP restructuring for 200+ employees.
Fintech Delaware Flip
Assisted a fintech company's Delaware flip structure, leading to successful Y Combinator admission and subsequent $3M seed funding from Silicon Valley VCs.
AI Startup IP Protection
Guided an AI startup through USPTO patent filing for their proprietary ML algorithms and helped close a $10M seed round with proper IP assignment from 15 contractors.
E-commerce Platform Exit
Managed complete legal due diligence and transaction documents for an e-commerce platform's $25M acquisition by a European strategic buyer, including earn-out provisions.
SaaS SAFE to Series A
Converted multiple SAFE notes totaling $5M into a $20M Series A for a B2B SaaS company, negotiating favorable terms with both early angels and institutional VCs.
Cross-Border Expansion
Established U.S. subsidiary for a MENA-based healthtech startup, securing necessary licenses and helping raise $8M from U.S. investors while maintaining regional operations.
How Igniters Tech Became MENA's Leading Tech Law Firm
Foundation in Silicon Valley
ITC was established in San Francisco as a consulting firm with the goal of bridging the gap between companies in the MENA region and Silicon Valley.
Rapid Growth Period
Facilitated hundreds of startup incorporations and venture capital fund formations, establishing a strong foundation in the tech legal space across multiple jurisdictions.
Istanbul Headquarters
Relocated headquarters to Istanbul, strategically positioning the firm at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to better serve the growing tech ecosystem in the region.
Delaware Strategic Partnership
Formed a strategic partnership with Registate as our registered agent company in Delaware, enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive incorporation services for international clients.
Elite Legal Team Formation
Assembled an exceptional team of legal experts across all industries, bringing together specialists in technology law, intellectual property, venture financing, and international business.
Bebek Office Opening
Opened our flagship office in the prestigious Bebek district of Istanbul, creating a modern workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
Turkish Ecosystem Leadership
Established dominance in the Turkish startup ecosystem by facilitating one-quarter of all investments made in 2024, cementing our position as the go-to legal partner for tech ventures in the region.
Relocation to Zorlu Center
Moved our headquarters to the prestigious Zorlu Center Istanbul, one of the world's largest finance and technology hubs, positioning ourselves at the heart of Turkey's tech ecosystem while expanding our MENA regional partnerships.
U.S. Practice Strengthened
Hired our second New York Bar-admitted attorney, significantly strengthening our U.S. legal practice capabilities and enabling us to better serve cross-border transactions between Turkey, MENA, and the United States.
Igniters Tech Core Values and Principles
Integrity & Ethics
We uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all our interactions, ensuring transparency and accountability in everything we do.
Diversity & Inclusion
We celebrate diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We actively support women, LGBTQIA+, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs, creating an inclusive environment.
Innovation
We embrace innovation in our approach to legal services, constantly seeking new ways to better serve our clients in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Community Engagement
We actively engage with local and global tech communities, supporting startups, promoting legal education, and providing mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Client-Centric Approach
We put our clients at the center of everything we do, tailoring our services to meet their unique needs and helping them achieve their business goals.
Continuous Learning
We are committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying at the forefront of legal developments in the technology sector.
Igniters Tech Leadership Team
Led by experts with advanced degrees and decades of experience, our leadership team guides the firm's vision in technology law and venture capital.
Aylin Şahin, LL.M., Ph.D.
Founder & Managing Partner
• UC Berkeley Law (LL.M. & Ph.D., High Honors)
• Co-founder Heaventures VC
• Angel investor in 12+ tech companies
• 20+ years legal experience
• Adjunct Professor, Istanbul Bilgi Law School
Hatice Hocaoğlu
Attorney at Law
• Istanbul Bar Association
• Jessup Moot Court Champion & Best Oralist
• Willem C. Vis Arbitration Competition
• Expert in venture financing & data privacy
• Lead counsel in international arbitration
Our Team's Collective Expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about working with Igniters Tech
How do you price engagements?
We offer flat-fee packages for formation and IP services, providing transparency and predictability. For financing rounds and cross-border matters, we use hourly or project-based pricing tailored to your specific needs. We always provide clear cost estimates upfront and work within your budget constraints.
How to incorporate in Delaware from Turkey?
We handle the entire Delaware incorporation process remotely, including EIN application, bank account setup, and registered agent services through our partnership with Registate. The process typically takes 2-3 weeks and includes all necessary documentation, bylaws, and initial board resolutions. We also assist with the flip-up structure if you have an existing Turkish entity.
What MENA startups need to know about U.S. venture financing?
U.S. investors typically require Delaware C-Corps for investment. We help MENA startups understand SAFE agreements, convertible notes, and priced rounds. Key considerations include IP assignment, ESOP pools (typically 10-15%), and standard vesting schedules (4 years with 1-year cliff). We also navigate tax implications and help structure deals that work for both local and international investors.
How MENA startups protect IP in the U.S.?
We help file provisional patents, register trademarks through the USPTO, and ensure proper IP assignment from founders and contractors. Our team assists with invention disclosure, prior art searches, and developing comprehensive IP strategies that protect your innovations in both MENA and U.S. markets. We also handle copyright registrations and trade secret protection protocols.
What makes Igniters Tech different from other law firms?
Unlike traditional law firms, we specialize exclusively in tech companies and have deep startup experience. Our founder, Aylin Şahin (LL.M., PhD from UC Berkeley), is also a VC cofounder and angel investor in 12+ companies. We offer practical, business-oriented advice, not just legal theory. With offices in both Istanbul, we're uniquely positioned to bridge MENA and U.S. markets with our global remote capabilities.
How quickly can you respond to urgent matters?
We understand that startups move fast. We typically respond to emails within 2-4 hours during business hours and can turn around standard documents within 24-48 hours. For urgent deal closings or time-sensitive matters, we offer expedited services and weekend availability. Our team works across multiple time zones to ensure continuous coverage.
Ready to Work Together?
Let us help you navigate the legal complexities of the tech industry and empower your business for success.