Interview with Esra Talu: Leading with Vision in a Shifting Global Landscape

Esra Talu breaks down Q1 realities and Q2 momentum—from founder resilience to investor mindset shifts. It’s not about hype. It’s about building what lasts.

Orion (GoGlobal Growth & Expansion Strategies Team Leader): Esra, thank you for joining us for this timely reflection. Let's start with Q1 2025. From your vantage point, what were the defining challenges and trends for founders and investors this past quarter?

Esra Talu: Thank you, Orion. Q1 2025 was a quarter of recalibration for both founders and investors. We saw a cautious optimism amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty—especially in emerging markets where inflation and regulatory shifts have created a volatile fundraising environment. Founders had to become more resilient and resourceful, shifting from the “growth at all costs” mindset to a “build what lasts” approach.

Investors, particularly smaller and medium-sized funds, are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond capital. There’s a growing demand for transparency, long-term thinking, and hands-on involvement. We saw a marked shift toward sustainability, with ESG metrics playing a more prominent role in investment decisions—something GoGlobal has championed from day one.

Orion: That’s a sharp insight. As you reflect on GoGlobal’s portfolio, how have your founders adapted to these changes?

Esra Talu: Our portfolio founders are rewriting the playbook. Many of them come from emerging markets and understand adversity deeply. They’ve embraced a disciplined approach—focusing on strategic expansion, sustainable growth, and cultural intelligence. Our Miami-based Immersion Program, in partnership with Mana Tech, helped several of them test the U.S. market efficiently and engage with American consumer behavior, which continues to be shaped by inclusivity, environmental awareness, and economic anxiety.

We’ve also seen a rise in Gen Z-led startups in our pipeline. These founders bring fresh perspectives and prioritize purpose over profit. They are quietly transforming sectors with decentralized, values-driven models. While they might not chase unicorn status, they’re building impactful companies with loyal communities.

Orion: As we look ahead to Q2 2025, what trends do you anticipate shaping the landscape?

Esra Talu: The second quarter will demand even greater clarity from startups—clarity of purpose, product-market fit, and go-to-market strategy. Investors are seeking startups that demonstrate traction and vision, but also humility and grit.

International expansion will remain a priority for resilient founders, especially into North America and the Middle East. We’re actively guiding founders through grants, partnerships, and investor introductions in both regions. Our Investment Readiness Report and Expansion Readiness services are designed to accelerate this journey.

Additionally, AI will continue to dominate headlines, but we’re cautioning founders not to overbuild or overpromise. Innovation must remain grounded in real-world needs and responsible governance. We believe AI won’t replace startups—it will empower them, but only if used wisely.

Orion: Esra, your leadership continues to set the tone for GoGlobal. How do you view authentic leadership in this moment of global change?

Esra Talu: Authentic leadership means being visible, vulnerable, and values-aligned. At GoGlobal, we lead with purpose and listen deeply. I see my role not as a central figure but as a catalyst—empowering founders to rise, make decisions, and lead change in their own voice. In times of uncertainty, people don’t need perfection—they need guidance, presence, and truth.

Our commitment to ESG isn’t just about metrics—it’s about mindset. We embed diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and transparency into every advisory session, pitch preparation, and market entry plan. That’s how we build companies that matter.

Orion: To close, what message would you like to share with founders and investors reading this?

Esra Talu: Don’t chase noise. Build with intention. The future belongs to founders who lead with clarity and care, and to investors who uplift not just businesses, but ecosystems. At GoGlobal, we don’t just back companies—we believe in people. And together, we’re building a global community grounded in resilience, equity, and possibility.

Orion: Thank you, Esra. Here's to a bold and impactful Q2.

Esra Talu: Always forward, Orion. Thank you.

About Esra Talu

Esra Talu is a tech entrepreneur, author, and global thinker who built Turkey’s first e-commerce company in the early 2000s. Today, she champions bold founders from emerging markets, helping them scale with purpose and resilience. Her leadership is rooted in experience, driven by values, and guided by a belief in people over hype. Esra is also the author of Breaking Boundaries: How I Built a Startup and Paved the Way for Others, now available on Amazon.

From Deppo to GoGlobal—Esra Talu’s journey as a pioneering founder is now captured in her eBook Breaking Boundaries. A story of resilience, innovation, and paving the way for others.

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