Umut Gunbak
Apr 21, 2025
As a part of the world’s largest university-based consultancy for socially-conscious organizations, 180 Degrees Consulting Bogazici has always aimed to bridge the gap between exceptional university talent and organizations dedicated to social good. Over the past five years, we’ve experienced remarkable growth, scaling up to manage seven significant projects this semester and expanding to a team of 50+ members across project teams and the executive team. Our clients now include esteemed global organizations like Greenpeace and UNICEF, alongside innovative, VC-backed startups.
(If you don’t know what 180 Degrees Consulting is, you can visit 180dc.org for more information)
This term, we’ve emphasized partnerships with impactful startups, recognizing their potential to disrupt traditional industries and pioneer sustainable, impact-driven business models. Startups often operate with agility and innovation, allowing them to address social and environmental challenges in ways that established organizations cannot. By collaborating with such ventures, we aim to contribute to scalable solutions. In that sense, we have been proudly helping Heltia and Madlen this semester.
Heltia is a preventive digital health platform that connects users with certified experts in mental, nutritional, and physical well-being, promoting long-term health and sustainable lifestyle change through personalized care and corporate wellness programs - backed by top investors like Northzone, Pitchdrive, and e2vc.
Madlen is an AI-powered education platform that streamlines teaching tasks by enabling quick assignment creation and allowing students to ask questions directly during study hours. By integrating advanced technology with pedagogical principles, Madlen aims to enhance the efficiency of educational institutions and improve student engagement.
Founders, we are here to help! If you are building an impact-driven business, you may be one of our next clients. Fill out the form, or reach out to one of us and let’s meet!
Startups are increasingly central to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A recent study found that 64% of institutional investors integrate ESG frameworks into their investment strategies (ESG Today), encouraging early-stage companies to embed sustainability and social responsibility into their core operations. For example, check e2vc’s recently published impact report.
On a global scale, achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require an estimated $5–7 trillion in annual investment (United Nations), much of which depends on innovative solutions led by agile, impact-driven startups. The rapid rise of ESG-focused capital — projected to reach $33.9 trillion globally by 2026 (PwC) — demonstrates the growing alignment between financial markets and sustainability-driven entrepreneurship.
Alongside their ESG impact, startups also serve as powerful engines for economic growth and job creation. In Europe, EU-backed startups have turned €12 billion in public funding into over €500 billion in company value(EU Startups). McKinsey estimates that further support could add 200,000 new startups and 8.1 million jobs across the continent (McKinsey & Company). In the U.S., startups contributed over 3.7 million new jobs in 2023 alone (Statista).
At 180 Degrees Consulting Bogazici, we aim to be an integral part of this vibrant ecosystem. By connecting forward-thinking businesses with ambitious and talented students, we are fostering a new generation of socially responsible leaders and innovators. Our consultants gain hands-on experience tackling real-world challenges (if you want to be one of them, apply through this form), while our startup partners receive valuable strategic insights to accelerate their growth and amplify their impact.
Our goal is clear: to bridge the gap between purpose-driven startups and ambitious students ready to make a difference. Together, we turn ideas into action and scale impact where it matters most. If you’re building or becoming part of the next big change, we’re here for it.
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