Biography of Sahin Boydas: Trailblazing the Future of Work
Biography of Sahin Boydas:
Mr. Sahin Boydas is a visionary entrepreneur and tech
innovator based in Silicon Valley. With a proven track record of founding and
scaling successful startups, Sahin has made significant contributions to the
tech industry, particularly in the realm of remote work solutions.
Sahin Boydas is indeed an accomplished serial entrepreneur
with a notable presence in Silicon Valley. With the co-founding of four
startups in the tech hub, Boydas has demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen
and innovative spirit. Notably, he has a strong track record of building and
effectively managing remote teams, showcasing his adaptability and leadership
in the dynamic tech landscape. Over the course of a decade, Boydas has honed
his expertise in remote team management, contributing to the success of various
ventures in the ever-evolving tech industry.
Sahin Boydas: Education and Academic Achievements
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
Sahin Boydas laid the foundation for his illustrious career
by earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Computer Engineering from Koç
University. During his undergraduate years, Sahin actively participated in
extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations, Mountaineering, and
the Computer Club. His outstanding academic performance led to notable
recognitions, including being awarded the Vehbi Koc Scholar title and earning a
place on the Dean's Honor Roll.
Master's Degree in Business Administration
Building on his technical expertise, Sahin pursued a Master
of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree with a focus on Entrepreneurship at
Bahcesehir University. This decision reflected Sahin's commitment to gaining a
holistic understanding of business principles and strategies to complement his
engineering background. Through his graduate studies, Sahin enhanced his
leadership skills and strategic thinking, preparing him for the challenges of
entrepreneurship and business management.
Academic and Professional Development
Sahin Boydas' educational journey not only equipped him with
technical proficiency but also instilled in him a passion for innovation and
entrepreneurship. His academic pursuits provided him with a solid theoretical
foundation, while his involvement in extracurricular activities allowed him to
develop invaluable soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
These experiences laid the groundwork for Sahin's future success as a serial
entrepreneur and visionary leader in the tech industry.
Early Fascination with Computers
Sahin Boydas' journey into the tech industry began at a
young age, influenced by his exposure to technology through his family. Growing
up with a computer at home, an IBM PS-30 with a 20-megabyte hard disk, 86 CPU,
and a floppy drive, Sahin discovered his passion for building products for
others. This early exposure sparked his interest in computers and laid the
foundation for his future endeavors.
Exploring Computer Games and Entrepreneurship
During his formative years, Sahin delved into the world of
computer games, particularly enjoying the process of building cracks for games
like Mortal Kombat, Deal, and Sim City. Living in Turkey at the time, where
access to games was limited, Sahin found innovative ways to acquire and
distribute games, including through the internet and local shops. His
entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture into selling computers and eventually
to create one of the first eCommerce websites in Turkey for selling secondhand
phones.
Founding an eCommerce Venture
At the age of 17, Sahin embarked on a remarkable journey of
entrepreneurship by establishing an eCommerce platform for selling secondhand
phones. Despite facing skepticism from investors and industry peers, Sahin
persevered and secured one of the first angel investments in Turkey. With a
focus on offering competitive pricing and leveraging technology to optimize
user experience, Sahin's eCommerce venture quickly gained traction and became
one of the fastest-growing platforms in Turkey.
Diversifying into Software Development
Following the success of his eCommerce venture, Sahin
recognized the need for specialized software solutions in Turkey's emerging
eCommerce market. Leveraging his expertise in technology and entrepreneurship,
Sahin developed eCommerce accounting software, website generators, and
fulfillment technologies to address gaps in the market. His innovative
solutions not only filled a crucial need but also propelled him into the
software-as-a-service (SaaS) business realm, further solidifying his reputation
as a visionary entrepreneur.
Transition to Silicon Valley
Driven by a desire to explore new opportunities and pursue
his entrepreneurial ambitions further, Sahin made the pivotal decision to
relocate to Silicon Valley at the age of 29. Armed with a wealth of experience
and a knack for identifying market trends, Sahin immersed himself in the
vibrant startup ecosystem of Silicon Valley. Over the years, he founded several
successful startups, including MovieLaLa, a social network for movie
enthusiasts, which was later acquired by GfyCat, marking his first exit.
RemoteTeam: Solving Global Challenges
Inspired by his experiences with international teams and the
growing demand for remote work solutions, Sahin founded RemoteTeam. Recognizing
the need for streamlined processes and tools for managing remote teams, Sahin
developed RemoteTeam to empower companies to build and scale distributed teams
effectively. His venture into RemoteTeam exemplifies his commitment to
addressing real-world challenges through innovative solutions and underscores
his enduring impact on the tech industry.
Sahin Boydas: A Serial Entrepreneur's Impactful Journey
Gusto: Leading the Way in Remote Work
Sahin Boydas embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by
co-founding Gusto in January 1999. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role
in shaping the company's operations, particularly in Turkey, where he leads
distributed teams. His expertise in remote work solutions became even more
evident when Gusto acquired RemoteTeam, a company Sahin founded, in November
2019. This acquisition not only demonstrated Sahin's foresight in remote work
trends but also affirmed his commitment to creating innovative solutions for
the modern workforce.
Pioneering AR Technology with Leo
In 2017, Sahin ventured into the world of augmented reality
(AR) as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Leo AR. The
company aimed to democratize AR technology, making it accessible to a broader
audience. Sahin's vision for Leo AR led to the development of cutting-edge AR
camera technology, which garnered attention in the tech industry. His tenure at
Leo, which lasted until June 2019, marked a period of innovation and exploration
at the intersection of technology and user experience.
MojiLaLa: Revolutionizing Sticker Marketplaces
Sahin's entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive as he
co-founded MojiLaLa in December 2016. Serving as the Co-Founder and CTO, Sahin
led the development of one of the largest sticker marketplaces globally.
MojiLaLa's platform boasted an extensive collection of over 70,000 high-quality
stickers created by artists worldwide. Under Sahin's leadership, MojiLaLa
gained recognition for its innovative approach to digital expression and
community building. His tenure at MojiLaLa lasted until January 2019, during
which the company achieved significant milestones in redefining the landscape
of digital communication.
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Alumi
In January 2012, Sahin embarked on a mission to support and
nurture aspiring entrepreneurs through Alumi. This initiative aimed to provide
resources and guidance to startup founders, facilitating their journey in
Silicon Valley. Sahin's involvement with Alumi underscored his dedication to
fostering innovation and collaboration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through various accelerator programs and mentorship opportunities, Sahin
contributed to the growth and success of numerous startups, leaving a lasting impact
on the startup community.
MovieLaLa: Transforming Movie Marketing
Sahin's entrepreneurial endeavors took another exciting turn
with the founding of MovieLaLa in 2012. Serving as the Co-Founder and CTO,
Sahin spearheaded the development of a social network for upcoming movies.
MovieLaLa's innovative approach to movie marketing garnered attention in the
entertainment industry, culminating in its acquisition by Gfycat in March 2016.
Sahin's leadership at MovieLaLa reflected his ability to identify market
opportunities and create disruptive solutions that resonate with audiences.
Silikonvadisi.co: Guiding Turkish Entrepreneurs
In 2013, Sahin founded Silikonvadisi.co, a platform
dedicated to providing valuable resources for Turkish entrepreneurs navigating
Silicon Valley. Through Silikonvadisi.co, Sahin aimed to bridge the gap between
Turkish entrepreneurs and the vibrant tech ecosystem of Silicon Valley. By
offering insights, guidance, and networking opportunities, Sahin empowered
Turkish entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive startup landscape. His
commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration laid the
foundation for a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial community.
Biography of Sahin Boydas: Trailblazing the Future of Work / Investor Sahin Boydas
Contributing to Startup Accelerators
Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Sahin actively
participated in renowned startup accelerators, including StartX, betaworks
VisionCamp, and 500 Global. These experiences allowed Sahin to engage with
emerging startups, share his expertise, and contribute to the growth of the
entrepreneurial ecosystem. His involvement as an entrepreneur-in-residence and
mentor underscored his dedication to nurturing the next generation of
innovators and changemakers.
Investing in the Future
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Sahin is a prolific
angel investor, supporting over 80 startups across various industries. His
investment portfolio reflects his belief in the transformative power of
innovation and his commitment to driving positive change through
entrepreneurship. Sahin's strategic investments have contributed to the success
of numerous startups, cementing his reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor
within the startup community.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Sahin's entrepreneurial journey spans across various
ventures, showcasing his versatility and keen insight into emerging market
trends. As the Founder and CEO of RemoteTeam.com, Sahin spearheads efforts to
revolutionize HR and operational practices in the realm of remote work.
Additionally, he serves as the Co-Chief Technology Officer at Leo AR and the
Chief Technology Officer at eModa, highlighting his commitment to driving
technological innovation across multiple domains.
Legacy of Innovation
A serial entrepreneur with a penchant for disruptive
innovation, Sahin co-founded MojiLaLa, a pioneering platform in the realm of
movie marketing. His entrepreneurial prowess was further validated when
MojiLaLa was acquired by Gfycat, underscoring Sahin's ability to identify and
capitalize on market opportunities.
Sahin Boydas: Spearheading RemoteTeam at Gusto
Introduction to Sahin Boydas at Gusto
Sahin Boydas assumes the pivotal role of leading RemoteTeam
at Gusto, a testament to his expertise in remote work solutions and
technology-driven innovation. As the Head of RemoteTeam, Sahin leverages his
entrepreneurial acumen to enhance Gusto's offerings and support businesses in
navigating the evolving landscape of remote work.
Investment Focus
Sahin's investment focus underscores his commitment to
fostering innovation and driving growth across diverse sectors. With a keen
interest in software, financial services, and FinTech, Sahin actively seeks
opportunities to support startups at various stages of development, from seed
to Series B. His investment scope extends across the United States, Mexico, and
Spain, reflecting his global outlook and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship
on an international scale.
Portfolio Highlights
Within Sahin's investment portfolio, notable highlights
showcase a diverse range of innovative startups poised to make a significant
impact in their respective industries:
Heyday AI: Heyday AI offers a comprehensive solution for
managing social media messages, including private messages and comments,
through the Hootsuite platform. By streamlining communication and engagement
processes, Heyday AI empowers businesses to optimize their social media
presence and enhance customer interactions.
Shield AI: Shield AI is at the forefront of revolutionizing
both battlefield and commercial aviation operations through the integration of
AI-powered piloting systems. With a focus on scalability and safety, Shield AI
aims to leverage autonomous technologies to redefine the future of aviation,
surpassing the transformative impact of self-driving vehicles.
Wild Microbes: Wild Microbes pioneers sustainable solutions by developing a microbial platform capable of producing a wide range of products, from plastic alternatives to protein sources, in a faster and more cost-effective manner. By harnessing the power of microbial processes, Wild Microbes aims to address pressing environmental challenges and promote the transition towards a more sustainable future.
Remote Work Advocate
With a wealth of experience in building and managing remote
teams spanning over a decade, Sahin is a staunch advocate for remote work
arrangements. His firsthand experience in navigating the challenges and
opportunities of remote work has positioned him as a thought leader in the
field. Through RemoteTeam.com, Sahin is dedicated to addressing HR and
operational challenges inherent in remote work setups, empowering companies to
thrive in the digital age.
Conclusion
Sahin Boydas' entrepreneurial journey epitomizes resilience,
innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a trailblazer in the
realm of remote work solutions, Sahin continues to redefine the future of work,
leaving an indelible mark on the tech industry and inspiring future generations
of entrepreneurs.
Through his role at Gusto and his diverse investment portfolio, Sahin Boydas continues to drive innovation and create value in the tech ecosystem. By championing remote work solutions and supporting cutting-edge startups, Sahin remains at the forefront of shaping the future of work and technology, leaving a lasting impact on industries worldwide.
Timeline
Late 1980s - Early 2000s: Education and Academic
Achievements - Sahin Boydas earns a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering
from Koç University and a Master's degree in Business Administration with a
focus on Entrepreneurship from Bahcesehir University, laying the foundation for
his entrepreneurial journey.
Early 2000s - Late 2000s: Entrepreneurial Beginnings in
Turkey - Sahin founds an eCommerce platform for selling secondhand phones,
secures angel investments, and diversifies into software development,
demonstrating early success in the Turkish market.
Late 2000s - Early 2010s: Transition to Silicon Valley -
Sahin relocates to Silicon Valley, co-founds startups like MovieLaLa and Alumi,
and contributes to the growth of the Turkish entrepreneurial community through
initiatives like Silikonvadisi.co.
Early 2010s - Mid 2010s: Ventures in Silicon Valley - Sahin
co-founds ventures like MojiLaLa and MovieLaLa, revolutionizing movie marketing
and digital expression, while also participating in startup accelerators to
further his impact in the tech ecosystem.
Mid 2010s - Present: Focus on Remote Work Solutions - Sahin
founds RemoteTeam to address the growing demand for remote work solutions,
culminating in Gusto's acquisition of RemoteTeam, and continues to champion
remote work while investing in startups shaping the future of work globally.
