Interview with Esra Talu: Breaking Boundaries, Building Legacies
Orion (Interviewer): Hi Esra! It’s an honor to be speaking with you today. You’re a true inspiration to entrepreneurs, especially those of us in Gen Z. Let’s start with your journey in the 90s. Founding an e-commerce startup back then must have been incredibly visionary. What inspired you to take that leap?
Esra Talu: Thank you, Orion! It’s great to be speaking with a new generation of entrepreneurs. Starting an e-commerce company like Deppo in the late 90s was indeed a bold move. At the time, the internet was still a mystery to many people. However, I was inspired by the tech revolution I witnessed during my time in California, Los Angeles, in the early 90s. It gave me a vision of how the Internet could transform the way we do business. My expertise, however, truly developed when I founded and ran Deppo in Istanbul, Turkey. I believed that technology would redefine commerce, and I wanted to be part of that transformation.
Orion: That’s amazing foresight. Running Deppo for 15 years must have come with its fair share of challenges. What were some key lessons you learned?
Esra Talu: Oh, there were countless lessons! One of the biggest was learning how to stay adaptable. The tech industry evolves quickly, and e-commerce was no exception. We faced hurdles with infrastructure, logistics, and customer trust in online shopping. I also learned the importance of building a strong, motivated team. Offering share options to key team members was one way we created a sense of ownership and commitment to the company's success. But above all, I learned that perseverance is everything. It’s not about avoiding challenges but facing and overcoming them.
Orion: You capture many of these lessons in your book, Breaking Boundaries: How I Built a Startup and Paved the Way for Others, now available on Amazon.com. Can you tell us about your motivation for writing the book?
Esra Talu: Absolutely. I wanted to share my experiences not only to inspire others but also to provide practical insights for startup founders, especially those in emerging markets. Deppo’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers. Writing Breaking Boundaries was my way of documenting that journey and encouraging entrepreneurs worldwide to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
Orion: And now you’re also an investor and the Founder & CEO of GoGlobal. How did you transition from being an entrepreneur to an investor and advisor?
Esra Talu: The transition was quite natural. After selling my stake in Deppo, I realized that I had a wealth of knowledge and experience that could benefit other entrepreneurs. I started advising and investing in early-stage startups, particularly in tech sectors across the U.S., UK, Turkey, Israel, and the MENA region. It’s been incredibly rewarding to support founders as they navigate their growth and challenges.
Orion: GoGlobal has gained impressive momentum in less than five years. What sets GoGlobal apart from other advisory platforms?
Esra Talu: At GoGlobal, we take a boutique approach to startup advisory. We’re highly selective with the companies we work with and provide tailored, hands-on support. One of our core focuses is integrating ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—principles into startups from the early stages. We believe that by fostering sustainable business practices, we can help founders build companies that create long-term positive impacts for both the planet and humanity. Our global network and personalized approach have allowed us to build a strong portfolio in a short time.
Orion: Why is ESG integration so important to you and GoGlobal?
Esra Talu: I’ve always believed that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. In today’s world, companies that ignore environmental and social issues risk losing relevance. By incorporating ESG principles early on, startups can create sustainable business models that attract investors, clients, and talent who share these values. It’s about ensuring that businesses are not only profitable but also ethical and responsible.
Orion: Miami has become a home to GoGlobal, and you’ve built a strong presence here. What drew you to Miami, and how has the city influenced your journey?
Esra Talu: Miami is a very special place to me. I became a resident here in the early 2000s and immediately noticed parallels between Miami and emerging markets like Turkey and the MENA region. The city’s entrepreneurial energy, cultural diversity, and opportunities for growth remind me of the dynamism I experienced while building Deppo. Over the years, Miami has evolved into a thriving tech hub, and it’s exciting to be part of its ongoing transformation.
Orion: That’s truly inspiring. Lastly, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs, especially those in Gen Z?
Esra Talu: My advice is simple: dare to dream and act on your dreams. Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo. Surround yourself with people who share your vision but also challenge you to grow. And most importantly, stay adaptable. The world is changing faster than ever, and those who can evolve with it will thrive.
Orion: Thank you so much for your time, Esra. Your journey is a testament to what’s possible with vision, perseverance, and a commitment to positive impact. I’m sure our readers will be inspired by your story.
Esra Talu: Thank you! I’m excited to see what the next generation of entrepreneurs will create. The future is in your hands.
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