Adnan Akdemir

Angel Investor in İstanbul, Türkiye

Adnan Akdemir

Angel Investor in İstanbul, Türkiye

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Adnan was born in 1966 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is the 3rd generation entrepreneur in his family in the entertainment business. After graduating, Engineering, ITU and MBA at National University, LA, he attended UCLA Film School.

In 1993, after his return home, he has founded AFM Cinemas which has become the leading cinema operator in Turkey. He has introduced the quality cinema experience to Turkey, resulting in rapid national growth in the ’90s as the market maker. In 2000, He has completed the first Private Equity deal ever that was done in Turkey with AIG’s Blue Voyage Fund. In 2001, He has co-founded the If Istanbul “Independent" film festival to rejuvenate the Turkish film production industry as a prestigious international event. In 2004, He has completed the IPO of AFM Cinemas as the first entertainment company in Borsa Istanbul.

He has co-founded the first Turkish film distribution company, Kenda, with top Turkish producers, to support the development of local productions. Kenda became the main driver behind the %50 market share of local content in Turkish cinema within 3 years. In 2008, AFM became the first cinema chain that produces "Zero Trash", achieving %100 recycling with the CEVKO campaign nationwide. In 2008, He has sold the majority of AFM Cinemas to Russia's largest private group, Alfa. Adnan has become the CEO of the acquirer and established Eurasia Cinemas. In 2011, he exited successfully, Eurasia Cinemas which, has grown to 305 multiplex cinemas as the leading cinema chain in the Russia-Ukraine-Turkey region.

He has started AFM Online, investing in “only digital entertainment ideas”. Some of his successful startups include; “www.ilsvision.com.tr” the largest Youtube MCN in the MENA region and “Fitas Digital Republic” FDR, an eSports cafe chain that is growing internationally. He started playing eSports with Sinclair ZX 80 in 1982 and still enjoys daily World of Tanks Blitz skirmish.

He is an active member of YPO Gold. He was the first World Business Angels Investment Forum High Commissioner to Turkey. He holds a Group A plane’s pilot license since 1984 and an open sea captain license since 1989.

In 2012, Adnan has received a Red Cross Golden Mercy Medal for his lifetime contributions.

  • Work
    • Sifisan Entertainment Inv.
  • Education
    • National University Los Angeles MBA
    • Istanbul Technical University