H.Kübra Arıcı
Project & Program Director
Istanbul
Summary
- Dynamic Project & Program Director specializing in investment ecosystem development, investment promotion, and public-private partnerships. Expert in designing high-impact programs that bridge the gap between investors, startups, and institutional stakeholders. Leverages a Venture Capital-informed perspective to drive startup financing, international investment attraction, and strategic ecosystem scaling.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Project & Program Director
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
02.2026 - Current
- Strategic Leadership: Directing the design and execution of flagship entrepreneurship and innovation programs focused on ecosystem-wide growth.
- Financial Oversight: Managing comprehensive project portfolios and funding processes, including rigorous budgeting, resource allocation, and impact reporting.
- Ecosystem Integration: Building multi-stakeholder partnerships between public institutions, private equity, and NGOs to increase access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
- Representation: Serving as the primary liaison for the organization in high-level strategic engagements and global investment forums. Manage project portfolios and funding processes (budgeting, allocation, reporting) and coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
Senior Project & Program Specialist
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
10.2021 - 02.2026
- Lifecycle Management: Led the end-to-end development (writing, application, and implementation) of projects funded by the EU (Erasmus+), Ministry of Industry and Technology, and Regional Development Agencies.
- Flagship Program Coordination: Spearheaded the 'Women in Innovation' program, scaling it into a government-guided initiative through strategic stakeholder alignment.
- International Expansion: Orchestrated global collaborations and delegations with a focus on MENA, US, and UK regions to enhance organizational visibility.
- Risk & Compliance: Ensured 100% compliance with international donor standards, overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and performance indicators (KPIs).
Project Specialist – External Relations & Projects
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
09.2018 - 10.2021
- Global Advocacy: Key architect of the 'Job for the Future' project, successfully presented as a side event at the United Nations (2019).
- Operational Excellence: Managed project execution at headquarters, synchronizing efforts across regional representatives throughout Türkiye.
- Partnership Development: Facilitated high-level meetings with corporate and institutional partners to secure new funding and collaborative opportunities.
Project & Training Specialist
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
08.2017 - 09.2018
- Program Implementation: Supported the rollout of employment-oriented projects in collaboration with public agencies.
- Educational Design: Coordinated large-scale training curricula, monitoring participant development and program efficacy.
Project Case Worker – Syrian Humanitarian Relief
Turkish Red Crescent
06.2017 - 07.2017
- Needs Assessment: Conducted beneficiary interviews and needs analysis; coordinated referrals to health, education, and social services.
Project Training Coordinator
Hayat Health and Social Services Foundation
10.2015 - 09.2016
- Field Research: Led needs assessments for 100+ families and 200+ children under projects supported by the Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA).
Education
Venture Capital and Private Equity Specialization - Startup valuation, fund structures, and investment decision-making
BYEM, Boğaziçi University
Istanbul01-2026
B.Sc. - Human Resources Management
University of Technology Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur 01-2012
Skills
VC Fund Structures
Investment Promotion
Program leadership
Core Competencies
Investment Ecosystems, Venture Capital, & Economic Development., Program & Fund Management, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)., Startup Mentorship, Investment Readiness, & Grant Management (EU, Development Agencies)., Stakeholder Engagement (MENA, US, UK) & Strategic Partnerships.
Timeline
Project & Program Director
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
02.2026 - Current
Senior Project & Program Specialist
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
10.2021 - 02.2026
Project Specialist – External Relations & Projects
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
09.2018 - 10.2021
Project & Training Specialist
KADEM – Women and Democracy Association
08.2017 - 09.2018
Project Case Worker – Syrian Humanitarian Relief
Turkish Red Crescent
06.2017 - 07.2017
Project Training Coordinator
Hayat Health and Social Services Foundation
10.2015 - 09.2016
Venture Capital and Private Equity Specialization - Startup valuation, fund structures, and investment decision-making
BYEM, Boğaziçi University
B.Sc. - Human Resources Management
University of Technology Malaysia