Emre Berkin owns and runs an independent consulting practice focused on international business development, mergers and acquisitions, funding and investments. His typical clients are institutional and private investors, including Private Equity and Venture Capital funds, as well as enterprises aiming to expand geographically or companies looking for funding to grow their businesses.
Emre Berkin is regarded as an expert in doing business in emerging markets, especially the Middle East and Africa. He is a frequently sought after speaker and consultant on topics related to emerging markets, running a business internationally, and corporate life and leadership.
Emre also serves as a director on boards of various companies and funds in Turkey and abroad, as well as several NGOs.
Emre Berkin had a 13 year career at Microsoft starting in 1993. As the founding General Manager of Microsoft Turkey, Emre was credited for making Turkey one of Microsoft's fastest growing subsidiaries worldwide. When he left Microsoft, he was the Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Chairman of Microsoft's Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations. Emre had an overall responsibility for 79 countries. In his role as VP, Emre was recognized for accelerating the growth and expansion of Microsoft's operations in the Middle East and Africa. He was also known for working closely with key government leaders as well as industry partners and customers to enable governments, citizens and businesses to benefit from the information technology revolution. Besides his commitment to the development and deployment of IT, Emre showed a strong passion for education in the developing countries. He personally led Microsoft's community affairs efforts through which Microsoft had contributed to various community activities improving education and helping underprivileged people in the region over the years.
Prior to Microsoft, Emre Berkin was with Digital Equipment Corporation. During his 10 year career with Digital, including six years in the United States and four years in Turkey, Emre managed sales, consultancy, support and service organizations.
Emre holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Middle East Technical University in Ankara and a Master of Science degree from DePaul University in Chicago.