Murat Aktihanoglu

Bio:

Masters degree in Computer Science, worked at Silicon Graphics Inc. on 3D Web standards, consulted at Sony (PSP, PS3 software layers in Tokyo and California), Panasonic, Logitech and bunch of Valley startups. New Yorker since 1998. Started a location-based social networking startup in New York in 2008 and grew it to 750,000 users. Co-wrote a book on LBS: "Location Aware Applications." Also started Entrepreneurs Roundtable in 2008. So far we've had around 200 startups that pitched at our events. Expanded ER globally last year to Turkey and Japan and just launched ER Accelerator that brings together all the amazing entrepreneurial resources of New York City for startups: 150+ amazing mentors, resident technologists, resident designers, inSITE fellows and technology interns along with amazing partners and sponsors. Application deadline is April 30th, 2011 for our June 2011 session.

• Title: Managing Director, ER Accelerator
• Age: 42
• Location: Upper West Side
• Contact: @muratny, eranyc.com

Why did you choose to move to New York in 1998, as opposed to settling in SF or Japan where you were working?

I love New York. So, against all reason at the time, I moved from Silicon Valley to New York without even thinking about it. And I spent an amazing 2 years in Tokyo, which was a great experience working on the launch of PSP and PS3. Learned a lot and came back.

What’s your favorite restaurant here in New York?

I hate to disclose it, but it's Celeste, a small Italian restaurant in the UWS. The owner has a restaurant in Rome as well and he flies back and forth and brings by some amazing 'specials'. Food to die for, recommended with some Valpolicella Ripasso.

If you were applying to the ER Accelerator program back in 2008 when you were creating your own LBS startup, what mentors from the 150+ in the ER program would you want helping/advising you?

I have to say 'all of them'. They are all amazing and we are thrilled to be working with them to help our startups, along with our interns, inSITE fellows, operating partners, resident technologists and resident designers. As one of our mentors said "I wish I could apply to the program myself!". Really excited that New York is now probably the best place in the world to start a company.

You’re the founder of an incubator, organizer of a monthly event, co-author of a book, advisor for 3 organizations, and run a consulting firm.  What do you do when you need to unwind and relax?

Nothing like John Coltrane or Thelonious Monk. Or live jazz at Smalls, Village Vanguard or Fat Cat.