Tapping into MIT’s resources

When Associated came to MIT as a Sloan Individual in 2015, he had no designs to begin an organization.Akin recalls, “At MIT, I had the chance to meet people from so many different countries and careers.

“It extended my frame of reference and ignited an interest in business, by simply being presented to such countless effective business visionaries.”He took a job with Sprint after graduation, but Akin’s newfound interest in entrepreneurship kept him connected to MIT.

He began mentoring founders of startups at MIT and in Turkey, where he grew up, and he continues to do so today.