Last month, we brought together 26 founders and industry leaders from Turkey's mobile gaming and application ecosystem at Gallada, The Peninsula. Set against the golden sunset over Istanbul's historic skyline and featuring signature flavors from Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak, our goal for this special gathering was to go far beyond a typical networking event. We came together with the leading minds of the industry to discuss our common challenges, explore different solutions, and strategize on how we can collectively elevate this ecosystem. From technology to market dynamics, we covered every topic that defines the future of mobile. We wanted to share a few notes from this exclusive summit with you.
The Importance of Forecasting in Subscription Models: AppNation & Codeway
With Mustafa Ayten from AppNation and Adem Yılmaz from Codeway, pioneers of the mobile consumer app world, we discussed why forecasting is critical in subscription-based models and which parameters make these predictions meaningful. The key metrics we focused on were:
- Trial-to-Paid Conversion: Understanding the variability and user psychology behind the first payment.
- Churn Risk Modeling: Identifying which user groups are at risk and when.
- LTV Projections: Building models that guide marketing spend and remain valid under testing.
- Paywall Experiments and Seasonality: Measuring the true impact of price changes and market trends.
To make growth scalable and sustainable, it's essential to move from instinct-driven decisions to data-centric models.
Bootstrapping Growth: MagicLab
Bootstrapping, the model of growing without investment, was one of the most important topics on the table. Ümit Boncukçu from MagicLab shared the challenges of setting the pace, what works, and why this journey is both difficult and educational. Our key takeaways on the financial discipline and operational realities of this model are:
- Transparent Runway Management: Turning financial constraints into a tool for focus.
- Product Validation Before Acceleration: The discipline of not scaling until the data says you're ready.
Operational Excellence in the Transition from Publisher to Self-Publishing: Hyperlab & Brew Games
Transitioning to self-publishing is a significant growth step for studios. In our conversations with studios like Hyperlab and Brew Games, who have successfully navigated this path, we saw that the secret to success lies not just in making the decision, but in building the operational strength to sustain it. The key areas to focus on in this process are:
- Team Structure: Building in-house ASO, UA, and creative teams to support growth.
- Content Velocity: Maintaining high-tempo creative production without publisher support.
- Operational Discipline: Balancing growth and efficiency when you become your own marketing department.
The Role and Conditions of Investment: Sonat & İsmet
With Sonat Kaymaz and İsmet Gökşen, we discussed the role of investment in the ecosystem and the conditions under which it truly adds value. We underscored that capital arriving at the right time and under the right terms must align with the company's product and operational rhythm, combined with data-driven and transparent unit economics.
Diverse Genres, Common Practices, and a Global Outlook: Hypermonk, Fortune Mine, Spektra Games
We compared practices with studios producing games in different genres, such as Hypermonk, Fortune Mine, and Spektra Games. We openly discussed where knowledge sharing accelerates progress and where similar obstacles are encountered, with everyone leaving lessons learned from their own experiences on the table. The conversation was further enriched by Barış from Mobsmile in the UK and Selimhan from Mobile Ocean in Dubai, who broadened our perspectives and deepened the dialogue by bringing the dynamics of different markets to the table.
Problems Discussed, Solutions Developed: The Leus Vision
These conversations were a summary of why and how we built Leus. At this point, it was invaluable for us to hear from our partners, Metin Demirkol from Narcade and Ahmet Akben from Yamy, as they described in their own words how they address the challenges we discussed with Leus. We are not just a technology company; we are a growth partner that provides new-generation solutions for the financial needs of the mobile world.
Our core business is to provide non-dilutive growth financing to mobile app and game developers, based entirely on technology and data. Unlike traditional VC or publisher models, we leave control entirely in the hands of the studios, acting as their partner on their growth journey.
We provide our financing partners with the necessary resources to use this capital in the smartest way possible through our Lumina platform. Our forecasting tool, with an accuracy rate of approximately 98%, increases predictability, while the funding eligibility score helps studios see their current stage instantly. With our advanced analytics tools, we also support them in using this financing most effectively on their development path.
The conversations at Gallada once again showed us that we are on the right track. Hearing that one of the biggest needs at the table was to measure "creative efficiency" proved to us how accurately we had targeted a key issue with our new Creative Insights Tool, which is currently under development. These discussions inspired us to further develop and shape the tool.
Our goal is to be a partner that replaces gut decisions with data, technology, and the right signals, making the growth journey of studios as smooth as possible.
3 Critical Questions and 3 Clear Answers from the Table
- How can LTV (Lifetime Value) be forecasted more accurately in mobile apps? Accurate LTV forecasting moves beyond historical data by integrating machine learning models that consider user behavior, segmentation (country, acquisition channel, etc.), and churn risk variables.
- What should be the first step for a game studio transitioning to self-publishing? The first step is to build in-house expertise in ASO (App Store Optimization) and basic UA metrics. A studio should start by learning to optimize its store pages and run small-budget test campaigns to build this muscle.
- What is the most critical financial metric for a bootstrapped tech company? "Cash Runway." This is the metric showing how long the company can cover its expenses with its current cash reserves. It determines your survival time and directly influences all strategic decisions.
Why This Gathering Mattered
This summit offered a platform for deep knowledge transfer and solution-oriented dialogue on the industry's most complex problems. As the mobile industry matures, challenges become more complex, and solutions require more nuance. This evening proved that a community willing to share hard-won lessons creates a competitive advantage for everyone involved.
👉 Discover how Leus is redefining UA financing for mobile studios—helping them grow smarter, faster, and with full control, powered by actionable insights.
