Akif Capital

Resilience drives success in international business. Few stories capture this better than that of Fedlan Kilicaslan, founder and sole shareholder of Akif Capital. His journey from humble beginnings in Turkey to building a diversified investment holding in Warsaw reflects determination, vision, and bold risk-taking.

Fedlan Kilicaslan was born in Balıkesir, Turkey, where he grew up in hardship. As one of ten children, he lost his father at just twelve years old. His mother kept the family afloat by selling milk door to door. Meanwhile, Fedlan supported her by selling simit, traditional Turkish bagels, on the streets. These early struggles forged his discipline and perseverance. More importantly, they sparked the entrepreneurial drive that would shape his future.

First steps in entrepreneurship

Fedlan Kilicaslan’s business career first took off in Cyprus, a hotspot for the entertainment and gaming industry. While working in hotels, he managed to save enough to launch a currency exchange. The service gave tourists a fast and reliable way to manage money. As a result, the venture flourished and quickly earned recognition.

Soon after, he expanded into gold exchange, founding the Gold Money brand in Turkey. The company became a key player in the market for over a decade. Consequently, Gold Money formed the foundation for his portfolio. It also opened doors to Europe and Africa. There, Fedlan Kilicaslan began building the international network that now defines his career.

Building Akif Capital

Eventually, all of Fedlan Kilicaslan’s ventures came together under Akif Capital, headquartered in Warsaw. The group now runs businesses across Europe, Africa, and South America. Its portfolio spans luxury real estate, IT solutions, marble, gold and jewelry, and financial services. In Poland alone, Akif Capital manages four companies. Beyond that, projects stretch from Barcelona and Lisbon to Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Brazil.

At the heart of the group lies IT innovation and at the same time, its real estate arm, Fed Development, invests in ambitious projects. One example is a 29,000 sqm luxury residential and commercial complex in Łódź. The development is set to redefine modern living in Poland.

Philosophy of growth and resilience

Importantly, Fedlan Kilicaslan doesn’t just embrace risk, he manages it with precision. Every Akif Capital project follows rigorous contingency planning. Multiple fallback strategies are always ready. Thanks to this discipline, the company thrived even during the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, the IT division accelerated its European expansion in that period.

Moreover, consolidating his ventures into Akif Capital marked a turning point in his career. The shift from hands-on entrepreneurship to strategic investment transformed the group. Today, it is a mid-sized private equity fund that outperforms global benchmarks like the S&P 500. For Fedlan Kilicaslan, true success means more than financial growth. It also means shaping industries, creating jobs, and leaving a lasting economic impact.

Future visions

Looking forward, Kilicaslan’s vision for Akif Capital is bold. He aims to expand further across sectors and continents while keeping a disciplined, long-term focus. IT, real estate, and private equity form the company’s main pillars. Together, these ensure sustained growth and consistent value for stakeholders.

Ultimately, Fedlan Kilicaslan’s story is one of transformation. He rose from selling simit on the streets of Balıkesir to leading a global investment holding. His journey proves that resilience, strategic thinking, and relentless ambition can turn adversity into worldwide impact.