In a country where inflation is constantly eating into the value of the local currency, one Turkish company is taking a bold step.
Marti, a major player in Turkey’s ride-hailing scene, has decided to shift a significant chunk of its idle cash into crypto.
The company’s logic? If the lira can’t hold its value, maybe Bitcoin can.
This strategy comes at a time when Turkey’s annual inflation is hovering near 40%–50%, prompting businesses and consumers alike to seek out more stable alternatives.
Starting with Bitcoin and Aiming for Half the Treasury
Marti revealed that it’s initially allocating 20% of its unused cash into digital assets, kicking things off with Bitcoin.
But that’s just the start. The company plans to eventually raise that percentage to 50%.
CEO Oguz Alper Oktem says the goal is to hedge against the risks tied to fiat currencies.
Instead of letting the company’s money slowly lose value sitting in lira, they’re putting it to work in crypto—a market that’s volatile but potentially more resilient long-term.
And don’t worry, Marti isn’t betting the house.
The company emphasized that none of this will interfere with its daily operations—only surplus funds are being used for the crypto push.
Crypto Strategy with a Safety Net
Marti’s digital assets won’t just be sitting in some random wallet.
The company is taking security and regulation seriously by storing everything with a licensed, institutional-grade custodian. T
he firm also clarified that these crypto assets aren’t meant for quick flips. This is a long-term play.
In a post on social media, CEO Oktem wrote (translated):
“We’ve decided to invest 20% of our cash reserves in digital crypto assets.
We’re starting with Bitcoin as the first step. We see digital assets as a long-term store of value.”
He added that Ethereum and Solana would likely be added to the mix later on.
Following in Big Crypto Footsteps
Marti’s move might seem bold, but it’s not entirely unprecedented.
Massive companies like Strategy and ZOOZ have already paved the way—holding more than $10 billion and $180 million in Bitcoin, respectively.
Still, Marti is making history in its own right. It’s the first Turkish mobility services provider to embrace this kind of crypto strategy.
That could make it a trailblazer for other companies in emerging markets who are also feeling the pressure of unstable national currencies.
Business Is Booming for Marti
This crypto strategy isn’t coming out of desperation.
Marti’s latest financials show the company is growing fast and performing well above expectations.
By mid-2025, Marti had logged over 2 million riders and 300,000 drivers—up 13% and 8% respectively since just March.
Altogether, users have taken over 35 million rides on the platform.
According to Oktem, this kind of growth gives the company the confidence to explore long-term financial strategies like investing in crypto, without losing focus on core business goals.
A Big Moment on the Global Stage
Marti isn’t just going digital—it’s also gone global.
In July 2023, the company made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming the first Turkish micro-mobility firm to do so.
Investor reaction has been mixed. Some are excited by the company’s forward-thinking approach, while others are wary of crypto’s reputation for wild price swings.
This kind of uncertainty often follows companies stepping outside their lane, especially in unpredictable markets like crypto.
Transparency and Risk Management Still Front and Center
To calm any concerns, Marti has emphasized that its crypto assets will be held in a way that minimizes hacking or compliance issues.
Using a regulated custodian is meant to reassure stakeholders.
Still, there’s a catch: standard accounting rules mean that if Bitcoin or any other asset drops in value, the company could face impairment charges—which could show up as losses in quarterly earnings reports.
That’s something more conservative shareholders might not be thrilled about.
Marti has pledged to stay transparent about its crypto plans, with updates expected in future financial filings.
Expanding Beyond the Big Four Cities
While the financial strategy is making headlines, Marti isn’t slowing down on the ground.
The company already operates in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya with its fleet of e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds.
Now, it’s preparing to launch in more cities by the end of the year—including Konya, Bursa, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Mersin, and Adana.
The goal is clear: keep scaling while experimenting with modern financial tools that could future-proof the business.
A High-Stakes Bet on the Future of Money
With the global crypto market cap sitting at $3.82 trillion, Marti’s move might look less like a gamble and more like a calculated entry into a fast-growing space.
Whether this shift turns into a model for other companies—or a cautionary tale—remains to be seen.
But one thing’s clear: Marti is steering into the future with one hand on the handlebars and the other on the blockchain.