Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine

Royal Palace, Belgrade

 ‘’We would like to thank to Baybars Altuntas for his great contribution to the global entrepreneurship ecosystem by writing this book. He outlines very practical ideas for would-be entrepreneurs aiming to set up their own businesses, and for entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses.’’
‘’The most important global challenge of the 21st century is creating new jobs for new generations. IT and mobile technology investments are increasing globally, which results in fewer people being recruited for new jobs. Because technology handles so much of the work, there will be less demand for manpower. The only solution to this challenge is to create a different mindset for the young generation. This new mindset is very clear: Set up your own business instead of looking for a job!

We would like to thank to Baybars Altuntas for his great contribution to the global entrepreneurship ecosystem by writing this book. He outlines very practical ideas for would-be entrepreneurs aiming to set up their own businesses, and for entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses. Creating wealth, jobs and social justice are three key concepts of entrepreneurship. This book shows how these can make a real impact on society when they are taken seriously by astute entrepreneurs like Baybars.

This book should be required reading for anyone studying entrepreneurship at university, particularly those students who are aspiring to start their own businesses. Entrepreneurship is the backbone of every successful market economy. Having confidence in oneself is key to successful entrepreneurship. Nothing is impossible.’’

‘’He is an amazing inspirational role model who gives people around the world a genuine lesson in optimism.’’

‘’When I’m speaking to young people, specially those from less privileged communities, I tell them “where you start your life may not be up to you, but where you end is in your hands, and no one can stop you”. I have seen this with Baybars. He is an amazing inspirational role model who gives people around the world a genuine lesson in optimism, positive thinking, determination and having faith in your capability to achieve your goals.’’

‘’If you want to taste this cocktail of entrepreneurship and innovation, you will enjoy this book very much. ‘’

 ‘’Just a taste of this cocktail: the vision of an innovator, the soul of an entrepreneur, the wings of a business angel, the world knowledge of this hearty man, mixed in the correct proportions, served in the Baybars style of living. All these demonstrate, for all to see, the power of determination. If you want to taste this cocktail of entrepreneurship and innovation, you will enjoy this book very much.’’

Kosovo Business Angels Network

‘’It is one of the rare books that will have you hooked from the first page. ‘’

‘’Off the Bus, Into a Supercar is an inspirational, informative and compelling book for all future entrepreneurs. A truly remarkable story by one of Turkey’s most distinguished entrepreneurs, Off the Bus, into a Supercar shows you the determination, passion and skills required to excel in today’s business world. It is one of the rare books that will have you hooked from the first page, while making sure that you will also learn some of the most important skills in becoming a successful entrepreneur in sales, negotiation and problem solving. A must read!’’

CEO, High Tech Engineering Center

‘’The American dream is possible everywhere if you really believe in yourself and work hard. ‘’

 ‘’Baybars’ example shows that the American dream is possible everywhere if you really believe in yourself and work hard. This book will motivate many young people to become entrepreneurs and shape the future. Some will also become authors who are referenced in biographies of new global leaders, having being inspired by this story.’’

CEO Balkan Unlimited

‘’Off the Bus, Into a Supercar shows how to be a dragon entrepreneur in real life. ‘’

‘’Plain and simple, Off the Bus, Into a Supercar shows how to be a dragon entrepreneur in real life. The Dragons’ Den star Baybars Altuntas gives us his exhilarating personal story from a humble childhood to global success, accompanied by well-thought-out advice supported by real life examples. Off the Bus, Into a Supercar is not only a recipe for success, but also highly entertaining book for just about anybody, and it is a motivating read for aspiring entrepreneurs. Baybars shows through his personal example how the entrepreneurial voyage “from the bus to the Supercar” can be fun and thrilling!’’

Government of Turkey

 ‘’I strongly recommend this book for entrepreneurs, particularly for those at the beginning of their careers. ‘’

‘’Baybars Altuntas is not only a successful entrepreneur but also an influential writer. Off the Bus, Into a Supercar! will help expand your horizons as a tool to think outside the box and increase the capacity to dream. Mr. Altuntas encourages entrepreneurs and gives significant insight and useful information on how to turn their dreams into a profitable future. The most striking part of the book is the experience lived by the author himself. I strongly recommend this book for all entrepreneurs, particularly those at the beginning of their careers.’’

Best Woman Entrepreneur in Middle East and North Africa 

‘’I wish I had had this book to read when I started my business 16 years ago. ‘’

 ‘’As an entrepreneur myself, reading through Baybars’ strong and firm words, I was able to appreciate how these words will shine a guiding light for future young entrepreneurs. At the start of their journey, entrepreneurs need encouraging words, and even this simple requirement is not easy to fulfill. This book addresses that need. I wish I had had it to read when I started my business 16 years ago. The words reflect the generous nature of the writer and his desire to encourage others. He shows a great spirit of willingness to connect entrepreneurs. Well done, Baybars.’’

President Emeritus of European Business Angels Association

‘’Baybars’ life story proves it can be done.’’

 ‘’Successful entrepreneurs need not only passion, enthusiasm and belief; they also need courage to turn their dreams into reality. Baybars’ life story proves it can be done and should encourage others like him to follow their dreams.’’

Vice President, European Business Angels Network

‘’This is a book which should be read by all entrepreneurs and angel investors!’’

‘’Baybars Altuntas is a living example of an innovative and dynamic entrepreneur who has shown that everything is possible. He is the Dragon! He met Obama! He is a celebrity! He is writing bestsellers! Baybars has demonstrated to all of us that if there is a will, there is a way. This is a book which should be read by all entrepreneurs and angel investors!’’

Bogazici University  

‘’When you read this book, you will understand that entrepreneurship is not constrained by age or background. Even university students can create a multi-million dollar business from scratch if they have the right mindset.’’

“The academic and social environment at Bogazici University, together with its unique culture, nurture creativity and encourage young minds to start their own business while they are still students. Baybars, a graduate of our University, has become a key player in the entrepreneurship ecosystem both in Turkey and the global arena, and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments.When you read this book, you will understand that entrepreneurship is not constrained by age or background. Even university students can create a multi-million dollar business from scratch if they have the right mindset. Baybars’ book is on the reading list for our entrepreneurship classes, as it provides valuable practical advice on setting up and running a successful business. Highly recommended.”

‘’His book relates in no small detail each step of his journey.‘’

‘’Baybars Altuntas has had a remarkable personal journey from small businessman to entrepreneur to business angel.  His book relates in no small detail each step of his journey.  It is a fascinating account of one man’s story from rags to riches and how he has helped others achieve their goals as well.’’

Creator of Berkonomics

Author of Berconomics

 ‘’I’ve written and read numerous books on entrepreneurism. This is one of the very best.’’

‘’I just finished reading this book – and am a Baybars Altuntas fan for life.  Altuntas tells wonderful stories about entrepreneurs, his history as an entrepreneur, and gives priceless advice to others.  He invites us to become wise entrepreneurs, to follow his simple steps in preparation, cautions us about pitfalls, and encourages us to take an appropriate amount of risk.  You’ll smile, even laugh at his stories of success and failure as each teaches a lesson about entrepreneurism.  I’ve written and read numerous books on entrepreneurism. This is one of the very best.!!’’

Columnist of Forbes Magazine, Entrepreneur.com and Huffington Post

Author of The SPPICE of Crowdfunding  

‘’His success, which derives from perseverance and faith, resonates with how I left Sweden to study and build my riches in the US.’’

‘’Baybars is an entrepreneurial inspiration who is the manifestation of the saying “where there is a will there is a way”. Baybars perpetuates the idea that everything is possible. His success, which derives from perseverance and faith, resonates with how I left Sweden to study and build my riches in the US.’’

CEO of Gust

Author of the New York Times bestsellerAngel Investing:

The Gust Guide to Making Money & Having Fun Investing in Startups

‘’A rollicking, inspirational and highly personal journey through the life of a self-made business executive who has dedicated much of his career to bringing entrepreneurship to the Near and Middle East.’’

‘’Baybars Altuntaş is an entrepreneurial ball of fire who has almost singlehandedly put Turkey on the global map of innovation centers. His book, Off the Bus, Into a Supercar, is a rollicking, inspirational and highly personal journey through the life of a self-made business executive who has dedicated much of his career to bringing entrepreneurship to the Near and Middle East. The lessons he has learned—and that he now teaches through this spirited, optimistic autobiography—are ones that every aspiring entrepreneur should heed!’’

BRIC Expert; Thought Leader

‘’Baybars is an inspiration to entrepreneurs all over the world.’’

‘’Baybars is an inspiration to entrepreneurs all over the world, and particularly in Turkey. Spending a day with Baybars in Istanbul you start to understand his popularity and celebrity status as an Angel Investor and Chief Dragon. Young budding entrepreneurs approach him on the street asking him to sprinkle magic dust on their ideas and encouragement to pursue their dreams. In a new age of entrepreneurialism, innovation and SMEs, the experience, wisdom and courage of people like Baybars will be essential to power the global economy.’’

CEO, StartTech Ventures  

‘’An absolute must-read for anyone who wants to discover the Holy Grail of entrepreneurship’’

 ‘’One of the best basketball players of all times, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, once remarked that “neither the tallest nor the strongest players gets the rebound, but the one who wants it most”. While this inspiring quote is certainly true for basketball, it is probably even more relevant for entrepreneurship. It’s all about determination and all the rest will follow. Baybars Altuntas serves as an outstanding example of what strong will and determination can achieve, even in the most challenging situations. His exciting book Off the Bus, Into a Supercar is an absolute must read for anyone who wants to discover the Holy Grail of entrepreneurship, which is the unparalleled happiness of managing to be creative and useful at the same time.’’

Aramex

‘’An interesting entrepreneurial story full of anecdotes and lessons with lots of passion.’’

 ‘’Entrepreneurship is at the core of addressing the future challenges of societies, whether advanced or in the process of developing. It is a process that should be embraced and nurtured by every society. Altuntas tells us an interesting entrepreneurial story full of anecdotes and lessons with lots of passion. It is enjoyable and easy to read. Check it out.’’

Co-founder and Board Member,World Business Angels Association (WBAA)

Professor of Entrepreneurship – MBA, the Technical University of Lisbon

‘’This excellent book, which I hope can instill in students, entrepreneur candidates, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for opportunities, the necessary inspiration for the creation of new companies. And for current entrepreneurs, it can help foster the evolution of social and economic welfare.’’

‘’Congratulations to Baybars for this excellent book, which I hope can instill in students, entrepreneur candidates, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for opportunities, the necessary inspiration for the creation of new companies. And for current entrepreneurs, it can help foster the evolution of social and economic welfare. And because books are two-way paths, do not miss the opportunity to send feedback to Baybars. Email was created for this very reason.’’

2013’s Best Talent of Puerto Rico under 40

‘’Great benchmark for entrepreneurs around the world.’’

 ‘’Funny, practical and inspiring. The man walks on water. Great benchmark for entrepreneurs around the world. Could not stop laughing.’’