Prof Manhong Mannie Liu, China

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Renmin University

Director, Venture Capital Research Group at the Chinese Academy of Science, Center for Fictitious Economy and Data Research

Founder and Honorary Chair of the China Business Angel Association

‘’He shares his experiences and lessons learned with everyone who wants to be successful.’’

 ‘’I met my friend Baybars at an international business angel investment event. I was extremely impressed with his enthusiasm, his energy, his commitment and his vibrant personality. Style is the man. His book Off the Bus, into a Supercar is his own life story. It is an incredible account of how a person with no money and no background in business became a successful entrepreneur. What impressed me most is that Baybars has a big heart. He shares his experiences and lessons learned with everyone who wants to be successful. That’s the Baybars Altuntas I know.’’

Marek Rusiecki, Poland

Founder and CEO, Xevin Investments

TV Star, Dragon of Dragons’ Den

‘’It draws you in like an adventure tale—I strongly recommend it!’’

 ‘’This book is a total must-read for every entrepreneur, as it is a perfect example of a zero-to-hero story. Baybars has achieved it and describes his journey in an incredibly vivid way. It draws you in like an adventure tale—I strongly recommend it!’’

Marius Ghenea, Romania

Angel InvestorAuthor of Entrepreneurship

Tv Star, Dragon of Dragons’ Den

‘’Brilliantly done, my fellow Dragon from another country!’’

‘’Off the Bus, Into a Supercar is a book that displays a unique combination of a spectacular yet very normal entrepreneurial success story with some very well structured lessons for all wannapreneurs and entrepreneurs alike. I was fascinated by the way Baybars switches back and forth between his own fascinating life story and the sound pedagogical-style advice he gives to the next generation of entrepreneurs not only of Turkey, but of the entire world. Brilliantly done, my fellow Dragon from another country!’’

Melinda Emerson, USA

 ‘’SmallBizLady’’

Forbes #1 Influential Woman for Entrepreneurs

Author of the bestseller Become Your Own Boss in 12 months 

‘’I highly recommend this enjoyable book for entrepreneurs all over the world.’’

‘’Off the Bus, into a Supercar is a wonderful resource for entrepreneurs, providing clues on financing a new business or startup and ways to run and grow the business. I love how Baybars teaches his unique strategy, the Altuntas Principle: how to convert idle capacity into cash.  He gives you the secrets of how you too can succeed, even without financing. I highly recommend this enjoyable book to entrepreneurs all over the world.’’

Mirela Sula, Albania

Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief, UK’s Migrant Woman magazine

Leader of the Women’s Network: Equality in Decision Making

Author  of Don’t Let Your Mind Go 

‘’After reading his book, I said “Yes, I can achieve it!”  

‘’I read the Albanian translation of Off the Bus, Into a Supercar while flying to London from Tirana. In his book Baybars Altuntas shows us the right road to follow. He knows the road well because he has been there, and this book proves he is an excellent driver. He drove himself towards great success, abundance, peace, love and happiness. Isn’t this all that we want in life? He achieved these and believes that we can do it as well. His stories and wisdom are not only inspiring but also healing and stimulating. After reading his book, I said “Yes, I can achieve it!”

Modwenna Rees-Mogg, UK

Co-founder, UK Business Angels Institute

Founder and CEO, AngelNews

Author of The Unofficial Guide to Dragons’ Den: Dragons or Angels

‘’One of the most honest, refreshing, entertaining and enjoyable business books I have read.’’

‘’Stop! Pick up this book! Sit down and read in one gulp! My way to the Dragons’ Den is one of the most honest, refreshing, entertaining and enjoyable business books I have read.  Baybars Altuntas is not just a great entrepreneur he is also a great writer.  You will gallop though the story of his entrepreneurial life, his pearls of wisdom on setting up a successful business and on how to be an investor who backs the right entrepreneurs, not the wrong ones.’’

Muhtar Kent, USA

Chairman and CEO

The Coca-Cola Company

’In his book Altuntas tells the story of a dynamic and energetic entrepreneur. In his exciting journey, he masterfully takes you through pitfalls and challenges, as well as opportunities and intelligent risk-taking, all of which cumulate into important learning events.’’

‘’In his book Altuntas tells the story of a dynamic and energetic entrepreneur. In his exciting journey, he masterfully takes you through pitfalls and challenges, as well as opportunities and intelligent risk-taking, all of which cumulate into important learning events. As you progress through the book, you feel the passion, courage and dedication from cover to cover.’’

Dr Nikhil Agarwal, UK

President, Cambridge Global Partners (CGP)

Co-founder, QuestionBox.org Co-author of Planet Entrepreneur

‘’I can guarantee you will be thrilled, intrigued and inspired.’’

 ‘’Baybars’ book on entrepreneurship is just not any ordinary book. It is a hobbit-style adventure and experience of a lifetime. I can guarantee you will be thrilled, intrigued and inspired. A must read for everybody. I can’t wait for another book from Baybars.’’

Padmaja Ruparel, India

President, Indian Angel Network

‘’The Tool for Entrepreneurs section is a very practical guide for would-be-entrepreneurs.’’

 ‘’Baybars’ journey of entrepreneurship is a dream come true – and very inspirational. But even more importantly, in this book he proves that entrepreneurship is life-changing and changes lives – in Turkey and beyond!  The Tool for Entrepreneurs section is a very practical guide for would-be-entrepreneurs.’’

Paulo Andrez, Portugal

President Emeritus, EBAN, European Trade Association for Business Angelsand Early Stage Market Players  

‘’This book is a must for all those who dream and have the will to succeed!’’

‘’Many people tell me they have a dream of creating a company, but they do not have resources, they do not have time, they do not have a good idea, they do not…they do not…   Baybars shows in this book that any person with the right mindset can create a successful business even if they lack resources. What they need is the most powerful tool—the will to succeed. This book is a must for all those who dream and have the will to succeed!’’

Peter E. Braun, Switzerland

Serial Entrepreneur & Angel Investor

‘’If you want to become an entrepreneur, read this book. If you are already an entrepreneur, read it. If you ever have a chance to meet with Baybars Altuntas in person, take it. ‘’

‘’This book is about bravery. It is about belief. It is about a great personality. It is about one of the greatest entrepreneurs I know. A true self-made man who took his life into his own hands, against all odds. Baybars shares stories from his childhood with us (read how he made his first dollar in fourth grade – it’s fun) until his more recent successes and greatest achievements. His vita is truly striking. I have the pleasure of serving with him on the board of directors of EBAN and he is one of the nicest people I know: inspiring, brilliantly witty, creative and fully dedicated to entrepreneurship. If you want to become an entrepreneur, read this book. If you are already an entrepreneur, read it. If you ever have a chance to meet with Baybars Altuntas in person, take it.’’

Plamen Russev, Bulgaria

President, Webit Global Congress

Author, Power to the People

‘’Anyone who is planning to set up their own business should definitely read this book first!’’

 ‘’I meet frequently with some of the world’s most distinguished leaders in entrepreneurship, innovation and angel investment. Baybars is one of the most inspirational role models for entrepreneurs and would-be-entrepreneurs that I’ve ever met. His drive and enthusiasm for for business and for life in general is reflected in this engaging story about how he capitalized on his natural talents to develop into a world-class dynamo in the world of entrepreneurship. Anyone who is planning to set up their own business should definitely read this book first!’’

Raomal Perera, France

Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship INSEAD

One of the 40 entrepreneurs worldwide chosen as aTechnology Pioneer of the World Economic Forum (WEF)

‘’This is a must for anyone thinking of starting their own business.’’

‘’This is a must for anyone thinking of starting their own business but who has doubts and fears. Baybars from Turkey talks about his journey, which will amaze you. It is a very easy and pleasurable read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, Baybars.’’

Ricardo Luz, Portugal

President, Invicta Angels;Vice-President

Federation of Business Angels Networks of Portugal (FNABA)

‘’This book is the true life story of a global entrepreneur and angel investor who started from scratch. You must read, study and learn from it.’’

‘’Baybars believes dreams can come true. His strong will and hard work made him a global role model for would-be entrepreneurs. Now, as a business angel he invests in people that have the same strengths, helping them to achieve their dreams. This book is the true life story of a global entrepreneur and angel investor who started from scratch. You must read, study and learn from it.’’

Riku Asikainen, Finland

President, Finnish Business Angels Network

Tv Star, Dragon of Dragons’ Den

‘’His journey from very modest background to represent his country at the White House is extraordinary. ‘’

‘’Baybars´ story is certainly an inspiration to us all. His journey from a very modest background to represent his country at the White House is extraordinary. But that is not my major take from this business book. Rather, the most important point Baybars formulates is that of entrepreneurial spirit, for he is one of the few that can really make change, create growth and above all show prudent leadership.’’

Sean O’Sullivan, Ireland

Founder and CEO, SOS Ventures

Chair, Irish Entrepreneurship Forum

TV Star, Dragon of Dragons’ Den

‘’This book is full of these abrupt realizations that highlight when the emperor has no clothes…’’

‘’An entertaining tale of a hard-scrabble yet joyful man rising up through his own grit and non-stop opportunity seizing to become an enabler to presidents and prime ministers and an inspirational leader and networker to the entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs everywhere.Baybars is an amazing man, a friendly and fearless, gutsy and driven person. Having met him on a number of occasions at a variety of entrepreneurial and angel events, I can attest that positivity and possibilities flow from him ceaselessly.  The materials cover his remarkable life experience with franchising, education, tourism and angel investing.Hard-hitting and sensible advice for those seeking angel investment.  Pithy bits of wisdom like “first sell, then spend” help separate the wheat from the chaff, and this book is full of these abrupt realizations that highlight when the emperor has no clothes… and help give entrepreneurs their grounding while simultaneously helping them reach for the sky.’’

Selma Prodanovic, Austria

Co-founder and CEO, Austrian Angel Investors Association (AAIA)

Author of Brainsbook on Networking

TV Star, Dragon of Dragons’ Den  

‘’A must read for entrepreneurs from around the world wishing to become company presidents or one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.’’

‘’Off the Bus, Into a Supercar shows how running a successful multi-million dollar business is no longer the privilege of the few but is a dream come true for entrepreneurs in all corners of the world. No matter how good or bad your starting position was, today you can make your own decisions, find your own way, and make it to the top. A must read for entrepreneurs from around the world wishing to become company presidents or one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.’’

Steven D. Strauss, USA

USA TODAY Senior Small Business Columnist

Author of The Small Business Bible 

‘’If you want to get into your own Supercar, this is the book for you!’’

I have met many entrepreneurs over the years, but Baybars Altuntas may be my favorite, and this great book will show you why. In it, you will find not only tried-and-true, real life, smart strategies for how you too can become a successful entrepreneur, but his infectious optimism will help guide you along the journey. If you want to get into your own Supercar, this is the book for you!’’

Dr Temel Kotil, Turkey

Chief Executive Officer, President and General Manager,

Turkish Airlines

‘’Baybars is just this sort of person. In the pages of this book, you will read the fascinating story of his road to success. He is truly an inspiration for everyone.’’ ‘

’Success can be defined in many ways. No matter how you conceptualize and define it, success derives from a capacity to make the most of opportunities that present themselves and the ability to use these in a way that benefits humanity. Even a single individual can produce important things for humanity. He may write a story that will be appreciated by the future generations, for example.  If a person with a story can look forward to the future, he can pair his optimism with entrepreneurship. This sort of person is always ready for something new and can therefore be productive. People who never lose hope will enjoy life more than those who do. The will to grasp onto life without losing hope brings love, and this love brings success. Baybars is just this sort of person. In the pages of this book, you will read the fascinating story of his road to success. He is truly an inspiration for everyone.’’

Prof Tugrul Atamer, France

Executive Chairman, World Entrepreneurship Forum

Vice President, Emlyon Business School

‘’This book is one of the world’s top 5 titles on entrepreneurship and startups.’’

‘’I picked up the original Turkish version of Off the Bus, Into a Supercar from the bestseller shelf in the bookstore at the Istanbul airport while waiting for a flight to Lyon. Arriving in Lyon 4 hours later, I had finished the book, all in a single sitting. Baybars Altuntas shares the secrets of becoming a successful entrepreneur in this light-hearted account of his own journey. He lays out a practical roadmap that can easily be followed by anyone, no matter who or where they are. His concept of “rising steps” is brilliant: wannapreneurship, innovation, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, branding, institutionalization, franchising, leadership and angel investment. He takes you by the hand, describing in clear detail each step of the way. As you progress, you also learn about various ways to access financing, from bootstrapping, to angel investors, to VCs and banks. Baybars sagely advises us, however, that networking is far more important than finance. He provides real examples from his own life story and you come to the realization that, if you can manage to actualize the Altuntas principle of converting idle capacity into cash, then you’ve made it, You will have become a successful entrepreneur without any financing at all! As the Executive Chairman of the World Entrepreneurship Forum, I follow closely the latest publications on entrepreneurship. I rank this book as one of the world’s top 5 titles on entrepreneurship and start-ups.  Not only is it informative, it’s a delightful read as well. Highly recommended for young entrepreneurs wanting to set up their own businesses and for others aiming to grow theirs.’’

William Stevens, Belgium

CEO and Founder, Europe Unlimited

‘’Baybars’ story shows us all that there is no path in life as attractive as the choice of being an entrepreneur.‘’

‘’We are all inspired by personal stories. Baybars’ success story is particularly  engaging and energizing. His life is a role model for those seeking to start a business or who are already running one. Baybars’ story shows us all that there is no path in life as attractive as the choice of being an entrepreneur.’’

Yousef M. Hamidaddin, Jordan

Chief Executive Officer, Oasis 500  

‘’A book I will add to the reading list that all our founders need to study.’’

‘’What a read! At Oasis 500 our focus is on investing in ideas, working with founders, and supporting start-ups. Baybars is an inspiration for all, and his is a book I will add to the reading list that all our founders need to study. Baybars is a story close to home, easy to relate to and therefore inspiring for entrepreneurs across MENA. We need more Baybars.’’