Opportunities often emerge from the most unexpected places—a reality Eren Bali understands firsthand. Raised in a small Turkish village with limited resources, he discovered the power of the internet when his sister’s computer opened a new world of learning. This experience shaped his belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone, a conviction that led him to co-found Udemy in 2010. Now serving as the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Bali oversees product and engineering, continuing to drive innovation in the online education space. His entrepreneurial mindset, honed through years of scaling businesses, positions Udemy as a global leader in democratizing education.
Bali earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and mathematics from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. His academic background in mathematics fueled his problem-solving approach to business, leading him to pioneer new models for digital learning. Before returning to Udemy in 2024, he co-founded and led Carbon Health, a technology-driven healthcare provider, where he applied his expertise in scaling solutions at the intersection of technology and accessibility. At Udemy, he focuses on expanding the platform’s reach, improving user experience, and leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes for millions worldwide.
Bali’s approach to entrepreneurship is rooted in identifying overlooked opportunities. He believes that successful companies thrive when they challenge conventional thinking—when an idea seems too radical to work, it may be the most transformative. His ability to recognize and capitalize on such gaps has defined his career, making Udemy a pioneering force in online education. With a deep understanding of how technology can remove barriers, Bali continues to shape the future of learning, proving that knowledge, when made accessible, has the power to change lives.