Masha Bucher, prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist and founder of Day One Ventures, has issued a public explanation regarding her extensive associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her name, primarily under her maiden name Masha Drokova, appears over 1,600 times in recently released Epstein files, prompting widespread media coverage.
Epstein's Influence on Bucher's Career
Bucher revealed on X that Epstein provided a sense of security from perceived threats tied to her Russian roots after she secured her U.S. green card.
Admitting naivety, she stated she initially believed Epstein's account of his 2008 conviction as a misunderstanding involving a minor who lied about her age, validated by other investors and scientists.
In 2017, Bucher served as Epstein's publicist, aiding his reputation rehabilitation post-conviction by arranging journalist meetings and receiving support for her nascent Day One Ventures.
Day One Ventures' Growth and Success
Emails detail Epstein gifting her money and a Prada bag, and requesting nude photos shortly before his 2019 arrest, though no legal wrongdoing by Bucher is indicated.
Despite the controversy, Day One Ventures has thrived, closing a $150 million third fund in 2024 to reach $450 million in assets under management.
The firm backed high-profile startups like Superhuman, Remote, Worldcoin, and Truebill, which exited profitably to Rocket Companies.
Bucher's history includes membership in Russia's pro-Putin Nashi youth group and a publicized cheek kiss with Putin, featured in the 2012 documentary "Putin's Kiss."
Impact and Future Steps
The scandal poses challenges for Bucher, who brands herself as a PR expert helping founders craft compelling narratives.
She apologized to her founders, team, and investors for unintended pain, noting she has renounced her Russian passport, denounced Putin, and met with Epstein's victims.
While not unique—many tech leaders appear in Epstein files—the episode underscores ongoing scrutiny of elite networks in venture capital.
Andrew Lee
