VC Masha Bucher, Epstein associate and Day One founder, explains herself

Masha Bucher, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist and the founder of Day One Ventures, publicly addressed recent media coverage detailing her previous professional and personal ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bucher, whose maiden name is Masha Drokova, appeared extensively in the newest release of Epstein-related documents — reportedly more than 1,600 times — according to reporting from The San Francisco Standard.

In a statement shared on X, Bucher described her mindset during the period in which she worked with Epstein. She wrote that at the time, she felt vulnerable and believed Epstein could offer protection. “He made me feel I could be safe from the regime,” she explained, referring to concerns she associated with Russia after securing her U.S. green card. According to her account, she believed he had sufficient power and connections to shield her from perceived threats tied to her country of origin.

Bucher acknowledged that she did not conduct sufficient due diligence before entering into a professional relationship with him. “I was naive; I didn’t dig deep enough early on,” she wrote, reflecting on why she agreed to collaborate with Epstein. She stated that she accepted his version of events regarding his prior conviction, claiming she believed his explanation that it stemmed from a consensual relationship with someone who had misrepresented her age. Bucher added that she trusted endorsements and validations from various respected investors and scientists who were also associated with him at the time.

She further expressed regret for the distress the revelations have caused those connected to her work. In her post, she apologised to founders, members of her team, and investors, acknowledging that the situation had “caused pain I never intended.”

Recently released documents provide insight into the nature of her professional engagement with Epstein. The records indicate that in 2017, Bucher agreed to act as Epstein’s publicist, assisting with efforts to rehabilitate his public image following his 2008 conviction related to sex trafficking. As previously reported by Forbes, her role included facilitating meetings between Epstein and members of the media to reposition him publicly.

The documents also suggest that Epstein supported Bucher during Day One Ventures' formative period. Since its inception, the firm has expanded significantly. In 2024, Day One Ventures closed its third fund — a $150 million vehicle — bringing the firm’s total assets under management to approximately $450 million.

Among the more striking details revealed in email exchanges are instances in which Epstein reportedly provided Bucher with financial assistance and luxury gifts, including a Prada handbag. According to SFGate, one email exchange also included a request from Epstein for nude photographs. There is no indication in the documents regarding whether she complied with that request.

Bucher has built a strong reputation within Silicon Valley as an investor, backing companies that later became high-profile successes. Her portfolio includes investments in Superhuman, Remote, Worldcoin, and Truebill — the latter of which was acquired by Rocket Companies in 2021. She has also invested in other ventures, including Valar Atomics.

The situation presents an uncomfortable backdrop for a venture capitalist whose brand has emphasised expertise in public relations and reputation management. Bucher has long positioned herself as someone who helps founders craft and protect their public image, making the renewed scrutiny particularly notable within the venture capital ecosystem.

This is not the first time Bucher’s past has drawn public attention. Earlier in her life, she was known in Russia as a member of Nashi, a pro-Putin youth organisation. She was prominently featured in the 2012 documentary “Putin’s Kiss,” which examined her involvement with the movement and included footage of a widely circulated moment in which she kissed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the cheek, as previously reported by CNN.

In her recent statement on X, Bucher said she has since renounced her Russian citizenship, publicly denounced Putin, and met with some of Epstein’s victims. However, a Russian investigative journalist disputed aspects of her claims on social media, including her assertions about threats to her family and the relinquishment of her passport.

Bucher is not alone among venture capitalists whose names have surfaced in Epstein-related records. Given Epstein’s extensive network across finance, academia, and technology, multiple high-profile individuals have been referenced in the files. The documents do not indicate that Bucher engaged in illegal activity. However, Forbes reports that she remained in friendly email correspondence with Epstein until just 11 days before his arrest in July 2019. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 and died approximately one month later while in federal custody.