Masha Bucher Responds to Reports Linking Her to Jeffrey Epstein
Masha Bucher, a prominent venture capitalist and founder of Day One Ventures, recently took to the social media platform X to address widespread news reports detailing her significant business and personal connections with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bucher's name, primarily under her maiden name Masha Drokova, appeared over 1,600 times in the latest release of Epstein's files, as reported by The San Francisco Standard.
In her statement, Bucher explained her rationale for associating with Epstein. "He made me feel I could be safe from the regime, someone with power and connections who could shield me" from perceived threats related to her home country, Russia. She stated she felt this way after obtaining her U.S. green card, expressing fears associated with Russia.
Reflecting on her past decisions, Bucher admitted, "I was naive; I didn't dig deep enough early on." She elaborated that she believed Epstein's account of his earlier conviction, which he reportedly described as involving a misunderstanding with a younger girl. She also cited validations from numerous investors and scientists as factors influencing her judgment. Bucher extended apologies to her founders, team, and investors, acknowledging the "pain I never intended" that the situation has caused.
Epstein's Influence and Day One Ventures' Growth
The released documents reportedly illustrate Bucher's engagement with Epstein, beginning in 2017 when she agreed to serve as his publicist. Her role allegedly involved efforts to rehabilitate his public image following his 2008 sex trafficking conviction and facilitating meetings between Epstein and various journalists, as previously reported by Forbes.
Evidence within the documents suggests that Epstein provided support and encouragement during the initial stages of Day One Ventures. The firm has since experienced considerable growth. Bucher indicated that its most recent fund, a $150 million third vehicle closed in 2024, brought the firm's total assets under management to $450 million.
Details from the Epstein Files and Bucher's Background
Among the more sensitive details emerging from the correspondence are instances where Epstein allegedly provided Bucher with money and a Prada bag. One account also suggests Epstein requested nude photos from her, though it remains unclear if she complied, according to SFGate. Bucher is a recognized figure in Silicon Valley's venture capital scene, having invested in notable companies such as Superhuman, Remote, Worldcoin, and Truebill, the latter of which was acquired by Rocket Companies in 2021. She has also backed other ventures like Valar Atomics.
This situation presents a particularly challenging juxtaposition for Bucher, given her professional positioning as a public relations expert advising founders on their public image. This is not Bucher's first encounter with public scrutiny; her past associations have also drawn attention.
In her youth, Bucher was associated with Nashi, a pro-Putin youth movement in Russia. She was featured in a 2012 documentary titled "Putin's Kiss," referencing a widely publicized moment where she kissed Vladimir Putin's cheek, as noted by CNN.
In her recent X post, Bucher stated that she has since relinquished her Russian passport, publicly disavowed Putin, and has engaged with some of Epstein's victims. She is not the only venture capitalist whose name has surfaced in the Epstein files, a situation perhaps unsurprising given Epstein's extensive network within the tech industry. The documents do not indicate that Bucher engaged in any illegal activities. However, reports suggest her correspondence with Epstein remained amicable until just eleven days before his arrest in July 2019, with Epstein passing away in jail approximately one month later.
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