Masha Bucher, founder of Day One Ventures, has redefined the intersection of venture capital and public relations. Bucher, who transitioned from a successful career in public relations and marketing to the venture capital scene, believes that storytelling is essential for startups to thrive. She launched Day One Ventures in 2018 with a vision to empower early-stage companies by not only investing in them but also providing integrated PR support tailored to their needs.
Before establishing her venture capital firm, Bucher gained extensive experience in communications and executive roles, which allowed her to develop a unique understanding of startup dynamics. “I realized I could create more impact – and make better returns – by investing in startups and providing them with integrated PR support,” she explained during a recent interview with TechCrunch. This approach enables her to help portfolio companies navigate the challenges of their formative years.
Revolutionizing Startup Support
Bucher has identified a significant gap in traditional PR models, which often prioritize contract-based work that can slow down communication efforts. “For startups, it’s really important to move fast,” she noted, emphasizing the need for agility in the early stages of business development. She challenges the prevailing notion that early-stage companies should spend exorbitant amounts—ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per month—on PR services that may not yield immediate results.
Day One Ventures adopts an integrated model that allows Bucher to work closely with startups during critical periods, offering them trusted advice and support. This hands-on involvement is not only beneficial for the companies she funds but also aligns with her belief that a solid understanding of a startup’s operations enhances the quality of its PR representation. By being financially invested, Bucher asserts that she can present her portfolio companies to the media with greater integrity.
“You have the right to introduce it to reporters with much higher integrity,” she said, highlighting the advantages of having access to essential information such as investor decks and company data. This depth of knowledge enables her to craft compelling narratives that resonate with investors and the public alike.
Ethics and Investment Strategy
As with any venture capital firm, Bucher is accountable to her investors, which include over 70 limited partners, comprising institutions and individuals, as well as more than 15 founders from her portfolio. This responsibility compels her to make well-considered investment decisions. Bucher not only evaluates the potential for a startup’s vision but also considers the ethical integrity of its founders.
An example of her commitment to ethical investing is her recent co-lead of a $130 million funding round for Valar Atomics, a company focused on developing advanced nuclear reactors. She expressed strong trust in Valar’s CEO, Isaiah Taylor, emphasizing the critical nature of decisions that can have life-and-death implications.
Bucher remains selective in her investments, avoiding companies that do not align with her values, even if they are gaining popularity. For instance, she opted not to support AI startup Cluely, which utilized controversial marketing strategies. Instead, she takes pride in backing innovative technologies in fields such as reproductive health, accessible healthcare, and law enforcement.
Day One Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio that includes early investments in well-known companies like Sam Altman’s World, the email service Superhuman, and the remote work platform Remote.com. To date, the firm has achieved significant success, with at least 12 unicorns and a portfolio value exceeding $115 billion.
Last year, Day One closed its Fund III with $150 million, targeting early-stage founders who are addressing some of humanity’s most pressing issues. Since its inception, the firm has expanded its assets under management from $11 million to over $450 million, reflecting Bucher’s vision and strategy.
“We want to use communications to solve companies’ business goals, unlock new opportunities, and ultimately help them grow shareholder value,” Bucher stated, underscoring her commitment to merging PR with venture capital to foster growth in the startup ecosystem.
