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The Origin of EVO
EVO VC & Startups was founded in 2025 as a venture-driven platform built on a strong foundation, connecting startups with capital and offering a structured path to growth.

It was created by Gozel Akyeva, who previously co-founded the Tech + Startups Community and grew it from a single event in Miami with 1,000 participants into a global network of more than 12,000 founders, investors, and innovators across 24 cities and 8 countries.

Now she continues to develop this space under a new brand and with new ideas, while preserving the spirit of community and carrying forward our shared mission. We value each of you and look forward to seeing you in our Community, where we can continue to grow and evolve together.

The name EVO symbolizes evolution: from community building to venture growth, continuing a story of collaboration, transformation, and impact.
About EVO
EVO VC & Startups was founded in 2025 as a venture-driven platform connecting startups with capital and offering a structured path to growth.

Created by Gozel Akyeva, co-founder of the Tech + Startups Community, which grew from a single event in Miami into a global network of 12,000+ founders, investors, and innovators across 24 cities and 8 countries.

EVO builds on this foundation, combining the spirit of community with a clear venture focus.
Its mission is to accelerate global innovation through collaboration, transformation, and impact.
OUR TEAM
  • Gozel Akeyeva
    Founder & CEO

    Gozel brings deep expertise in marketing, consulting, financial management, and international trade. She’s led high-impact projects across the oil and gas, textile, and finance sectors and built a global tech and startup community with 12,000+ members.
  • Lena Levine
    Co Founder

    Lena brings 15+ years of expertise in technology helping businesses design and build scalable web and mobile app solutions in FinTech, HigherEd, SaaS, and Startup space.
  • Marc Asselin
    CTO

    Marc, a seasoned tech leader and AI architect with 30+ years of experience, builds secure, AI-first platforms that power real-time decision-making across sectors like defense, biotech, and energy. He bridges innovation and execution, guiding teams through complex, mission-critical systems with clarity and foresight.
  • Inna Dubrovina
    PR Content Manager

    Inna is a PR and content strategist with 10+ years of experience in brand communications, media relations, and storytelling. She helps organizations grow visibility and influence through impactful messaging and multi-channel content.