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.
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.
Evo is more than a fund - it’s an ecosystem.
We bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and experts through:
We bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and experts through:
- Pitch sessions and private events.
- Direct access to mentors and thought leaders.
- Knowledge sharing and partnerships inside the community.
From idea to global market
We support founders at every stage:
We support founders at every stage:
- Preparing for investment and connecting with venture capital.
- Scaling teams, products, and operations.
- Mentorship from industry experts and access to our partner network.
High-quality deal flow and strong portfolio support
Our platform offers investors:
Our platform offers investors:
- Access to vetted, tech-driven startups.
- Opportunities to join funding rounds.
- Portfolio support through expertise, mentorship, and community connections.
About EVO
EVO VC & Startups is both a venture capital platform and an international startup network.
Our team of technologists and industry leaders works closely with investors to support portfolio growth, and with founders to accelerate scaling across teams, products, and markets. We provide hands-on guidance, strategic support, and access to resources and capital.
Startups benefit from faster growth, mentorship, and connections to the right investors, while investors gain curated access to high-potential companies within their target industries and markets.
Everyone in the EVO community - founders, investors, mentors, and industry experts - contributes to a collaborative environment that drives smarter investments, faster startup growth, and long-term value for all participants, including microcap companies aiming for global expansion.
Our team of technologists and industry leaders works closely with investors to support portfolio growth, and with founders to accelerate scaling across teams, products, and markets. We provide hands-on guidance, strategic support, and access to resources and capital.
Startups benefit from faster growth, mentorship, and connections to the right investors, while investors gain curated access to high-potential companies within their target industries and markets.
Everyone in the EVO community - founders, investors, mentors, and industry experts - contributes to a collaborative environment that drives smarter investments, faster startup growth, and long-term value for all participants, including microcap companies aiming for global expansion.
OUR TEAM
- Gozel AkeyevaFounder & 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 LevineCo 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 AsselinCTO
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 DubrovinaPR 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.