We wanted flying cars — and we got them. What's next?
In our view, while tech has brought us some of the most important inventions of the modern age (e.g., the internet, the PC, the smartphone, the news feed, streaming, etc.), something is missing. Though quality of life has improved overall, fundamental issues persist: growing loneliness, deepening polarization, rising economic inequality, declining mental health and more.
In spite of this, we know that great technology, wielded wisely, can save the world.
We believe that the most successful tech companies of this economic cycle will be the ones that build human-centered technology (ie, tech that prioritizes our needs, wellbeing and connection over mere efficiency). That's why we've made it our mission to champion founders building a particular brand of tech company — one that is conscious of its impact, obsessed with its users and optimistic about the future.
Talok was founded in 2023 to opportunistically invest in frontier technology companies.
When brainstorming names for the fund, we turned to nature for inspiration, seeking an element fundamental to human civilization, progress and life itself.
We chose water, embodied by the name Talok, which draws inspiration from Tlaloc, the Aztec deity of rain, water and fertility. Legend tells of Tlaloc transforming primordial waters into life-giving rain, nurturing humanity's evolution from simple farmers into flourishing civilization. We aim to have the same effect on the teams that we work with.
We’re drawn to founders who can articulate their visions with clarity.
We jump in early, betting on gifted people and their ideas above all else.
We counsel founders on product strategy, partnerships, go-to-market, marketing, narrative storytelling, corporate structuring, fundraising and more - whatever is needed.
We invest across sectors, though we primarily look for companies building in the following focus areas: modern marketplaces (think: creator economy, supply chain, infrastructure), future of work (think: legal AI, gig economy, general workplace automation) and consumer applications (think: gaming, entertainment, fashion AI).
Evan blends legal precision with a creative mind. He has spent a decade participating at different layers of the startup ecosystem — from crafting legal strategy during his time as a startup attorney at Fenwick, to working in product, operations and marketing roles at several early-stage companies. He's also co-founded a handful of startups over the years (in marketing, legaltech and edtech), giving him a founder's instinct for what works.
His core belief is that the most powerful innovation happens when different worlds collide. Relatedly, his core superpower is building bridges between worlds (e.g., law and venture, entertainment and tech).
As a trusted confidant to founders, he helps navigate the complex early stages of company building — legally, strategically and emotionally.
You can find some reviews below.
