Epstein Files Reveal Connections Between EV Startups and Silicon Valley

Newly released documents show mysterious businessman David Stern's ties to Epstein and investments in electric vehicle companies

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Justice Department's release of new documents related to infamous sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has uncovered extensive connections between Epstein and Silicon Valley, particularly around investments in electric vehicle startups. Journalist Sean O'Kane examined how a businessman named David Stern built a relationship with Epstein and pitched him investments in companies like Faraday Future, Lucid Motors, and Canoo. The revelations raise questions about the funding sources and investor relationships of some high-profile EV startups in the past decade.

Why it matters

The Epstein files shed light on the murky world of startup funding in Silicon Valley, particularly in emerging industries like electric vehicles where there was a rush of Chinese and other international investment a decade ago. The connections between Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and individuals involved with EV startups raises ethical and legal questions about the vetting of investors and the sources of funding for these companies.

The details

The documents show that businessman David Stern had an extensive relationship with Epstein, pitching him investments in multiple electric vehicle startups over the span of about 18 months. Stern approached Epstein in 2008 seeking funding for Chinese investments, and by the late 2000s was trying to convince Epstein to invest hundreds of millions in companies like Faraday Future, Lucid Motors, and Canoo. Epstein ultimately did not invest in any of these companies, but Stern's involvement highlights the shadowy nature of some startup funding during this period, especially around Chinese investment in the EV space.

  • In 2008, Stern first approached Epstein seeking funding for Chinese investments.
  • Over the next 18 months, Stern pitched Epstein on investing hundreds of millions in Faraday Future, Lucid Motors, and Canoo.

The players

David Stern

A businessman who had an extensive relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, pitching him investments in multiple electric vehicle startups over the span of about 18 months.

Jeffrey Epstein

The infamous sex offender who Stern sought funding from for his EV startup investments, though Epstein ultimately did not invest in any of the companies.

Faraday Future

An electric vehicle startup that Stern pitched Epstein to invest hundreds of millions in.

Lucid Motors

An electric vehicle startup that Stern tried to convince Epstein to invest in, including by trying to purchase a 30% stake from the company's founder.

Canoo

An electric vehicle startup that Stern was eventually able to get Epstein-connected funding for, though the details of the investors were murky.

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What they’re saying

“There are always people at the edges who don't necessarily want to be front and center in the investment scene. And that was why I started looking through these files, in part because a long time ago, flashback 10 years ago on my beat especially, there was just a ton of Chinese investment in the space.”

— Sean O'Kane, Reporter (TechCrunch)

“It was very clear that Epstein and David Stern weren't really about investing and building companies. It was all about how to make the most money the fastest.”

— Kirsten Korosec, Reporter (TechCrunch)

What’s next

The revelations about Epstein's connections to EV startups and Silicon Valley could lead to further investigations and scrutiny of the funding sources and investor relationships in the electric vehicle industry over the past decade.

The takeaway

The Epstein files shed light on the shadowy world of startup funding in Silicon Valley, particularly in emerging industries like electric vehicles where there was a rush of international investment a decade ago. The connections between Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and individuals involved with EV startups raises ethical and legal questions that could have broader implications for the industry.