Torch Capital Founder Jon Keidan

In this episode, we sit down with Jon, the founder and managing partner of Torch Capital, to explore his fascinating journey from the music industry to venture capital. Jon shares his unique path, starting as a drummer and concert organizer in college, to working with legendary bands like Dave Matthews Band, and eventually transitioning into the world of venture capital. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his time at McKinsey, his mentorship under Jack Welch, and his early investments in companies like ZocDoc and Compass. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:07 - Jon's journey from music to venture capital 02:01 - Influence of diverse background on leadership and investments 03:05 - Mentorship under Jack Welch 06:14 - Early stage investing and recognizing talent 08:54 - Qualities to look for in startups 12:05 - Lessons from McKinsey 14:22 - Council of Foreign Relations insights 16:26 - Advice for mission-driven entrepreneurs 20:15 - Balancing life and work 22:15 - A typical day in venture capital 23:32 - Reading recommendations 24:48 - Surprising elements of the journey 26:42 - Mental health and resilience 28:09 - AI in early-stage startups 30:54 - The role of empathy in leadership 32:34 - Mentors who gave Jon a chance