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