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 - Introduction00:07 - Jon's journey from music to venture capital02:01 - Influence of diverse background on leadership and investments03:05 - Mentorship under Jack Welch06:14 - Early stage investing and recognizing talent08:54 - Qualities to look for in startups12:05 - Lessons from McKinsey14:22 - Council of Foreign Relations insights16:26 - Advice for mission-driven entrepreneurs20:15 - Balancing life and work22:15 - A typical day in venture capital23:32 - Reading recommendations24:48 - Surprising elements of the journey26:42 - Mental health and resilience28:09 - AI in early-stage startups30:54 - The role of empathy in leadership32:34 - Mentors who gave Jon a chance

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