Washington Monument Investments
Thomas Jones
“The best policy is always the honest policy.”
BACKSTORY
I grew up with entrepreneurs as my heroes. I read Bill Gates’ book in middle school. When I was 13 I bought my first stocks. One went to zero, but the other was Google.
My hero in high school was Nikola Tesla. My walls were covered with posters of his patents. Tesla was an unparalleled genius. Yet, he died alone, unstable, and penniless. I always thought that if Tesla had one great partner he would have built a legendary company and died a happy man. I want to be that partner for the next Tesla.
My life hero is my grandfather. When he was a kid in Greece he hustled, selling watermelon and yogurt. The Nazis burnt down his village and after the War he set off to work at a factory in Chicago. He sent most of his wages back to Greece to feed his family, but saved enough over the years to start a diner. For him, entrepreneurship was freedom. He was uneducated and humble. Yet, he was brilliant and when he walked into a room everyone felt his love. I carry his name, Konstantine, with pride every day.
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
First and foremost, I care about integrity, honesty and directness. I also look for determination, persistence and grit. I constantly remind my founders that if you persist, you will succeed. I’m also not afraid to say that love is a big part of my life. I’m not going to be just a partner or even a friend. I’m striving to bring love to you and your company in every interaction.
One theme in my partnerships is virtuous data cycles—businesses where as they accumulate customers, their data becomes more valuable over time. There are lots of AI companies like that, and it can be completely non-obvious.
PERSONAL SIDE
FAMILY / TRAVEL / EXERCISE / HELPING FRIENDS START COMPANIES