But first, let's talk about Spotify. Jackson has invested mainly in physical products so far--vitamin drinks, fashion headphones. But he's looking to invest in tech startups. "I have some ideas now," he says. "I don't want to discuss the deal until the papers get signed because everyone else will get excited--and then we get scattered."
When pressed, Jackson flashes a knowing grin. I ask him whether he's investing in a small music-related startup. "Well, they're really well established companies that I'll end up being involved in," he says. Like Spotify? "Those are the kinds of guys I want to hang out with, down there in Silicon Valley," Jackson answers coyly. He says he knows Parker but declines to go into any more detail. But clearly he's impressed by streaming services like Spotify, which he says, "are the future of music--the experience with Napster gave them the insight--all the information [they needed]."
Jackson ticks off characteristics that he learned from finding new talent and producers in the music industry. It's not so different looking for successful entrepreneurs, he says. It boils down to four traits: quality of material, performance, appearance, and personality. It was those qualities that led him to Brian Nohe, founder of KonoAudio, which SMS Audio acquired in August to support its sound technology. "Ultimately the vision is not just a headphone company," says Nohe, now SMS's president. "I mean, 50 wants to create an audio company. You will see us move into laptops, speakers, and home entertainment."
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