J Cheng is a solo GP at Gen 1 Capital who combines roles as investor, founder, product leader, educator, and engineer to walk alongside entrepreneurs rather than just allocate capital, explicitly framing his investment lens around human flourishing and a sustainable and redemptive future. His unusually broad technical background spans building satellites, high-performance processors, enterprise software, IoT devices, and consumer platforms, which he applies as both an early-stage investor with 70+ startup investments including 3 IPOs and several major acquisitions, and as an active educator teaching the next generation of leaders at institutions like Wheaton College and Northwestern.

• Enthusiasm for advanced aviation and autonomous mobility solutions. Frequently highlights milestones in the sector, such as the safety achievements of Skyryse in operating air taxi services and the engineering success of the Falcon Heavy launch.
• Deep interest in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Tracks how strategic consolidations like Amazon acquiring One Medical improve care delivery, while simultaneously looking for breakthroughs in AI-driven early cancer detection or new standards for pathogen mitigation to prevent future pandemics.
• Focus on the macroeconomic conditions that drive venture capital activity. Monitors the relationship between high interest rates and startup funding availability, alongside keeping a pulse on industry-wide shifts like tech layoffs to understand the current investment climate.