Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Companies and Telling Their Stories

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Companies and Telling Their Stories

Not Boring Capital is an $8 million venture fund that has a unique approach to investing. They focus on companies with compelling stories and help these companies tell their stories effectively. The fund primarily invests in Seed through Series B companies, with occasional pre-seed and growth-stage investments.

What sets Not Boring Capital apart is the synergy between investing and writing. Packy, the founder of the fund, believes that his writing has made him a better investor, and his investing has improved his writing. This flywheel effect has proven to be a winning combination for him.

The fund's leading vertical is fintech, with six investments totaling $525k. Fintech has proven to be a lucrative area in terms of both the number of investments and the amount of money invested. However, Not Boring Capital also explores other sectors, seeking smaller investments that can provide a seat in the next round or increase deal flow. These exploratory investments have high upside potential but may not individually return the fund.

In addition to exploring new opportunities, Not Boring Capital also makes later-stage or safer investments with a lower ceiling and a higher floor. These investments make up about 20% of the fund's portfolio and collectively have the potential to return the fund once.

The growth of companies like Apple showcases the potential for exponential returns in the market. In 2011, Exxon was the most valuable company with a market cap of around $400 billion. Today, Apple is worth a staggering $2.4 trillion, nearly six times higher. Not Boring Capital aims to identify companies that have the potential to achieve similar growth and become significant players in their respective industries.

What sets Not Boring Capital apart from other venture firms is its extensive network. While most firms have a handful or a few hundred people, Not Boring Capital has a massive network of 60,000 individuals. This network includes both portfolio company founders and readers of Not Boring, the popular blog written by Packy. The symbiotic relationship between portfolio companies and readers helps drive success for all parties involved.

Packy's personal interests align well with the mission of Not Boring Capital. If he were to retire young, he would want to spend his time meeting and talking to smart people, reading and writing, and investing. These interests are at the core of the fund's philosophy and drive the team's passion for finding and supporting exceptional companies.

In the world of information sharing, a tool called NotesAlong has emerged as an effective way to highlight, annotate, and share information. This tool allows users to share specific highlights or all highlights from a webpage or PDF directly. By integrating seamlessly into the web page, the highlights provide valuable insights and make it easy to share knowledge.

The synergy between Glasp, the highlighting and annotation tool, and Not Boring Capital is evident. Glasp enhances the "Read & Write" aspect that Packy values, allowing for a more enhanced reading experience. It also aligns with the idea of circulating knowledge, as highlighted and shared information can reach a wider audience and benefit more individuals.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Focus on the story: When evaluating potential investments, pay attention to companies with compelling stories. A strong narrative can attract customers, investors, and media attention, ultimately leading to growth and success.

• 2. Build a network: Networking is crucial in the world of investing. Cultivate relationships with founders, industry experts, and fellow investors. A strong network can provide valuable insights, deal flow, and collaboration opportunities.

• 3. Embrace tools for effective knowledge sharing: Utilize tools like Glasp and NotesAlong to enhance your reading and sharing experience. Highlighting and annotating key information can help you retain knowledge and easily share it with others, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital is a unique venture fund that combines investing with storytelling. By focusing on companies with compelling narratives and utilizing Packy's writing skills, the fund aims to achieve exceptional returns. With a strong network and a passion for meeting smart people, reading, and investing, Not Boring Capital is well-positioned for success in the ever-evolving world of venture capital. By embracing tools like Glasp and NotesAlong, investors can enhance their knowledge-sharing capabilities and contribute to a more collaborative and insightful investment community.