Introducing Not Boring Capital: Sifting the Essential from the Non-Essential

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Sifting the Essential from the Non-Essential

In the world of venture capital, where countless companies vie for attention and funding, it takes something special to stand out. Enter Not Boring Capital, an $8 million venture fund that invests in companies with compelling stories and helps amplify those stories. Led by Packy McCormick, a seasoned investor and writer, Not Boring Capital brings a unique approach to the world of investing.

One of the key aspects that sets Not Boring Capital apart is its focus on investing in Seed through Series B companies. While most venture funds stick to a specific stage of investment, Not Boring Capital believes in supporting companies at various stages of their growth. This flexibility allows them to identify and nurture promising startups at different points in their journey.

Fintech is a leading vertical for Not Boring Capital, with the fund making six investments totaling $525k in this sector. This focus on investing in fintech companies is a testament to Packy's expertise and interest in the intersection of finance and technology. By honing in on a specific vertical, Not Boring Capital is able to leverage its knowledge and network to provide valuable insights and support to the companies it invests in.

To maximize the potential returns, Not Boring Capital employs a three-pronged investment strategy. The first is the Core category, which constitutes about 75% of the total dollars invested. These investments have the potential to significantly contribute to the fund's success. The Explore category, comprising 5-10% of invested dollars, involves smaller investments aimed at securing a seat in the next funding round or increasing deal flow. While the return on these investments may be smaller, they offer high upside potential. Lastly, the Growth category makes up about 20% of invested dollars and focuses on safer, later-stage investments with a lower ceiling but a higher floor. Collectively, these investments should be able to return the fund at least once.

What truly sets Not Boring Capital apart is its unique flywheel of investing and writing. Packy McCormick is not only an investor but also a talented writer. His ability to distill complex ideas into engaging articles has not only attracted a loyal following but has also enhanced his investing capabilities. By writing about the companies he invests in, Packy is able to amplify their stories and garner attention from potential customers, partners, and investors. The symbiotic relationship between investing and writing creates a virtuous cycle that benefits both Not Boring Capital and its portfolio companies.

Beyond the world of venture capital, there is a broader lesson to be learned from Not Boring Capital's approach. Sifting the essential from the non-essential is a skill that can have a profound impact on our lives and careers. Albert Einstein, renowned for his ability to grasp simplicity amidst complexity, understood the power of focusing on what truly matters. Similarly, the best investors know how to filter out the noise and concentrate on the few variables that truly drive success.

To apply this principle in our own lives, we can take several actionable steps. First, we should focus on understanding the basic, timeless, and general principles of the world. By leveraging these principles, we can effectively filter people, ideas, and projects, ensuring that we invest our time and energy in what truly matters. Second, taking the time to think about our goals and identifying the 2-3 variables that will most help us achieve them allows us to prioritize and make better decisions. Third, we must declutter our lives by removing the inessential. This could mean saying no to commitments that don't align with our priorities or decluttering our physical and digital spaces. Finally, thinking backwards about what we want to avoid helps us anticipate pitfalls and make informed choices.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital brings a fresh perspective to the world of venture capital by investing in companies with compelling stories and amplifying those stories through writing. This unique approach, coupled with a focus on fintech and a three-pronged investment strategy, sets Not Boring Capital apart. By sifting the essential from the non-essential, both in investing and in life, we can unlock new levels of success and fulfillment. So, let's take a page from Not Boring Capital's playbook and start prioritizing what truly matters.