Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Stories and Success

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Stories and Success

Not Boring Capital is not your typical venture fund. With $8 million in capital, we focus on investing in companies with compelling stories and helping them tell those stories. Our investments primarily target Seed through Series B companies, although we occasionally make pre-seed and growth-stage investments as well. The unique aspect of our fund is that our founder, Packy McCormick, is not only a successful investor but also an exceptional writer. This combination creates a powerful flywheel that drives our success.

One of our leading verticals is fintech, where we have made six investments totaling $525k. Fintech presents a significant opportunity for us, with its intersection of finance and technology. However, we are not limited to this vertical and are open to exploring other sectors that align with our investment strategy.

When it comes to our investment approach, we have three core categories: Core, Explore, and Growth. The Core category consists of investments that have the potential to generate substantial returns and account for about 75% of our total invested dollars. The Explore category involves smaller investments aimed at securing a seat in the next funding round or increasing deal flow. While these investments have high upside potential, they are unlikely to individually return the fund. We allocate 5-10% of our invested dollars to this category. Lastly, the Growth category focuses on later-stage or safer investments with a lower ceiling but a higher floor. This category represents around 20% of our invested dollars and should be able to collectively return the fund once.

To put our investment strategy into perspective, let's consider the growth of the most valuable company in the world. In 2011, Exxon held that title with a market cap of around $400 billion. Today, Apple reigns as the most valuable company, with a market cap of $2.4 trillion, nearly six times higher. Our goal is to identify companies with similar growth potential and be a part of their success story.

What sets us apart from other venture firms is our extensive network. While most firms have a limited number of people, we have 60,000 individuals who are part of our ecosystem. This network includes Not Boring Capital portfolio companies, readers of Packy's writing, and other industry professionals. The symbiotic relationship between our portfolio companies and our readers creates a powerful cycle of support and growth.

Packy, the founder of Not Boring Capital, has always had three passions: meeting and talking to smart people, reading and writing, and investing. With Not Boring Capital, he has been able to combine all three. His love for reading and writing enhances his ability to identify compelling investment opportunities, while his investing experiences provide unique insights for his writing. It's a perfect synergy that benefits both him and the companies we invest in.

Now, let's shift our focus to the broader topic of collecting. In an article titled "Why Do We Collect Things - The Intelligent Collector," the author explores the various motives behind collecting. These motives are not mutually exclusive and can coexist in collectors to varying degrees.

One of the primary benefits of collecting is the recognition and validation received from fellow collectors and even non-collectors. Building a collection provides a sense of achievement and status within a community. Additionally, collectors often derive pleasure from the knowledge and learning they acquire through their collections. The pursuit of knowledge and the appreciation of beauty play a significant role in the enjoyment of collecting.

Social interaction is another important aspect of collecting. The ability to share the pleasure and knowledge associated with one's collection creates a sense of camaraderie among collectors. This shared passion often leads to meaningful connections and friendships.

Another motive for collecting is altruism. Many collectors ultimately donate their collections to museums and learning institutions, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge for future generations. This act of giving back adds a sense of purpose and fulfillment to the collecting experience.

Lastly, collecting can stem from a desire for control and order. In a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, building a collection allows individuals to create a small or even massive part of the world that they can control and organize according to their preferences.

As we reflect on the motives behind collecting, we can draw parallels to the world of venture capital and investing. Just like collectors, investors have various motivations and aspirations. Some seek recognition and status within the investment community, while others are driven by a thirst for knowledge and the pursuit of beauty in innovative ideas. The social aspect of investing is evident in the networking and collaboration that occurs among investors.

Furthermore, the desire to make a positive impact and contribute to the growth of promising companies mirrors the altruistic motive found in collecting. By investing in and supporting these companies, investors play a role in shaping the future and leaving a lasting legacy.

To conclude, both collecting and investing are driven by a combination of personal ambitions and external factors. They provide avenues for personal growth, knowledge acquisition, social interaction, and the satisfaction of contributing to something greater than oneself. Whether you are a collector or an investor, it is essential to be self-aware of your motivations and align them with your actions.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of storytelling: Whether you are a company seeking investment or an investor looking for opportunities, storytelling plays a crucial role. Craft a compelling narrative around your business or investment thesis to capture attention and create a lasting impact.

2. Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passions and goals. Collaborate, share knowledge, and seek mentorship within your network. The collective wisdom and support will propel you forward and open doors to new opportunities.

3. Find balance in your pursuits: Just like Packy's passion for meeting smart people, reading and writing, and investing, it's important to find a balance in your own pursuits. Explore different avenues of personal and professional growth, and leverage the synergies between them to enhance your overall success and satisfaction.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital's unique approach to investing, driven by the power of storytelling, sets us apart in the venture capital landscape. Our focus on diverse verticals, strategic investment categories, and the strength of our network positions us for success. As we continue to invest in companies with stories to tell and help amplify their voices, we aim to create a ripple effect of growth and innovation in the startup ecosystem.