Introducing Not Boring Capital: Accelerated Learning for Investors and Entrepreneurs

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Accelerated Learning for Investors and Entrepreneurs

In the world of venture capital, there are countless firms vying for attention and promising returns. However, one firm stands out from the crowd - Not Boring Capital. With an $8 million fund and a unique approach to investing, they have quickly made a name for themselves in the industry.

Not Boring Capital focuses on investing in companies with compelling stories to tell. They understand the power of storytelling and how it can differentiate a company from its competitors. By helping these companies craft and share their stories, Not Boring Capital ensures that their investments have a greater chance of success.

But what sets Not Boring Capital apart from other venture capital firms? It's the fact that their founder, Packy McCormick, is not only a skilled investor but also an exceptional writer. He believes that his writing enhances his investing abilities and vice versa. This symbiotic relationship between investing and writing creates a powerful flywheel that drives Not Boring Capital's success.

When it comes to verticals, fintech is the clear winner for Not Boring Capital. With six investments totaling $525k, they have a strong focus on investing in technology that disrupts the financial industry. This vertical offers significant potential for returns and aligns with Not Boring Capital's mission to support companies with stories to tell.

Not Boring Capital employs a three-pronged investment strategy: Core, Explore, and Growth. The core investments make up about 75% of the total dollars invested and have the potential to return the fund in the best-case scenario. These are the companies that have the highest likelihood of success and provide a solid foundation for the fund.

Explore investments account for 5-10% of the invested dollars and offer high upside potential. These smaller investments allow Not Boring Capital to get a seat in the next round or increase deal flow. While they may not individually return the fund, they provide opportunities for outsized returns and diversification.

Lastly, growth investments make up about 20% of the invested dollars and offer a lower-risk, lower-ceiling option. These investments are typically later-stage companies that have a more stable trajectory. While they may not have the same potential for exponential growth, they provide a safer bet and contribute to the overall success of the fund.

Not Boring Capital's approach to investing mirrors their founder's personal philosophy. Packy McCormick believes in three things: meeting and talking to smart people, reading and writing, and investing. This holistic approach to personal and professional development is reflected in the firm's strategies and decisions.

And speaking of personal development, learning faster and remembering more is a skill that can greatly benefit investors and entrepreneurs. Farnam Street's article on accelerated learning provides valuable insights that can be applied to the world of venture capital.

Deep focus is key when it comes to learning. Distractions can hinder the absorption of new information and leave gaps in understanding. Learning is not just about acquiring knowledge for a day; it's about building deep wisdom that allows for innovation and pushing boundaries.

Active engagement is crucial for effective learning. Passively absorbing information is not enough; it requires active incorporation of new facts, concepts, and abilities. Every new piece of knowledge builds upon what we already know and enriches our understanding of the world.

The greatest enemy of learning is thinking that we already know everything. Being open to admitting when we're wrong and adjusting our thinking is the catalyst for growth and learning. Recognizing our ignorance and taking action to fill the gaps in our knowledge is the first step towards accelerated learning.

Reflection and discussion are essential components of the learning process. Taking the time to reflect on what we've learned and engaging in conversations allows for a deeper understanding and retention of information. Letting our minds wander and stretching ourselves to the limits of our abilities stimulates growth and development.

Learning can come from two main sources: our own experiences and history or the experiences of others. Studying the past and understanding history provides us with fundamental knowledge that can shape our future. Continuously updating our historical knowledge and learning from both successes and failures is crucial for personal and professional growth.

When it comes to retaining information, rote memorization is ineffective. The key to effective learning is spaced repetition, a technique that aligns with the brain's natural retention process. Retrieving information from memory repeatedly solidifies the knowledge and ensures better retention than simply re-exposing ourselves to the material.

In the end, all education is self-education. Taking ownership of our learning and actively seeking out new knowledge is the foundation for growth and success. Whether it's through reading, writing, or investing, the pursuit of knowledge should be a lifelong journey.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital's approach to investing and Packy McCormick's personal philosophy align with the principles of accelerated learning. By investing in companies with stories to tell, engaging in active learning, and continuously seeking knowledge, they have created a unique and successful venture capital firm.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of storytelling: Whether you're an investor or an entrepreneur, leverage the power of storytelling to differentiate yourself and your company. Craft a compelling narrative that captures the attention and interest of your audience.

2. Engage in deliberate practice: Push yourself to the limits of your abilities and engage in deliberate practice. This technique, used by elite individuals in every field, allows for significant growth and expertise development. Embrace challenges that feel challenging yet doable to enhance your skills.

3. Foster a culture of continuous learning: Encourage reflection, discussion, and the pursuit of knowledge within your team or organization. Create an environment where learning is valued and actively supported. Embrace the concept of self-education and empower individuals to take ownership of their learning journeys.

By combining the principles of Not Boring Capital's investment strategies and the insights from accelerated learning, investors and entrepreneurs can enhance their skills, make better decisions, and ultimately achieve greater success in their respective fields.