Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Stories and Telling Them

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Stories and Telling Them

Not Boring Capital is an $8 million venture fund that seeks out companies with compelling narratives and helps amplify their stories. With a focus on Seed through Series B companies, this fund occasionally makes pre-seed and growth-stage investments as well. The unique aspect of Not Boring Capital is that its founder, Packy McCormick, believes that his writing has made him a better investor, and his investing has made him a better writer. This symbiotic relationship creates a powerful flywheel for success.

Fintech takes the lead: The Winning Vertical

Within the verticals that Not Boring Capital invests in, fintech takes the lead. With six investments and a total of $525k invested, this sector holds the highest number of investments and dollars invested. Fintech is an exciting area of opportunity, especially with a focus on investing technology. Not Boring Capital recognizes the potential for significant returns within this vertical.

Strategic investment approach: Core, Explore, and Growth

Not Boring Capital follows a strategic investment approach to maximize returns. The majority of their investments, about 75% of the total dollars invested, fall into the Core category. These investments have the potential to return the fund in the best-case scenario. The Explore category represents smaller investments made to secure a seat in the next funding round or increase deal flow. While these investments have high upside potential, they are not expected to individually return the fund. The Growth category consists of later-stage or safer investments with a lower ceiling but a higher floor. This category accounts for about 20% of invested dollars and should be able to collectively return the fund at least once.

The Power of Collective Memory

In "Maths shows how we lose interest," David Eagleman explores the concept of collective memory and its impact on shaping identity and society. He proposes that a person only truly dies when they are forgotten, as continued and shared attention to people and events shape our individual and collective identities. Furthermore, the choice of what to commemorate and remember influences the structures and priorities of society.

Understanding the Decay of Collective Memory

Researchers have discovered that the pattern of collective memory decay follows a mathematical law. By analyzing online views of Wikipedia profiles, citations of physics papers and patents, as well as online play counts of songs and film trailers, the authors of the study found that the decay of collective memory can be described by a biexponential function.

The biexponential function reveals that collective memory initially drops quickly, but the subsequent decline in attention slows down significantly, creating a gentler slope. Different forms of media exhibit varying rates of decline, with music experiencing the shortest and sharpest initial decline (approximately 6 years) and the online biographies of sports stars showing the longest decline (20-30 years).

Two Phases of Memory Decay

The researchers identified two distinct phases in the decay of collective memory. The first phase, characterized by a steep decline, is dominated by communicative memory, which involves the direct word-of-mouth transfer of information. The second phase, which exhibits a slower decline, relies more on cultural memory, sustained by the physical recording of information. This cultural memory, preserved through various mediums, allows information to be accessible and searchable, prolonging its existence in collective memory.

Actionable Advice: Preserving Collective Memory

1. Embrace storytelling: As Not Boring Capital recognizes the power of stories in investment, entrepreneurs and companies should also harness the power of storytelling to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Crafting narratives that resonate with people can help ensure their stories are remembered and preserved in collective memory.

2. Leverage technology: In an era of digital innovation, it is crucial to utilize technology to amplify and record stories. By leveraging digital platforms, entrepreneurs can ensure that their stories reach a wider audience and have a higher chance of being remembered. This includes utilizing social media, online publications, and other digital mediums to share and preserve narratives.

3. Foster community engagement: Engaging with communities and fostering active participation can help keep stories alive in collective memory. This can be achieved through interactive events, collaborations, and partnerships that encourage people to actively engage with the stories being told. By creating a sense of ownership and participation, the longevity of collective memory can be extended.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital's unique approach to investing in companies with stories to tell and helping amplify those stories highlights the power of narratives in the business world. Additionally, understanding the decay of collective memory provides insights into how we can preserve and shape our identities as individuals and as a society. By embracing storytelling, leveraging technology, and fostering community engagement, we can actively contribute to the preservation of collective memory and ensure that impactful stories continue to shape our world.