Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Companies with Stories to Tell

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Companies with Stories to Tell

Not Boring Capital is an $8 million venture fund that aims to invest in companies with compelling narratives and help amplify those stories. Led by Packy McCormick, the fund primarily focuses on Seed through Series B companies, occasionally making pre-seed and growth-stage investments. What sets Not Boring Capital apart is the unique synergy between investing and writing, with Packy leveraging his skills in both areas to become a better investor and writer.

Fintech Takes the Lead

Within the verticals that Not Boring Capital invests in, fintech emerges as the clear winner. With six investments totaling $525k, fintech has proven to be a lucrative space. Not Boring Capital places a strong emphasis on investing in companies that offer innovative technology solutions for the finance industry. The fund's commitment to fintech is driven by the potential for substantial returns and the exciting opportunities present in this rapidly evolving sector.

Core, Explore, and Growth Investments

Not Boring Capital adopts a strategic approach to its investments, categorizing them into three main buckets: Core, Explore, and Growth. The Core investments are carefully selected opportunities that have the potential to generate significant returns, with the aim of contributing about 75% of the total invested dollars. Explore investments, on the other hand, are smaller bets made to secure a seat in future rounds or to increase deal flow. While these may have high upside potential, they are not expected to individually return the fund. Explore investments typically make up 5-10% of the invested dollars. Lastly, Growth investments are focused on later-stage or safer opportunities with a lower ceiling but a higher floor. This segment constitutes about 20% of the invested dollars and aims to collectively return the fund once.

The Power of Compounding Knowledge

Not Boring Capital recognizes the significance of knowledge and the compounding effect it can have on investments. With a vast readership of 60,000 people, the fund leverages the expertise and insights of its audience to support portfolio companies. By cultivating a community of informed readers, Not Boring Capital encourages knowledge sharing and engagement, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem. This unique approach allows the fund to tap into a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, ultimately enhancing its investment decisions.

The Changing Landscape of News Consumption

In a world dominated by mobile devices, a recent study suggests that people consume news differently on phones compared to desktops. The research reveals that individuals tend to pay better attention to news presented on desktops, spending more time on news story content and being more likely to notice links. This finding aligns with the perception that reading on desktops allows for faster and more efficient comprehension, while mobile reading is better suited for quick skimming rather than deep understanding or retaining information.

The Impact of Mobile News Monetization

While owning a mobile device increases access to news, it doesn't necessarily translate to increased attention to news. The rush to monetize mobile news delivery may inadvertently impact the democratic value of news consumption. As economic value is built into mobile news, the costs of information processing on mobile devices may be exacerbated. This raises concerns about the potential trade-off between economic viability and the democratic nature of news dissemination.

Actionable Advice for News Consumption and Investing

1. Optimize your news consumption: If deep understanding and retention of information are important to you, consider allocating dedicated time for reading news on a desktop or laptop. This allows for a more focused and immersive experience, enabling better comprehension and analysis.

2. Engage in knowledge sharing: Participate in communities or platforms that facilitate the exchange of insights and expertise. By engaging with a diverse range of perspectives, you can broaden your understanding and make more informed investment decisions.

3. Assess the democratic value of news: Stay critical of the impact that monetization strategies may have on the accessibility and integrity of news. Consider supporting news outlets that prioritize unbiased reporting and maintain a commitment to democratic values.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital stands out as a venture fund that not only invests in companies with compelling stories but also harnesses the power of writing and knowledge sharing to enhance its investment strategy. With a focus on fintech and a strategic approach to investments, the fund aims to generate substantial returns while fostering a community of informed readers. As the landscape of news consumption evolves, it is crucial to consider the impact of mobile devices and the potential trade-offs associated with mobile news monetization. By optimizing news consumption habits and engaging in knowledge sharing, individuals can make more informed investment decisions and contribute to a more democratic news ecosystem.