Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Stories and Building Connections

Introducing Not Boring Capital: Investing in Stories and Building Connections

Not Boring Capital is an $8 million venture fund that focuses on investing in companies with compelling stories and helping them tell those stories. Led by Packy McCormick, the fund primarily invests in Seed through Series B companies, with occasional investments in pre-seed and growth-stage companies. What sets Not Boring Capital apart is its unique approach that combines investing and writing, creating a powerful flywheel for success.

Fintech is the leading vertical for Not Boring Capital, with the majority of investments (6) and dollars invested ($525k) being in this sector. However, the fund also explores other sectors, looking for opportunities with high upside potential. The fund divides its investments into three categories: Core, Explore, and Growth.

The Core investments are the ones with the potential to generate significant returns for the fund. These investments make up about 75% of the total dollars invested and are carefully selected based on their growth prospects. The Explore investments are smaller in size but offer the opportunity to gain a seat in the next funding round or increase deal flow. These investments have high upside potential but may not individually return the fund. They make up about 5-10% of invested dollars. Lastly, the Growth investments are later-stage or safer investments that have a lower ceiling but a higher floor. This category accounts for about 20% of invested dollars and is expected to collectively return the fund once.

The success of Not Boring Capital is not only attributed to its investment strategy but also to its vast network. With 60,000 people involved, including readers and portfolio companies, the fund has a strong community that supports its mission. Not Boring Capital portfolio companies benefit from the exposure to Not Boring readers, who, in turn, are inspired by the success stories of the portfolio companies. This symbiotic relationship creates a virtuous cycle that fuels the growth and success of both parties.

Packy McCormick, the driving force behind Not Boring Capital, has always been passionate about three things: meeting and talking to smart people, reading and writing, and investing. These three pillars are the foundation of his work and have shaped the direction of the fund. McCormick's unique perspective as an investor and writer allows him to identify investment opportunities with compelling narratives and effectively communicate those stories to the world.

In a separate interview with Noah Glass, one of the forgotten founders of Twitter, the importance of collaboration and group effort becomes apparent. Glass emphasizes that the creation of Twitter was not the work of a single individual but rather a collective effort. While some individuals may have received credit for their contributions, it was the collaboration and shared ideas that made Twitter possible. The success of Twitter was built on the foundation of a strong team working together towards a common goal.

Glass also highlights the initial vision for Twitter, which focused on the social aspect of connecting people and the potential for broader applications such as updates from police and fire departments. The simplicity of the platform and its innovative use of SMS technology made it highly engaging and compelling.

Not Boring Capital and Twitter share common themes of collaboration, storytelling, and the power of simplicity. Both entities recognize the importance of building connections and leveraging the collective efforts of a community. These insights can be valuable for entrepreneurs and investors looking to create impact and drive success.

In conclusion, Not Boring Capital is revolutionizing the world of venture capital by investing in companies with stories to tell and helping them amplify those stories. The fund's unique approach, combining investing and writing, sets it apart from traditional venture firms. By focusing on sectors like fintech and embracing the power of collaboration, Not Boring Capital is well-positioned for continued success.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of storytelling: When evaluating investment opportunities, consider the narrative behind the company. Look for companies with compelling stories that resonate with customers and investors alike.
2. Build a strong network: Surround yourself with smart people who can provide valuable insights and support. Leverage your network to create connections and opportunities for collaboration.
3. Keep it simple: Look for opportunities that offer simplicity and ease of use. The power of a product or service lies in its ability to solve problems in a straightforward manner. Focus on creating value through simplicity.

By following these actionable advice and taking inspiration from Not Boring Capital and Twitter's success, entrepreneurs and investors can increase their chances of building impactful companies and achieving financial success.