Packy McCormick Biography: How He Made Nerdy Cool (and Profitable)

Introduction – Packy McCormick Biography

You know those people who can turn even the driest, most complex topics into something you actually want to read? That’s Packy McCormick. He didn’t become famous by building the next unicorn startup or inventing a shiny new app—he did it by writing newsletters.

Yep, newsletters.

Packy is the guy behind Not Boring, a once-small email newsletter that’s now a powerhouse in tech and startup circles. He makes nerdy stuff—like fintech infrastructure or Web3 governance—feel exciting, even fun. And along the way, he built a thriving business and VC fund around his writing.

This is how Packy McCormick made being smart not just cool—but profitable too.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Education

Packy grew up curious. He was the type of kid who always wanted to figure out how stuff worked—whether it was books, business models, or random tech gadgets. That curiosity stuck with him all the way to Duke University, where he studied economics.

While a lot of people slog through college just to land a safe job, Packy soaked it all up. He wasn’t just learning for the grades—he was building a foundation that would later make him one of the most insightful voices in tech.

Influences That Shaped Him

Packy’s writing shows you who his influences are. You’ll catch hints of Warren Buffett’s logic, a little of Ben Thompson’s tech smarts, and a big dose of “let’s think different” energy from the startup world. He also credits newsletters like Stratechery and The Hustle for showing him how powerful written content could be.

Wall Street Beginnings

First Jobs and Early Finance Career

Like many smart college grads, Packy started out on Wall Street. He joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch, dove into corporate finance, and lived the fast-paced, Excel-filled life of an investment banker. Think late nights, intense deadlines, and way too many spreadsheets.

Lessons Learned from the Corporate World

But even with the prestige and paycheck, something was missing. Packy realized he didn’t want to just crunch numbers—he wanted to understand the story behind those numbers. That “why” would become the heart of everything he did next.

From Suits to Startups

Leaving Wall Street for Tech

Eventually, Packy traded his suit and tie for startup hoodies and coffee-fueled brainstorms. He joined Breather, a company that offered on-demand meeting spaces. At Breather, he got to wear many hats—strategy, ops, fundraising—you name it.

The Turning Point

But like many startups, Breather hit rough waters. The company laid off employees, and Packy found himself at a crossroads. Go back to the safe world of finance… or try something totally new?

He took the leap—and started writing.

The Birth of “Not Boring”

Why He Started Writing

It all began as a small blog. Nothing fancy. Just Packy, sharing thoughts about business and tech during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. But people started paying attention. His writing wasn’t dry. It was smart, funny, thoughtful—and actually interesting.

Not Boring was born.

Naming the Newsletter

Calling it Not Boring was Packy’s way of saying, “Hey, I know this stuff sounds boring… but trust me, it’s not.” And he made good on that promise.

Growth Hacks and Early Traction

Packy didn’t rely on ads or clickbait. He grew by writing great stuff, consistently. He shared threads on Twitter that teased each article. He partnered with other creators. He made the kind of content people wanted to forward to friends.

Soon, Not Boring went from a few hundred readers to tens of thousands.

Official Website – Not Boring

The Rise of a Modern Tech Philosopher

Combining Storytelling and Strategy

What makes Packy different? He’s not just analyzing companies—he’s telling stories. Whether it’s Stripe, Solana, or some obscure SaaS startup, he breaks things down in a way that makes you care.

He blends logic with imagination. It’s part Harvard Business Review, part bedtime story.

Making Complex Topics Accessible

Ever read something about synthetic biology or Web3 governance and thought, “What even is this?” Packy takes that confusion and replaces it with clarity. He’s a master of analogies—like using sports or sci-fi to explain economic models.

He makes the complicated feel totally gettable.

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Making Nerdy Cool

https://youtu.be/FEFHhkmGLm8?si=p-BsJe7Q3hVP_vdn

Writing About “Boring” Companies with Style

You know you’re a great writer when you can get people hyped about insurance tech. That’s what Packy does. He finds the angle that makes it cool—whether that’s how a company is changing the world or reshaping a trillion-dollar market.

Why Founders and VCs Love Him

Founders love when Packy writes about them. A Not Boring post can bring in customers, investors, and fans overnight. VCs read him religiously. Some even say they use his breakdowns during pitch meetings.

The Not Boring Syndicate

From Newsletter to Investment Platform

In 2021, Packy took things to the next level. He launched Not Boring Capital, letting his readers invest alongside him in early-stage startups. Imagine reading about a company in his newsletter—and then actually backing it.

It was a game-changer.

Building a Community of Investors

This wasn’t your usual stuffy VC firm. It felt like a club of curious, smart people betting on the future—together. Packy gave his audience a way to go beyond reading and become part of the action.

Investing Like a Storyteller

How Packy Evaluates Startups

Packy doesn’t just look at revenue and growth charts. He asks, “What’s the story here? What’s the why?” He backs founders with bold visions and startups that most people don’t fully understand—yet.

Marrying Narrative with Data

His investor memos aren’t dry reports—they’re compelling, data-backed narratives. He doesn’t just say, “This startup is good.” He shows you why it could change everything.

Business Model Behind Not Boring

Monetizing Newsletters and Investments

So how does Packy make money? Through a mix of sponsored content, startup investments, and partnerships. But he’s picky—he only works with sponsors who align with his audience.

Sponsorships, Syndicates, and Beyond

He’s built multiple revenue streams: ad deals, investment carry, even licensing potential. Not bad for a guy who just started typing during lockdown.

Packy’s Influence on the Creator Economy

The Solo Capitalist Trend

Packy is part of a new wave: solo creators who also invest. No big firm, no gatekeepers—just a laptop, a sharp brain, and an audience. He’s made it cool (and viable) to be a “one-person media VC.”

How Packy Inspires Other Writer-Investors

Others are following his lead—people like Sahil Bloom and Lenny Rachitsky. Thanks to Packy, more writers are realizing they can build brands and back the next big thing.

Collaborations and Key Partnerships

Work with a16z, Founders, and Funds

Packy’s work is read by top VC firms like Andreessen Horowitz. Some firms even use his articles to educate teams or inform investments. Founders love when he writes about them—it gives them instant credibility.

Standout Collaborations

One of his most talked-about pieces? A deep-dive on Solana. It blended crypto, economics, culture, and community into one giant, viral essay.

Challenges and Criticism

Balancing Hype and Reality

Some folks say Packy gets a little too excited about the future. They call him a tech optimist—maybe even a dreamer. But he’s honest about it. He’s never pretending to be neutral.

Dealing with Pushback and Trolls

Twitter fights, Reddit hate, the usual internet drama—he’s seen it all. Packy’s move? Stay calm, stay kind, and keep writing with integrity.

Personal Life and Work Philosophy

A Peek Behind the Screen

Packy lives in Brooklyn with his family. He writes early in the mornings, often with a cup of coffee and a goal: make each week’s piece just a little bit better than the last.

How He Stays Consistent and Curious

His secret weapon? Insane curiosity. He reads everything—books, blogs, whitepapers. If it’s interesting, he’s on it. That curiosity keeps his writing sharp and his audience hooked.

The Future of Not Boring

What’s Next for Packy?

More newsletters? A podcast? A book deal? Who knows! Packy’s just getting started. Whatever comes next, it’ll be thoughtful, well-written, and full of big ideas.

Expansion Plans and Vision

Packy wants to make it easier for smart people to turn their curiosity into careers. He’s already built the blueprint—now he’s helping others do the same.

Conclusion

Packy McCormick didn’t set out to be a VC or a content guru. He just started writing what he was curious about—and people paid attention. In a world of quick takes and hype, he brings depth, heart, and brains. And he’s proven that being nerdy isn’t just cool—it’s a superpower.

FAQs

1. What is Packy McCormick best known for?

He’s the writer behind Not Boring, a newsletter that explains tech and startups in a fun, smart way. He also runs Not Boring Capital.

2. How did he grow Not Boring so fast?

By writing every week, using Twitter smartly, and building a loyal audience who loves deep, nerdy content.

3. Does Packy invest in startups?

Yep! He runs a syndicate where readers can invest with him. It’s called Not Boring Capital.

4. What’s unique about his writing style?

It’s personal, story-driven, and full of smart metaphors. He makes complex topics feel simple and exciting.

5. Where can I read Not Boring?

Just head to notboring.co and subscribe for free.

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