Global Investing: The World’s Most Interesting Men

I was thinking about one of my life heroes, Jim Rogers, cofounder of the legendary Quantum Fund with George Soros. Author of “Investment Biker”,  “Adventure Capitalist” & “Hot Commodities”. Probably one of the most accomplished and well travelled men around who has probably visited more countries than most people. 

I realize how much of an influence he has had in my life and how I’ve subconsciously followed his path albeit in a different asset class and path. So much so that considering all the random countries I’ve ended up going to around the world, some people think I work for the CIA. I don’t work for the CIA btw. 

I did not fully realize the depth of Jim Rogers influence until my friend Mike Butcher recently asked me “why I spent so much time traveling and investing around the world when I could just stay in Silicon Valley?” 

It was a good question and he is right to ask. I probably would have done so much better just hanging out full time and investing in the deep networks and deal flow that happen there. But frankly I’d be just like all the other venture capitalists there. And I’d probably be bored. Or worse, boring, which is how I feel about most of the investors I met there. 

The folks I tend to have affinity with are global VC investors like Sheel Mohnot of BTV, Paul Bragiel of Bragiel Brothers VC & Zach Coelius of Coelius Capital. Some of the few US VCs who also invest and travel internationally. Ironically, I meet these guys overseas in other countries more than in San Francisco. 

They are all incredibly accomplished and live interesting lives with lots of fun side quests. Paul and his adventure to compete in the Olympics & now involvement with the Polish baseball league. Zach and his goal of visiting every country listed by the UN, his backcountry ski trips & his own Olympic Games ambitions. Sheel and his random visits to festivals and places around the world. He also has one of the best X accounts around. All of these guys are true global adventurers with lots of fun experiences and stories. 

It’s probably also why I am also friends with global private investors like Swen Lorenz & Cody Shirk and their communities. All global minded investors where some of the most interesting conversations happen. 

I’m trying to keep up with regular international travels myself.  I do adventures like shooting & wilderness survivalist training. I am also glad I have taken various random classes like Russian & Japanese languages, bartending, sailing, beekeeping, cinematic sword fighting, archery, fencing and lots of martial arts. 

I have plans to do pilgrimage hikes in Japan like the Shikoku Henro and Kumano Kodo as well and the Way: the traditional Catholic El Camino de Santiago. 

Even as the world deglobalizes or balkanizes, I will still travel until the borders close. It’s the easiest way to stay excited about life and the possibilities of life. You will always meet new people, learn new things, have new adventures and get new stories. In other words, it’s a great way to stay interested and interesting.