Why this VC bets on founders who can sell stories

The concept of “narrative command” in politics and business: Alex Roy, co-founder of New Industry VC (NIVC), introduces a compelling framework for understanding how startups and political campaigns shape perceptions and drive success.

• Roy defines “narrative command” as a startup’s ability to define a vision of the future that becomes the default for their industry vertical, highlighting its importance in both the business and political realms.
• Speaking in an interview on November 6, 2024, Roy uses the backdrop of Donald Trump’s re-election to illustrate how narrative command applies to political campaigns and election outcomes.
• Roy’s analysis suggests that Trump and the Republican party’s stronger, more consistent narrative contributed significantly to their electoral success in 2024.

Key insights on narrative command in politics: The fixed nature of election cycles and the importance of aligning narratives with broader national themes play crucial roles in political storytelling.

• Elections occur at predetermined intervals, requiring political narratives to align with reality every four years, which creates a unique challenge for maintaining narrative consistency.
• Successful political narratives often tap into broader themes about America’s role in the world, with candidates aligning their messages with these overarching stories.
• Roy argues that the Republicans and Trump presented a more compelling and consistent narrative compared to their Democratic counterparts in the 2024 election.
• The Democrats’ failure to articulate a strong counter-narrative and effectively leverage new media platforms is cited as a significant factor in their electoral defeat.

The intersection of narrative command and operational mastery: NIVC’s investment strategy focuses on startups that excel in both storytelling and execution, particularly in cutting-edge technology sectors.

• Roy’s venture capital firm seeks out companies that demonstrate both “narrative command” and “operational mastery” in fields such as robotics, clean tech, and aerospace.
• This dual focus ensures that startups not only have a compelling vision for the future but also possess the technical expertise to bring that vision to reality.
• The approach highlights the importance of balancing visionary storytelling with practical execution in the startup ecosystem.

Transcending political divides through technology: Roy advocates for focusing on technologies that offer universal benefits, regardless of the political climate.

• He suggests that companies and founders can find success by developing technologies that “transcend politics” and provide value to everyone, irrespective of their political affiliations.
• This strategy allows businesses to navigate potentially polarizing political environments by emphasizing the broad applicability and benefits of their innovations.
• The approach underscores the potential for technology to bridge political divides and create value across ideological spectrums.

The power of narrative in shaping perceptions: Roy’s analysis demonstrates how effective storytelling can influence outcomes in both business and politics.

• The concept of narrative command illustrates the crucial role that compelling storytelling plays in shaping public perception and driving success in various fields.
• By defining a clear vision of the future, startups and political campaigns can set the agenda for their respective domains and influence how others perceive and interact with them.
• The ability to craft and maintain a strong narrative emerges as a key differentiator in competitive landscapes, whether in the business world or the political arena.

Adapting narratives to changing realities: The interview highlights the importance of flexibility in maintaining narrative command over time.

• Political narratives face the unique challenge of aligning with reality every four years due to election cycles, requiring adaptability and responsiveness to changing circumstances.
• In the business world, startups must similarly evolve their narratives as they grow and as market conditions change, balancing consistency with the need to address new realities.
• This dynamic underscores the ongoing nature of narrative command, suggesting that it is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of refinement and adaptation.

Broader implications for leadership and communication: Roy’s insights extend beyond politics and startups, offering valuable lessons for leaders in various fields.

The concept of narrative command provides a framework for understanding how effective communication and vision-setting can drive success across different domains. Leaders in business, politics, and other areas can benefit from consciously crafting compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences and align with broader societal trends. However, the emphasis on both narrative and operational excellence serves as a reminder that storytelling alone is insufficient; successful leaders must also demonstrate the ability to execute and deliver on their promises. As society continues to grapple with complex challenges and rapid technological change, the ability to articulate clear, inspiring visions while also implementing practical solutions will likely become increasingly valuable.