the ugly innovation bet

Picking innovation ideas can be tricky as is with any investment idea.

Here is the story [1]:

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha," is known for his successful investment strategies and long-term value investing approach. Throughout his career, Buffett has emphasized the importance of diversification and avoiding the temptation to concentrate investments in a single asset.

One notable example is Buffett's investment in the Coca-Cola Company. In the late 1980s, Coca-Cola was facing challenges, and many investors were skeptical about its future prospects. However, Buffett saw an opportunity where others didn't. Despite the doubts surrounding the company, he believed in the long-term strength of Coca-Cola's brand and its ability to generate consistent returns.

Buffett's decision to invest a significant portion of his portfolio in Coca-Cola was seen by some as a risky move at the time. However, his conviction in the company's potential paid off handsomely. Over the years, Coca-Cola's stock price soared, and Buffett's investment yielded substantial returns.

This illustrates the principle of including elements in a portfolio that may appear "wrong" or unconventional to others. Buffett's investment in Coca-Cola, which was initially met with skepticism, turned out to be a brilliant move that contributed to his overall success as an investor.

The best portfolios have elements that feel questionable.

They often end up being right.

[1] https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/052615/why-did-warren-buffett-invest-heavily-cocacola-ko-late-1980s.asp


2023-07-14