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Patrick J. McGinnis

Patrick J. McGinnis

Inventor of FOMO. Author. Speaker. Venture Capitalist. Coach

New York, NY
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Joined December 2025
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Summary

Patrick J. McGinnis is widely recognized as the inventor of the terms FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and FOBO (Fear Of a Better Option), which he coined in a 2004 op-ed while attending Harvard Business School. He has since become a leading voice on decision-making in an increasingly complex world. patrickmcginnis+3
As an accomplished author, McGinnis has penned two bestselling books: "The 10% Entrepreneur" (2016), which advocates for integrating entrepreneurial endeavors into one's existing career, and "Fear of Missing Out: Practical Decision-Making in a World of Overwhelming Choice" (2020), which builds upon his seminal concept of FOMO to provide practical decision-making frameworks. patrickmcginnis+3
McGinnis is the creator and host of the popular business podcast "FOMO Sapiens," which explores how entrepreneurial thinkers make personal and professional decisions. The podcast features interviews with a diverse range of leaders and innovators from business, politics, and culture. patrickmcginnis+1
With over 25 years of experience in emerging markets, private equity, and venture capital, Patrick McGinnis has held significant roles in investment and advisory firms. He is the Managing Partner of Dirigo Advisors (founded 2010), Co-Founder of The xQuotient (2024), and serves on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee at ibex (2024). His prior experience includes positions at PineBridge Investments (formerly AIG Capital Partners), JP Morgan Partners, and Chase Capital Partners. wikipedia+2
A global speaker and advisor, McGinnis leverages his expertise in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and decision-making. He has advised organizations like the World Bank Group on private equity and venture capital in developing countries and frequently delivers keynotes on related topics. wikipedia+1
Patrick McGinnis holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BSFS in International Economics and Latin American Studies from Georgetown University. He was also a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Economics at Universidad Torcuato di Tella. wikipedia+2

Work

Education

Writing

Fear of Missing Out: Practical Decision-Making in a World of Overwhelming Choice

May 1, 2020

A guide to overcoming FOMO by mastering practical decision-making skills and prioritizing choices, showing readers how to live life on their own terms.

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The 10% Entrepreneur: Live Your Startup Dream Without Quitting Your Day Job

January 1, 2016

Explains how to gain the benefits of entrepreneurship by investing just 10% of one's time and resources, offering a path to becoming an entrepreneur without leaving a steady job.

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Private Equity and Venture Capital in SMEs in Developing Countries: The Role for Technical Assistance

April 1, 2014

A policy research working paper co-authored for the World Bank, focusing on the role of private equity and venture capital in small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries.

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Notes

MCMarcelo Camberossaid
PMPatrick McGinnis
is someone they respect for consistently standing by their principles, even under pressure.

Jul 1, 2025