Boron subphthalocyanines (BsubPcs) are an emerging class of high performing materials in organic electronics. Since the first use of chloroboron subphthalocyanine in an organic electronic device 6 years ago subphthalocyanines have shown potential as functional materials in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Here we review the material properties of chloroboron subphthalocyanine (Cl-BsubPc) and its use as an organic semiconductor. We then highlight our efforts toward derivatives of boron subpthalocyanine beyond Cl-BsubPc and discuss the impact of molecular design on the material properties and the performance of the BsubPc. Finally, we comment on the status of BsubPcs in the field of organic electronics and discuss how we believe future progress can be made.