The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

TBM 362: How (And Why) We Help

The Beautiful Mess • 370 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25

Consulting can either follow a set plan or focus on helping people discover their own solutions. It's important to understand the difference and choose the right approach.
It's normal to feel torn between sticking to the usual ways of doing things and wanting to create real change. Recognizing this struggle is the first step to addressing it.
Being aware of how we show up in our work is crucial. It helps us connect better with others and can lead to more meaningful change.

Reading List 02/15/25

Construction Physics • 8351 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25

💼 Business Insurance Automotive Investment Infrastructure Technology

California is facing a homeowners insurance crisis, with the state relying on private insurers for a bailout to support its last-resort fire insurance, leading to increased costs for homeowners.
Tech companies are vastly increasing their investments in AI data centers, with major players like Microsoft and Google planning to spend over $215 billion combined this fiscal year.
Tesla is seeing a decline in sales both in Europe and the US, which may be linked to public perception of Elon Musk and his influence on politics.

From Average To Exceptional: 5 Skills To Help You Become The Data Expert Everyone Wants To Work With

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 494 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

💼 Business Data science Career development Communication Analytics Team Collaboration

Always focus on the real problem behind a request, not just what is being asked. This helps you deliver better solutions that actually meet the business needs.
Using clear frameworks can help organize your thoughts and make complex investigations easier. A structured approach leads to clearer communication and better results.
Keep your communication simple and focused on what matters to your stakeholders. This helps everyone stay on the same page and reduces confusion.

The Bear Cave #261

The Bear Cave • 396 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25

💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Risk management

There's been some concern about AppLovin, a mobile app company. A researcher claims they are using a scheme that makes it look like users are rewarded for in-app purchases, which might not be genuine.
Multiple company executives have recently resigned, including CEOs and CFOs from several firms. This shows instability in some companies and could affect their future performance.
Some activists are raising issues about well-known companies, like Coca-Cola, and their social policies. This highlights ongoing debates around corporate responsibility and public perception.

How Trump’s Tariff Threat Made Apple Jump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 570 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

💼 Business Economics Corporate Trade Investment Leadership

Apple plans to invest $500 billion in the U.S., which could set a trend for other companies. This is a big decision that shows they are responding to economic pressures.
Trump's comments on tariffs indicate he believes they can influence business decisions, like Apple's move to invest domestically.
The situation reflects how political actions can have real effects on large businesses and their investment strategies.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

NVIDIA 2025 Q4 Financials

More Than Moore • 233 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25

💼 Business Finance Earnings Technology Market Trends Growth Strategy

NVIDIA is seeing huge success, with its revenue and profits growing significantly. Their Q4 revenue reached $39.3 billion, which is a 78% increase from last year.
Most of NVIDIA's growth comes from their data center business, which accounts for over 90% of their revenue. They are becoming primarily a data center company with strong sales of AI training hardware.
While the gaming sector is struggling a bit, NVIDIA's automotive division is booming, having achieved 103% growth in Q4. Their self-driving technology is driving this success.

Why We Make the Exeter Hammer

The American Peasant • 2715 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

💼 Business Product Development Entrepreneurship Manufacturing Marketing Sales

The Exeter Hammer was developed over three years to create a lightweight, balanced tool ideal for furniture makers. It combines good design and functionality to improve woodworking tasks.
The hammer's design process involved scrapping an earlier project that felt too similar to common hammers on the market. This led to creating a unique hammer that meets specific needs of woodworkers.
The first 400 hammers sold quickly, showing a strong demand and approval from users. This success suggests that thoughtful design can resonate well with the target audience.

Join me for a conversation with Brett Berson, Partner at First Round Capital

Thinking in Bets • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24

💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Decision-making Startups

Learn how a top venture capital firm has changed its investment processes. They focus on being more organized and efficient.
Discover how to make better investment choices using data. A data-driven approach helps in making smarter decisions.
Find out how to improve feedback loops in finance. Creating quicker feedback can help in long-term decision-making.

Why HBO's YouTube windowing strategy didn't work

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 124 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

💼 Business Media Technology Subscription Marketing Content

HBO's attempt to delay posting John Oliver clips on YouTube didn't help boost views on their streaming service Max. They found that audiences are happy to wait for free content.
Investing in original reporting is key for media outlets as AI grows. Those that focus on unique content will likely thrive, even as AI potentially takes some traffic.
There is increasing competition in the book industry as alternatives to Amazon emerge, with readers and authors seeking more choices and less dependence on a single platform.

Earlywood: Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It

The American Peasant • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Networking Marketing Finance Self-employment

Keep your day job until you are financially secure. It’s smart to build your business while you still have a steady income.
Network with other creative people. Making friends in your field can lead to new opportunities and support when you need it.
Learn a bit of everything. Knowing skills like photography and website design can save you money and help your business thrive.

Building Mighty Small Businesses

Investing 101 • 110 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Small business Startups Economic Trends

The American Dream means having the freedom to live as you wish, owning a home, getting an education, and starting a business. Many people still seek these goals, especially the chance to run their own business.
Venture capital often pushes founders to aim for very large, unrealistic goals, which can lead to many startups failing. Most entrepreneurs should focus on building small, sustainable businesses instead.
It's easier to start a small business today than ever before due to new tools and platforms. Don't feel pressured to chase after massive funding; instead, choose a path that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Founders over fifty.

The Common Reader • 1842 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investing Venture Capital Startups Innovation

Older founders often have more experience and valuable connections than younger ones. This helps them spot opportunities that others might miss.
Studies show the average age of successful entrepreneurs is around 45. Older founders are more likely to make successful sales than younger founders.
Experience from past failures can improve the chances of success in new ventures. Many middle-aged entrepreneurs have the financial stability to start their own businesses.

Achievement, here and there

benn.substack • 613 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Innovation Technology Economic Development

Many startups often pivot to new ideas after their initial product fails. This happens so frequently in Silicon Valley that it’s often seen as a normal part of business.
Founders usually start companies not just to solve problems, but also to gain status and success. They might care more about how they look to others than the specific product they offer.
There's a growing trend where success in technology is being intertwined with politics. People are now noticing and valuing the impact of policy making as much as tech achievements.

The Anarchist’s Compass No. 1

The American Peasant • 2535 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24

💼 Business Publishing Finance Entrepreneurship Acquisitions Venture Capital

A businessman shared a wild story about buying a small publishing company. He revealed that the owner didn't know he was supposed to keep the cash in the company, and the buyer ended up getting the business almost for free.
The room erupted in laughter when he shared how the situation turned out. It showed how sometimes, deals can have unexpected and surprising outcomes.
This story highlights how important it is to understand business transactions and financial details. Misunderstandings can lead to big surprises for both buyers and sellers.

What is next for collaborations?

The Sociology of Business • 737 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

💼 Business Marketing Branding Collaborations Consumer behavior

Brands are now combining different areas like food, art, and fashion to create unique experiences for customers. This helps them stand out and attract more attention.
Collaborations allow brands to show their taste and connect with customers in a deeper way, almost like building a community around their identity.
Creative directors play an important role in making brands culturally relevant by exploring new collaborations outside their core market, which helps them grow and stay appealing.

The vibes are bad

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25

💼 Business Finance Tech Market Trends Investments Economics

Okta and Gitlab had great stock performances today, showing positive earnings and growth. It's nice to see some companies thriving in a tough market.
The stock market is struggling, with major indices like the DJIA and S&P500 dropping significantly. This could raise concerns about an upcoming recession.
Despite the bad vibes in the market, there are still bright spots like new music releases making waves. It's important to find joy even when things seem uncertain.

Part 3: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 972 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

💼 Business Corporate culture Workplace Diversity Leadership Employee Experience Human Resources

DEI programs aim to attract and keep diverse workers, which can be helpful in the workplace. It’s important to think about hiring people from different backgrounds when it makes sense for the job.
Diverse teams can bring new ideas and better problem-solving. Different perspectives help clarify issues and lead to smart solutions.
While DEI programs have good intentions, they can sometimes lead to silly situations and waste time. It's important to focus on what truly helps in the workplace.

Coreweave is going public!

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25

💼 Business Economics Startups Investing Tech industry Market Trends

Coreweave is going public and has seen impressive revenue growth, largely due to a specific focus on AI workloads. They claim that their services are specially built to handle the demands of AI, allowing for high efficiency.
The company is heavily reliant on just a few big customers, with Microsoft providing a significant portion of its revenue. This raises concerns about sustainability if Microsoft decides to cut back on their services.
While Coreweave's expenses are high from investing in infrastructure, they expect to break even on these investments fairly quickly. However, future demand for their services is crucial for their ongoing success.

No Pats On the Back

Points And Figures • 772 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Investment Strategies Economic Development

Chicago lacks the investment and willingness to take risks that cities like Silicon Valley and New York have. This makes it hard for startups to get support.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive when they focus on merit and tolerance for failure. Chicago is seen as outdated in these aspects.
The culture in Chicago often emphasizes who you are instead of what you can achieve, which can hinder innovation and growth.

Evolution: A Sign of Resilience

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 779 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24

💼 Business Finance Market Analysis Investment Strategies

Evolution's revenue grew by 15% for the second quarter in a row, showing strong demand in its Live segment. This is great news as most of their money comes from this area.
Despite facing challenges like labor issues and cyber-attacks, Evolution has been able to keep its business model scalable. They managed to serve more players with fewer staff, which helps with costs.
The company is expanding globally, opening new studios in places like Colombia and the Czech Republic. They plan to keep growing, aiming to tap into more markets like Brazil and the Philippines.

Downstream Problems

The Breaking Point • 199 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

💼 Business Sales Marketing Leadership Decision-making Growth

Focus on solving the root problem, not just the surface issues. Fixing the wrong thing will only lead to more problems.
Quality leads are crucial for a successful sales process. Even a flawed process can succeed if the leads are strong and motivated.
Looking upstream for solutions can help fix multiple problems at once. If you improve one area, other issues may also resolve.

The Sad Saga of Bud Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2986 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

💼 Business Marketing Branding Corporate culture Consumer behavior Economic Impact

Bud Light was once America's favorite beer, but it lost its top spot after a marketing move focused on social issues. Many customers turned away from the brand.
The shift towards diversity and inclusion in corporate strategies can sometimes backfire. For Bud Light, it cost them loyal customers and sales.
It's important for companies to balance social goals with their business interests. Ignoring customer preferences can lead to serious repercussions.

#3: The ad that checks you're rich

12challenges • 85 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25

💼 Business Advertising Marketing Satire Media Technology

There's a humorous ad concept that checks if you're wealthy before you can click it. It's meant to point out the silliness of clicking on ads for things we can't afford.
The idea is that ads wasting money can harm everyone, so this ad aims to avoid that waste by making sure only those who can actually buy stuff see it.
This initiative shows a creative approach to advertising and is part of a larger plan to create more satirical ads that poke fun at everyday marketing tactics.

Engineer to CEO in 3 years: These key lessons got me there

High Growth Engineer • 717 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25

💼 Business Leadership Career growth Startups Entrepreneurship Management

Simplify your communication by sharing only the important details. It's better to answer the main question first and add more info later if needed.
Look for gaps in your team or company where you can help. Taking initiative and proposing solutions can help you grow in your career.
Listen to your team and find out what problems they face. Removing obstacles makes it easier for everyone to work better together.

Illumina's Roche Reaction

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25

💼 Business Health tech Market Trends Corporate strategy Investments Innovation

Illumina is facing several challenges, including layoffs and changes in their offerings. They've introduced a new spatial instrument but are cutting employee stock grants.
In their response to Roche, Illumina emphasized that Roche's technology is complex and might not be as efficient. They believe their products, like the MiSeq i100, are on par in performance.
Overall, Illumina didn't provide clear answers to questions about their strategy, leaving some uncertainty about their future direction in the market.

What Hotelier Ari Heckman thinks about building brand worlds IRL

the case for brand 💼 • 137 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25

💼 Business Hospitality Branding Entrepreneurship Design Marketing

Ari Heckman focuses on creating unique brand worlds for his hotel projects, blending art and commerce. This approach helps make each hotel feel special and connected to the local culture.
He emphasizes the importance of being involved in both the creative and operational sides of business. Balancing creative ideas with sound business practices can lead to better results.
The idea of evolving beyond just being a hotel brand is key for Ash. They want to be seen as a lifestyle brand, offering more than just lodging, like products and experiences that connect with their brand story.

The Bear Cave #260

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Executive Changes

New activist reports have revealed serious allegations against several companies, including Applied Optoelectronics and GeneDx Holdings, suggesting they may be involved in fraud and misleading practices.
There were significant executive resignations this week from companies like Match Group and Digital Turbine, indicating possible instability within these businesses.
The SEC is changing how it conducts investigations, which may slow down enforcement actions, showing a shift in regulatory approach.

Africa's Hustle Generation: Ambition, Innovation, Opportunity

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 146 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25

💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investment Workforce Innovation

Africa has the youngest population in the world, with many young people entering the workforce. This could lead Africa to play a bigger role in global growth by 2030.
There is a thriving start-up culture in Africa, especially in technology and finance. Companies are getting more funding and creating new job opportunities.
As more people in Africa move to cities, the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship increases. Urban centers are becoming major hubs for new businesses and investments.

Nebius Part 2: Cash, Optionalities, Challenges

Interconnected • 200 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

💼 Business Investment Startups Technology AI Market Trends

Nebius has a strong cash position with around $3 billion and no debt, which helps it stand out in the competitive AI market. This cash allows the company to potentially grow without heavy financial pressure.
The company's various assets, like Toloka and Avride, provide unique opportunities that could enhance Nebius's offerings and market position. Keeping some of these assets might lead to greater strategic advantages.
Nebius faces challenges in a crowded market, especially in understanding how to best utilize its subsidiaries and in competing against larger cloud service providers. Its future success will depend on careful geographic and strategic planning.

Have you published your 100 pieces of content?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

💼 Business Media Content creation Advertising Local news Digital economy

Making 100 pieces of content is important for creators. Each piece helps them improve and grow their skills.
Local news can succeed with unique content that people are willing to pay for. New models, like those used by Mill Media, are proving this strategy works.
YouTube's rise in TV viewership is changing advertising dynamics. It's becoming a more attractive platform for brands, leading to more revenue for creators.

Reading List 01/04/2025

Construction Physics • 11065 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25

💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Infrastructure Natural resources Regulations

There are maps showing natural amenities across the US, ranking places based on factors like temperature and sunshine. The West Coast and Florida score well, while the Midwest does not.
Venture capital funding is shifting, with larger firms getting most of the money while smaller ones are struggling. There's a big drop in initial public offerings, making it tougher for investors.
Boeing's recent struggles can be linked to its past merger with McDonnell Douglas, which seems to have affected its product development negatively.

How Onlyfans Took Over The World

Knowingless • 7901 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

💼 Business Online Platforms E-commerce Marketing Consumer behavior Sex work

OnlyFans changed the way adult entertainment works by creating a sense of individual connection between creators and fans. This makes users feel like they're having a personal experience, even when there are a lot of other guys involved.
The platform allows creators to reach a wider audience without much advertising support. Instead, users have to market themselves, which leads to a huge increase in the number of ads for OnlyFans across the internet.
Agencies have become a big part of OnlyFans, managing content and interactions for creators. They help maximize profits by taking care of marketing and customer interactions, letting creators focus on content.

The age of SUPERCONTENT

The Sociology of Business • 957 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24

💼 Business Marketing Branding Content creation Digital Media Consumer behavior

Brands are becoming content creators to engage a wider audience, not just their customers. They create fun and informative content to attract fans and observers.
Today's successful content is often found in show business style, blending storytelling and entertainment across various platforms. This means brands are constantly producing engaging material that keeps their audience interested.
Content is vital for a brand's success, often affecting how products are viewed and sold. Good content can help a brand stand out and become more discoverable, especially in a crowded market.

The Secret Sauce of Palantir

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

💼 Business Finance Investments Technology Startups Market Analysis

Palantir focuses on personalized data analysis for each client, using committed engineers to solve specific problems. These Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) learn the client's business and adapt solutions to boost productivity.
The combination of FDEs and Product Development teams creates a unique feedback loop, improving software based on real experiences. This teamwork helps build a strong customer relationship that keeps clients engaged with Palantir.
Palantir's success isn't about traditional AI but rather understanding and addressing client needs first. This customer-first approach leads to recurring revenue and a reputation for effective solutions.

How Paul Krugman changed the public face of economics

Noahpinion • 25647 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24

💼 Business Economics Macroeconomics Public Engagement

Paul Krugman changed economics by making it more accessible and engaging. He believed that good ideas come from everyone, not just top experts.
He played a key role in popularizing Keynesian economics, especially during the Great Recession. His work helped explain the importance of government spending to boost the economy.
Krugman critiqued the academic hierarchy and encouraged open discussions. He showed that even big names in economics could be questioned, which opened the door for new ideas.

Five possible reasons China's productivity slowed down

Noahpinion • 15529 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24

💼 Business Economics International Trade Productivity Corporate strategy Market Trends

China's productivity growth has slowed down due to hitting natural limits in technology absorption and an aging population. As they reached the tech frontier, it became harder to improve productivity at the same pace.
R&D productivity in China is low, especially in state-owned companies. The focus has shifted to quantity over quality in research, leading to many low-quality studies and less innovation.
China's economy is heavily reliant on investment rather than consumption. Unlike the U.S., which benefits from high consumer spending, China may be missing out on productivity gains from a robust consumer market.

TBM 361: Context, Collaboration, Intent, and Investment

The Beautiful Mess • 476 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25

💼 Business Strategy Management Collaboration Investment Operations

Understanding context is important. It helps teams see the bigger picture and how things change over time.
Intent is about setting clear goals for the future. Being specific about what you want to achieve can help guide actions.
Collaboration and investment matter, too. Good teamwork and smart use of resources can drive better results and make projects more successful.

Managing people you don't like

Leading Developers • 111 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25

💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace culture Human Resources Team Dynamics

It's important to recognize that your personal biases can affect how you view coworkers. Sometimes, just because you don't like someone personally doesn't mean they aren't valuable to the team.
Diverse teams are often more productive and successful. Focusing only on people you personally get along with can lead to missing out on talented individuals who bring different skills and perspectives.
To manage effectively, you should examine your biases, focus on each person's strengths, and adapt your communication style. This will help create a better work environment for everyone.

The paywall dilemma

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25

💼 Business Media Trends Creator Economy Subscription Models Digital Platforms Content Strategy

Hiding articles behind a paywall can lower subscription rates. Many readers feel they've gotten enough info from just the headline and first few lines, so they don’t feel the need to pay.
The creator economy is growing, with many people earning six-figure incomes from smaller audiences. This means that you don’t need a huge following to be successful anymore.
Media companies, like BuzzFeed, are shifting to build their own social networks. This helps them keep audiences engaged on their own platforms and improves their chances of future success.

Diamonds Aren’t Forever

The Bear Cave • 629 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

💼 Business Retail Market Trends Consumer behavior Jewelry Industry Analysis

The diamond industry is in trouble because lab-grown diamonds are cheaper and just as good as natural ones. More people are choosing lab-grown diamonds over mined ones.
Diamond prices are dropping fast, with reports showing sharp declines recently. Many buyers are frustrated with companies that refuse to lower their prices.
Younger women are moving away from traditional mined diamonds. They find lab-grown options more reasonable and prefer spending money on experiences rather than expensive stones.