The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Don't be evil*

benn.substack • 920 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate ethics Startup Culture Venture Capital Technology impact Market Dynamics
  1. Google succeeded for a long time because it was run by good people, or maybe because it just made such a great product that they didn't need to cut corners.
  2. When businesses are struggling, they might feel tempted to act unethically just to survive, but that's often because they don't have enough resources rather than failing morals.
  3. High ambitions can often lead companies to change in ways they didn't expect, sometimes moving away from their original ideals while trying to succeed.

AI Bubble📉, Canva acquires Leonardo AI🎨, How to Write Cold Emails✉️

The VC Corner • 279 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Innovation Technology Trends Market Analysis
  1. There seems to be an AI bubble, which means the excitement and investment in AI may be too high right now. It's important to be cautious and not assume growth will continue at the same rate.
  2. Canva has bought Leonardo AI, showing how big companies are integrating AI tools into their platforms to enhance creativity and productivity. This could lead to more user-friendly design solutions.
  3. Writing effective cold emails is crucial for reaching out to new contacts and building relationships. It’s all about being clear, concise, and personal in your approach.

The Bear Cave #249

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Investors Market Analysis Corporate Governance Executive Changes
  1. Multiple activist reports have raised concerns about major companies like Roblox, Oklo, and elf Beauty, suggesting issues of financial integrity and management competence. These reports could indicate potential future problems for these companies.
  2. Several key executives have recently resigned from their positions, including CEOs and CFOs from various companies. This turnover can point to instability within these organizations, potentially affecting their performance.
  3. There are ongoing investigations into companies like Zeta Global for unethical practices. Allegations of deceptive marketing and revenue manipulation highlight the importance of transparency in business.

Issue #17 - Unpacking the People, Process, Technology & Data Framework

The Data Ecosystem • 339 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
💼 Business Operations Management Strategy Data Technology
  1. The People, Process, Technology framework helps organizations balance these three key areas but often misses the importance of data. Companies should not just focus on technology but also consider how people and processes interact.
  2. A new framework that includes data is called People, Process, Technology & Data. This approach shows how these four components work together, helping organizations make better decisions and manage change more effectively.
  3. Using structured questions and understanding the roles of each component can enhance planning and execution in businesses. It's essential to revisit these elements regularly to stay aligned with goals and adapt as needed.

What happened in marketing: UK vs Privacy, TikTok returns, Youtube loves AI and Spotify...

The Social Juice • 19 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology Media Trends
  1. TikTok is back in the US app stores, which is good news for many users and creators. It shows the platform's resilience despite facing challenges.
  2. YouTube is putting more focus on AI technology, which could change how content is created and shared on their platform. This means innovative tools for creators to work with.
  3. The UK is in a legal battle with Apple over user privacy, highlighting ongoing concerns about how tech companies handle data. It's important for users to stay aware of their privacy rights.
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Arm's 2025 Q3 Financial Results

More Than Moore • 46 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Revenue Licensing Growth Market Trends
  1. Arm's recent financial results show a big increase in revenue, largely thanks to the growing demand for AI and new technology. They set records in both total and royalty revenues this quarter.
  2. The company is heavily investing in research and development, increasing their spending and hiring more engineers to stay competitive. This is helping them innovate and improve their products.
  3. Arm faces competition from other chip designers and ecosystems like RISC-V, so they must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their market share and continue growing.

The Bear Cave #248

The Bear Cave • 583 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate strategy Market Analysis Business Ethics
  1. Culper Research claims Zeta Global Holdings is involved in shady practices, including false data and deceptive websites to gather consumer information. They think Zeta's stock price is too high and expect it to drop soon.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations among executives in various companies, highlighting instability in leadership. It's concerning when CFOs and CEOs leave, especially in such quick succession.
  3. Recent reports have raised concerns about financial discrepancies in VusionGroup, which may indicate larger issues within the company. The connection with a major Chinese partner raises further questions about its operations.

How Failing Multiple Interviews Helped Me Create My Elevator Pitch For AWS Interview

Behavioral OS for Techies • 299 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
💼 Business Career development Job Interviews Resume Writing Networking Skills Training
  1. Keep your introduction short and focused, ideally between 1-2 minutes. This helps keep the interviewer's attention.
  2. Customize your intro based on the job you're applying for and the interviewer's background. It helps you connect better.
  3. Use key phrases and topics that you want the interviewer to ask about later. This guides the conversation in your favor.

Earnings, capex, and models, oh my!

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Earnings Investments Tech industry Market Trends Economic Impact
  1. Microsoft is doing well with cloud services and AI, showing growth and strong investments to meet demand.
  2. Meta is balancing costs well while investing in AI, which is helping them maintain profitability despite other losses.
  3. Tesla is focusing on long-term growth with self-driving technology and new robotics, which some investors find promising despite slow car sales.

TBM 339: Update and Clarifications

The Beautiful Mess • 978 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Product Management Work Culture
  1. This newsletter is independent of the author's employer, Dotwork, and he writes what he chooses without being paid for it.
  2. Dotwork is a startup that creates tools for product strategy and development, allowing teams to customize their work tools to fit their needs.
  3. The author enjoys sharing what he learns each week and believes in giving valuable content for free, trusting that good things will come back in the future.

Data-Driven Equity Splitting📊, The Path to PMF, Figma's $12.5 Bn Valuation🎨

The VC Corner • 379 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Fundraising Investments Equity
  1. Fundraising activity peaks between Labor Day and Christmas, so startups should prepare now to attract investors.
  2. Data-driven approaches can help startups split equity more fairly, making it easier to attract and keep talent.
  3. Figma's impressive $12.5 billion valuation shows the potential for growth in the tech industry, which should inspire other startups.

The victim trap of engineering managers

Leading Developers • 160 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace culture Professional development Emotional Intelligence
  1. The Drama Triangle explains how people fall into three roles during conflicts: Victim, Villain, and Hero. Recognizing these roles can help people avoid feeling powerless.
  2. When faced with challenges, it's important to shift focus from blaming others to understanding their perspective. This can help resolve issues more effectively.
  3. Concentrating on desired outcomes instead of problems can lead to better solutions. A positive mindset can transform frustration into productive action.

SpaceShoring: When Offshoring Just Isn’t Far Enough

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Manufacturing Startups Technology Space Economics
  1. Manufacturing in space has unique benefits, like producing materials with special properties that can't be achieved on Earth. This is due to factors like microgravity, which can enhance things like crystallization in materials.
  2. Despite the advantages, there are huge challenges to making space manufacturing cost-effective. High startup costs and technical difficulties mean it's currently not competitive with traditional Earth-based manufacturing.
  3. The future of space manufacturing could depend on companies like SpaceX reducing launch costs even more. If prices drop significantly, it might open up new possibilities for making things in space that could eventually be profitable.

How to Avoid Becoming a VC Meme and Actually Add Value

The Generalist • 700 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship Startups Growth Strategies
  1. Venture capitalists should focus on actually helping founders by connecting them with great talent, customers, and funding. It's important not just to say you add value, but to really do something meaningful.
  2. It's better for investors to set realistic expectations about their contributions. Overpromising can damage relationships with founders, so honesty about what you can offer is key.
  3. Investors should respect the founder's role and not try to take over. They bring valuable insights but need to let entrepreneurs lead their own companies and make their own decisions.

Super Bowl vs Valentine vs Duolingo's death — The best of brands and marketers

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Brands Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Marketing can feel really fast and crazy, especially with big events like Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl happening at the same time. It’s like a mix of excitement and chaos.
  2. Testing different email times for newsletters can help find the best way to reach more readers. It’s all about experimenting to see what works better.
  3. Investing attention in good content is important, just like spending money wisely. When you pay attention to quality, it pays off in the long run.

How to Value a Startup: Key Methods Every Investor and Founder Should Know

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
💼 Business Investment Strategies Market Analysis Entrepreneurship
  1. Valuing a startup is tricky because they often lack steady revenue, so traditional methods might not work well. Founders and investors need to find alternative ways to assess a startup's worth.
  2. The valuation process combines both art and science. It's important to consider factors like the team's skills and the product's uniqueness alongside more measurable data like market trends.
  3. The Scorecard Valuation Method is a key approach to valuing startups, offering steps and examples that help make the valuation process clearer and more practical for those involved.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 34 - sales people always say yes

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Sales Marketing Management Finance
  1. Starting a business without a formal plan can still lead to success, especially if you're adaptable and listen to your customers.
  2. Entering new markets can be tricky; familiarity with local culture and practices is very important to avoid mistakes.
  3. It's better to focus on areas where you have experience and can easily connect with customers, rather than spreading too thin in unfamiliar locations.

Revenue Operations Pros Are Work Horses

beyondrevenueoperations • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
💼 Business Sales Strategy Data Management Process Optimization Team Collaboration
  1. Revenue Operations focuses on aligning sales, marketing, and customer support to boost overall revenue. This means all teams need to work together to improve the customer experience.
  2. Data accuracy and management are crucial in Revenue Operations. Keeping customer data clean helps everyone make better decisions and understand what drives sales.
  3. Ongoing support and training empower teams to succeed. Providing the right tools and resources ensures that all revenue-generating teams can perform at their best.

From Beginner to Substack Bestseller | Interview with Valentin Bunea

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 999 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Online business Writing
  1. Being successful in writing a newsletter takes hard work and dedication, not just a few hours a week. Many successful writers manage their time early in the morning or late at night to fit their writing into a busy life.
  2. You can build a profitable newsletter business in a reasonable amount of time each day. It's about focusing on the right tasks that bring the most value to your readers.
  3. Believing in yourself and being consistent with your writing can lead to great opportunities. Just like with fitness, doing daily reps in writing can make a big difference.

CIAM Market Size

ciamweekly • 62 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Market Size Financial Analysis SaaS Cybersecurity Revenue Models
  1. The CIAM market is growing fast, with estimates ranging from $12.5B in 2024 to $43.6B in 2034. This shows a big interest in managing customer identities.
  2. CIAM is different from IAM, focusing on customers instead of employees. This market is not as big as data storage or CRM but has its own importance.
  3. Companies in this market can earn a lot, but revenue is unevenly spread. Some big firms like Auth0 and Ping pull in significant revenue, while smaller startups are also emerging.

Loose Ends

Doomberg • 10309 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance Energy Politics Climate Market Analysis
  1. It's important for analysts to reflect on their past work to improve and learn from mistakes.
  2. Understanding the political landscape is crucial for predicting market trends, especially in energy markets.
  3. The strategy of imposing sanctions against Russia may be ineffective and could have negative consequences on the global financial system.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers: HRTech Edition

Human Capitalist • 119 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
💼 Business Human Resources Job Market Technology Adoption Corporate strategy Talent Acquisition
  1. There are many recent job changes in the HR field, highlighting the fluid nature of careers in this sector.
  2. Some notable professionals have taken on new roles, which can impact their companies and the industry overall.
  3. Tracking job changes can provide valuable insights for investors, recruiters, and businesses looking to stay informed about talent trends.

Mullet Capitalists

The Generalist • 620 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Strategies Market Analysis
  1. Mullet Capitalism is a new trend in venture capital where firms combine a traditional business with venture investments. This means they can use their existing business to identify promising startups and invest in them.
  2. Many emerging managers in the venture space are facing tough times, and Mullet Capitalism offers a fresh approach for them to adapt and thrive. It highlights the importance of blending stable income with the potential for high returns in investments.
  3. Examples of Mullet Capitalists include recruiting firms and media companies that also invest in startups. These firms leverage their industry connections and insights to make informed investment decisions while providing valuable services.

OpenAI Clocks $3.4B in Revenue 🤖, NATO Innovation Fund💸, Future of Work🌐

The VC Corner • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Revenue growth Innovation
  1. OpenAI has generated a revenue of $3.4 billion, showing significant growth and impact in the tech industry.
  2. B2B influence marketing is becoming popular and is reported to give a high return on investment, with some companies seeing an average ROI of 6.5 times.
  3. The NATO Innovation Fund is a key player in supporting advancements and innovations in various sectors, emphasizing the importance of technology in global strategy.

The N-stamp

Gordian Knot News • 109 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Nuclear Energy Quality Assurance Construction Regulations
  1. The N-stamp certifies a vendor's quality assurance process but doesn't guarantee the actual quality of their products. It's more about paperwork than real product inspection.
  2. In shipbuilding, multiple independent inspection teams check quality because they want to avoid costly mistakes. This extra layer helps ensure that ships meet the specifications and are delivered on time.
  3. The nuclear industry's reliance on the N-stamp allows vendors to skip necessary inspections, leading to poor quality products. This system could result in very high costs due to failures in quality control.

Il faut des discussions difficiles

L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Career development Communication Skills Leadership Decision-making Personal Growth
  1. Having tough conversations is important for personal success. The more difficult discussions you engage in, the more you can grow.
  2. Making good career decisions often comes with challenges. It's not always an easy path, but it can lead to greater autonomy.
  3. Growth and success are tied to your willingness to face uncomfortable topics. Embracing these conversations can lead you to better opportunities.

Advice for Nike and the NFL

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Sports Corporate strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Nike's focus on women's sports in ads is driven by the potential to tap into a huge female consumer market. They want to reach more buyers and expand their brand.
  2. Current ads from Nike and the NFL may not resonate well with audiences as they seem outdated. The messaging could benefit from being more simple and relatable.
  3. A family-centric approach, like emotional storytelling, could be a more effective way for these brands to connect with viewers in their ads.

The 1 Person Content Engine

Tiny Empires • 122 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation Small business Online business
  1. You can create a lot of content quickly by using a system. Start by thinking of key client wins and common questions to build your main topics.
  2. Break down your stories into different formats for various platforms. One story can give you multiple posts on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
  3. Stay consistent with your content schedule and review it often. Adjust as needed to keep it working well for you.

Apple v The World in Two Charts

Tim Culpan’s Position • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 24
💼 Business Technology Market Analysis Consumer behavior Competitive Analysis
  1. Apple is ahead of its competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi when it comes to making money from smartphone sales. Revenue is the key measure of success.
  2. The smartphone market is starting to grow again, but Apple is still the leader despite some doubts from critics.
  3. Apple's high market value shows that their business strategy is working well, even if the overall smartphone market isn’t expanding as rapidly as before.

Issue #15 – The Data Quality Conundrum (Part 1 – Root Causes)

The Data Ecosystem • 399 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
💼 Business Data Quality Management Analytics Governance Process Improvement
  1. Poor data quality is a big problem for organizations, but it's often misunderstood. It's not just about fixing bad data; you need to figure out what's causing the issues.
  2. Data quality has many aspects, like accuracy and completeness. Good data helps businesses make better decisions, while bad data can cost a lot of money.
  3. To solve data quality issues, you need a complete approach that looks at different root causes. Simply fixing one part won't fix everything, and different sources might create new problems.

How much capital can startups profitably eat?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Investment Trends Market Analysis Financial Performance
  1. Startups seem to have a limit on how much money they can handle, known as being 'founder constrained'. This means that there are not enough strong ideas or founders to support the cash available.
  2. There has been a drop in the success rate of startups getting further funding after their initial rounds. This is particularly true for those that started during the funding boom in 2021.
  3. Venture capital returns from funds initiated in 2021 are underperforming, likely due to an excess of companies funded without sufficient quality ideas or founders backing them.

Is being data driven a fad?

benn.substack • 843 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Data Analysis Financial Metrics Market Trends Investment Strategies Business Models
  1. The way we value companies might be changing. Instead of just looking at numbers, people are considering things like hype and public interest.
  2. Being data-driven used to be seen as a key to success, but now it seems less effective for some businesses. There are successful examples, but many companies struggle to use data well.
  3. Cultural factors, or 'taste', are becoming more important in the business world than just relying on data. This shift might mean that how people feel about a company matters just as much as the finances.

How startups beat incumbents⚔️, Bootstrapped vs. VC-Backed Startup🤔, Thinking about founder dilution👨‍💼

The VC Corner • 599 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Funding Entrepreneurship Market Strategy
  1. Startups can succeed against big businesses by leveraging innovation and agility. They often adapt faster to market changes than larger companies.
  2. There are two main types of startups: bootstrapped, which rely on their own funds, and VC-backed, which get money from investors. Each has its own advantages and challenges.
  3. Founders need to think carefully about dilution, which is when they give away part of their company to investors. This can affect their control and ownership in the long run.

Mr. Haltiwanger and the Austrians

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Competitiveness Labor Economics
  1. Austrian economists should pay more attention to John Haltiwanger’s research on creative destruction. His work shows how important entrepreneurial growth is to the economy.
  2. Entrepreneurs help move resources to better uses by discovering opportunities and improving efficiency. This competition helps the economy grow and evolve.
  3. Measuring how resources are reallocated can show if markets are really working well. If more productive firms gain market share, it indicates a healthy, dynamic economy.

52 Tiny Venture Lessons

The Generalist • 860 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Market Trends Startup Culture
  1. Look for unique people when investing. Different or strange backgrounds often lead to surprising success, so don’t just focus on traditional markers like good grades.
  2. Create your own investing strategy. Trying to copy what others do won't work for you, so find a method that fits your own strengths and experiences.
  3. Help without overstepping. It’s important to support startups when they ask, but don't check in too often or interfere unnecessarily.

Ton expertise est une monnaie contre de l'autonomie

L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace Expertise Autonomy Job Satisfaction
  1. A lot of people feel they lack control in their work lives. This shows that many want more mastery over what they do each day.
  2. Many people would choose to do different things if money wasn't a factor. It suggests that financial pressures limit personal freedom and choices.
  3. Developing your skills and expertise can actually lead to more autonomy. It's like turning your skills into a form of currency that gives you more freedom.

At Calif, you're a star

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 1218 implied HN points • 10 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Company Culture Investment
  1. Success formula inspired by Joel Spolsky: treat programmers like stars, provide top-notch perks, and prioritize spending on talented employees.
  2. Prioritize long-term investment in the business over short-term profits, ensure employees are treated well, and focus on quality of service to clients.
  3. Maintain a high standard in business practices, provide elite-level service to clients, and prioritize comfort and convenience for employees to enhance productivity.