The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Highlights From The Comments On Capitalism & Charity

Astral Codex Ten • 6744 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💼 Business Charity Capitalism Development Economic Growth
  1. Some comments argue for reiterating the importance of a specific context when considering spending money for charity or capitalism.
  2. There are discussions on the effectiveness of investing in companies with social missions, such as providing microfinance or supporting profitable charitable ventures.
  3. Consideration is given to the balance between supporting capitalism and charitable causes in the context of economic impact and sustainability.

December 2024 Residential Construction

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Construction Employment Economics Market Trends Real Estate
  1. Construction jobs are slowly increasing, reflecting overall job growth in the economy. This could mean more houses being built soon.
  2. There seems to be uncertainty in the construction market, as it doesn't fit historical patterns. It's unclear if residential construction jobs will continue to rise or stabilize.
  3. A lag in supply chains might be causing delays in construction. This suggests that the housing market might improve once those supply issues are resolved.

Your startup idea probably isn’t venture-scale

Lenny's Newsletter • 3537 implied HN points • 16 May 23
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Investment Strategies
  1. Having a venture-scale startup idea involves aiming for $100 million annual revenue and $1 billion+ valuation in 10 years.
  2. Venture-scale investors look for a large market, a scalable business model, high growth potential, the ability to turn capital into growth, and a path to going public.
  3. Not all startup ideas need to be venture-scale; many ideas can still build a great revenue-generating business without the pressure and expectations of venture capital.
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Aura of Success: The First Years of Japan's Privatized National Railways

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Privatization Transportation Railways Economics
  1. Japan's privatized national railways, known as JR, started with a big public celebration but hid serious financial issues. The debt from the old national rail system was moved to a new agency, allowing JR to look profitable right from the start.
  2. To make the railways seem successful, the government cut jobs and weakened labor unions, which helped JR reduce costs and shift focus to customer service, making it appear more efficient.
  3. While JR showed initial profitability and ridership growth, the reality is that public funding and clever accounting masked ongoing financial struggles, leading to a significant government bailout years later.

2034 – A Day in the Working Life

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Economy Education Innovation Future of work
  1. In 2034, people have a Lifelong Learning Wallet to improve their skills without the burden of debt. This allows everyone to access education based on their abilities, not their financial situation.
  2. Work has become flexible and collaborative, with projects matching people's skills and interests. Workers earn digital tokens for their contributions, which helps them feel more connected and motivated.
  3. Society now values all contributions, including care work, and uses technology to fairly distribute resources. This new system supports faster solutions to pressing issues like climate change and health crises.

I talked to the creator behind my favourite Are.na board

The Social Juice • 66 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Media Strategy Creativity
  1. The author interviews creators and marketers regularly. This gives insights into the world of marketing and helps readers learn from the experiences of others.
  2. There's a community aspect where subscribers can join a Discord group and WhatsApp chat. This allows for interaction and sharing among like-minded individuals.
  3. The newsletter offers a mix of marketing resources and news updates. This helps keep readers informed about the latest trends and strategies in the marketing field.

9 tactics to get your first 50 SaaS customers in 2025

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 47 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business SaaS Marketing Sales Growth Strategy
  1. Networking can help you find your first SaaS customers. Reach out to people you know for introductions and referrals.
  2. Creating comparison and alternative pages on your website can attract customers in crowded markets. Show how your product stacks up against competitors.
  3. Understanding customer feedback is crucial. Ask customers how they heard about you and track why deals were lost to improve your sales process.

❄️💥 Quels risques en 2024 ?

Snowball • 1886 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Tech Finance Economy Startups Investing
  1. Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) is a major tech company that manufactures chips for various devices.
  2. Experts and global leaders predict risks that could cause crises in 2024 like environmental issues and technology advancements.
  3. The internet's evolution to omnipresence due to smartphones raises questions about implications and opportunities.

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

The VC Corner • 539 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💼 Business Investing Startups Valuation Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. Valuing a startup is important but tricky since they often lack stable revenue. Founders and investors need to understand different methods to figure out a fair value.
  2. A successful valuation mixes both subjective and objective measures. This means looking at non-financial aspects like the team and market potential, as well as using data-driven methods.
  3. Two common methods for valuing startups are the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Method and Comparable Analysis. Both have their own steps and challenges, but they help paint a complete picture of the startup's worth.

The Best Medium Publications of 2024 (to Quadruple Your Followers and Earnings)🤑

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 639 implied HN points • 18 May 24
💼 Business Writing Earnings Publications Social media Marketing
  1. Medium has a unique publications system that helps writers reach more readers. Getting published in the right ones can boost your visibility and earnings significantly.
  2. There are thousands of publications on Medium covering a wide range of topics. With so many options, it's important to find the top ones that align with your interests and goals.
  3. Recent changes in Medium's programs allow editors to support writers more effectively. This means writers can earn more and gain better access to their target audience.

Why I Gave Up Solo Freelancing And You Should Too.

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 79 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Outsourcing Income Work Life
  1. Freelancing offers flexibility, but it can also mean you have to work constantly, even when you're not feeling well. There can be no breaks without risking your income.
  2. Life changes can force you to reevaluate your work style, like having to care for a family member or dealing with personal health issues. It shows that relying solely on freelancing can lead to financial instability.
  3. Building a business that runs independently allows you to have more freedom. By outsourcing tasks, you can focus on what you love and still earn money, instead of trading your time for every dollar.

Notes on Chapter 28

Life Since the Baby Boom • 230 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Startups Investment
  1. Len lands a new job as a Venture Capitalist Assistant, where he will help a company get more funding. He feels excited and valued in this role, especially after his TV appearance as an 'Internet investing wizard.'
  2. The company Len is working with, NetsForAll, is fictional, but it reflects the early days of Internet Service Providers. This shows how innovative ideas were emerging before the Internet became widely known.
  3. Len gets to meet important people in the Internet business and share stories from his past experiences, like solving a big embezzlement case. This mix of new opportunities and past accomplishments makes him feel fulfilled.

Measuring developer productivity? A response to McKinsey 2

Software Design: Tidy First? • 3380 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💼 Business Productivity Team performance Investment decisions Incentives Management
  1. Measuring outcomes and impact alone can lead to gaming the system and disadvantages for the business
  2. Team performance is often more important than individual performance, as seen in sports like soccer
  3. Investing in engineering should be treated as research & development, making small bets and doubling down on promising ones

A New Way to Collaborate With Other Substack Newsletter Writers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Networking Collaboration Content creation
  1. Collaborating with other newsletter writers can make the process more enjoyable and less lonely. It’s great to find support and connect with like-minded people.
  2. Using Substack’s recommendation features can help grow your subscriber base. Many writers have successfully gained subscribers through community recommendations.
  3. Letdir is a new directory for Substack writers that helps you discover and connect with others in your niche. It’s an easy way to find collaboration opportunities.

From 0 to 1,000 Subscribers with Free Recommendations

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1318 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Marketing Growth Entrepreneurship Online Platforms Content creation
  1. Recommendations are a great way to grow your subscriber base. Almost 28% of new subscribers can come from other newsletters suggesting your work.
  2. You don't need to spend money on ads to gain subscribers. Many writers have seen success by simply building relationships and getting recommendations for free.
  3. Substack’s recommendations engine is powerful and can help you increase your audience quickly. It works for new writers just as much as for those with a big following.

My Pitch Framework

Venture Prose • 1517 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Presentations Networking
  1. The goal of a first meeting is to trigger a second one; good investor asks the right questions, bad one slows you down.
  2. Important elements of a good pitch: timing, preciseness, energy, and emotion to keep investors engaged.
  3. Entrepreneurs need optimism, clarity of vision, and ability to adapt quickly; assess qualities like learning from experience and embracing learning from others.

6 reasons why the senior leadership doesn't take you seriously

Leading Developers • 130 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Workplace culture Soft skills
  1. 1. Being careful with how you communicate is important. Saying things in a sensitive way, especially when delivering bad news, can make a big difference in how people perceive you.
  2. 2. It's crucial to present yourself confidently, regardless of age or experience. When you're sure of your abilities, others will trust you more and you will be taken more seriously.
  3. 3. Clearly explaining what you expect from your team helps them perform better. Being explicit in your communication can support them in achieving their goals without confusion.

The Year Narrative Ate Reality

Kyla’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Market Trends Technology impact Social media Automation
  1. In 2024, stories became more important than actual events. The way we talk and think about things is now shaping reality instead of just reflecting it.
  2. Social media and algorithms heavily influence our lives and decisions. They can connect us but also create anxiety and a feeling of emptiness, especially among young people.
  3. Automation and technology offer progress but also threaten jobs and meaning in our lives. It's crucial to find a balance and use these tools to enhance human creativity and connection.

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

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Startup Investment Valuation Entrepreneurship Market Analysis
  1. Valuing a startup is important but tricky because they often lack stable revenue. Founders and investors need to use different methods compared to established businesses.
  2. There are two parts to valuation: the 'art' involves looking at the startup's unique qualities like the team and product potential, while the 'science' uses data and metrics for a more objective view.
  3. A popular way to value startups is the Venture Capital Method, which focuses on future growth expectations. This helps investors estimate what a startup might be worth down the line.

From Zero to 3,600 Subscribers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Content creation Subscription Models
  1. Substack is great for starting and growing an email list without any upfront costs. You can begin your newsletter today and only pay a small fee if you earn money.
  2. You own your email list on Substack, meaning you can take it with you if you decide to leave. This gives you more control than relying on social media followers.
  3. Substack combines features of websites, blogs, and community platforms all in one place. It's designed to be user-friendly for beginners and offers a chance to monetize your writing easily.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2024 (3/3)

New Things Under the Sun • 192 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Innovation Economics R&D Entrepreneurship Globalization Technology
  1. Many new PhD researchers are studying innovation topics in their job market papers. These papers are valuable for understanding current trends in technology and business.
  2. Some research focuses on how companies adapt their innovation strategies in response to challenges like climate change and competition. This shows that innovation is not just about new ideas but also about practical responses to real-world issues.
  3. There is growing interest in how digital platforms influence entrepreneurship. These platforms can help small businesses thrive and increase diversity in the market, which benefits consumers.

✨ What we know about AI and the economy ... so far, at least

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Economy Investment Technology Job Market
  1. AI investment is growing, especially in chip companies, and is expected to continue rising in the future.
  2. Only a small number of companies are currently using AI, but many are looking to invest more in it despite some concerns.
  3. AI is starting to influence the job market, with more openings in AI-related fields, but it's not a major cause of layoffs yet.

Top Links 548 A productivity surge in the US oil industry. Taiwan's AI exports. The price of data and Joan Didion putting the boot in.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Industry Technology Productivity Trade
  1. The US oil industry is experiencing a big boost in productivity, which is likely affecting the overall economy.
  2. Taiwan is making significant strides in AI exports, indicating growth in tech and innovation in the region.
  3. There are rising concerns about the value of data in today's world, reflecting how important and expensive information has become.

Future of Work in 2024 – Latest Scores

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 244 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Workplace Freelancing Technology Remote work Automation
  1. In 2024, there were a lot of layoffs, mainly justified by technology and AI, which made the job market more competitive for workers.
  2. Freelancers became more common as many companies turned to them instead of hiring full-time staff, which made rates for their services drop.
  3. The debate about working from home shifted back to office work as companies started requiring employees to return to the office, which changed how people view remote work.

I Hit 4,000 Subscribers and Now I Need Your Help

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1378 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation Subscriber growth Online Communities
  1. The writer reached 4,000 subscribers in just 15 months, which is a big achievement for a newsletter. They did it without relying on friends and family for support.
  2. They are thankful for their readers, especially the paid subscribers, who help keep their content going. This support allows them to focus on creating quality material.
  3. The writer wants to know more about their audience's interests. They plan to use a new survey tool to ask readers directly what they would like to see in the future.

Predictable Chaos: Trump’s Tariffs and the Fragility of Global Supply Chains

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade policy Supply Chain Economic Impact Corporate strategy Market Analysis
  1. Tariffs can hurt both businesses and consumers by increasing costs, leading to higher prices for goods. Companies that depend on global supply chains may struggle to adapt to these changes.
  2. Supply chains are fragile and can get disrupted easily. When one part faces issues, it can affect the entire chain, leading to bigger economic problems.
  3. Flexibility in supply chains is important. Businesses need to have options for different suppliers and production routes to handle unexpected changes and avoid significant losses.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

Wednesday Wisdom • 132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
💼 Business Career Advice Corporate strategy Work Culture Employee Development Remote work
  1. To boost your career, it's often best to move to the 'center' of power in a company. The best projects and biggest opportunities usually happen there.
  2. Being on the 'periphery' can lead to a satisfying career, but you may miss out on important projects and promotions. It might feel tough to get noticed from the outside.
  3. While working at the center can bring many advantages, it's important to choose what matters most to you. Sometimes a good quality of life is worth more than climbing the corporate ladder.

I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2025 without knowing these stats and insights

The Social Juice • 95 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Brand Strategy Digital Trends Social media
  1. Gen-Z is moving away from Google and is using TikTok more for searches. They want content that feels real and relatable, not just the same old marketing.
  2. Brands should avoid commenting on every viral post. Instead of trying to engage in comments sections, it's better to join existing conversations in places like Discord or Reddit.
  3. Gen-Z prefers authentic content over polished ads. They want brands to focus on real-life issues and community engagement rather than just selling something.

Corrected Headlines

Human Capitalist • 179 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Workforce Corporate Trends Layoffs Recruitment
  1. News headlines often leave out important details about the people involved. It's good to dig deeper to understand the full story behind a headline.
  2. Business changes, like layoffs or expansions, greatly affect workers and communities. Keeping track of these changes helps us see the bigger picture.
  3. If you know of any interesting news stories that focus on people, sharing them can create better discussions. There's always room for more insights and stories.

The Bear Cave #260

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Executive Changes
  1. 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.
  2. There were significant executive resignations this week from companies like Match Group and Digital Turbine, indicating possible instability within these businesses.
  3. The SEC is changing how it conducts investigations, which may slow down enforcement actions, showing a shift in regulatory approach.

TBM 332: The Last Strategy Framework You'll Ever Need

The Beautiful Mess • 674 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Management Innovation Consulting Operations
  1. Strategy frameworks help teams figure out what questions to ask and how to answer them. They provide tools to organize and visualize ideas for better clarity.
  2. Different strategy frameworks focus on various aspects of a business. Some are good for visual thinkers, while others suit goal-oriented people or those who prefer simpler approaches.
  3. Understanding and applying strategy is challenging because it's about real-life situations. Successful strategy involves collaboration, adaptability, and accepting uncertainty rather than relying on perfect plans.