The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Paul Graham: Are You Building Fake Product-Market Fit ? | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 939 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Product Development Entrepreneurship Investing
  1. Product-market fit goes beyond building a product people like; it involves understanding the numbers behind it.
  2. Founders can fall into the trap of 'Fake Product-Market Fit' by focusing on the wrong signs like securing funding or excessive spending.
  3. To achieve genuine product-market fit, founders need to monitor metrics, control spending, and ensure a strong connection between the product and the market.

Japan’s Technological Prowess Should Enable 2.3% Per Capita Growth, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Technology Economic Growth Innovation Competitiveness Research & Development
  1. Japan's technological prowess could potentially lead to 2.3% per capita growth, doubling the current rate.
  2. The challenge Japan faces is converting technological strength into economic value due to rigid financial and labor systems.
  3. While Japan excels in complexity of technology use, it lags in adapting new technologies and faces challenges in sustaining growth as demand shifts.

I wish I started doing this on day 0 of my career as an engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1574 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
💼 Business Productivity Career development Software Engineering Time management Planning
  1. Planning is crucial to avoid feeling unproductive and getting pulled in different directions throughout the day.
  2. By planning your day, you focus on what's important and maintain control over your daily tasks.
  3. Even a simple daily plan of one main goal can significantly improve your productivity and time management.

Masterclass on Investing in SpaceTech Startups

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Investing Startups Technology Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. There is an online masterclass focusing on how to invest in Space Tech startups. It's a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
  2. The masterclass will feature an analysis of Bessemer Venture Partners' investment in Rocket Lab, which is a key example in SpaceTech investing.
  3. The sessions are free and available at two different times on June 15, making it easy for people to join.
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HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: An Ur-Text by George Stigler for Dark Satanic Millian Liberalism, & Related Matters...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Market Theory Capitalism Economic History Liberalism
  1. The market economy is seen not just for creating wealth, but for shaping character and virtues like self-discipline and resilience. This suggests that economic struggles can help people become better individuals.
  2. Some economists argue that uncertainty and risk of poverty are necessary for a society to function well. They believe without these challenges, people might not push themselves to improve.
  3. Critics of this perspective think that focusing on the hardships of capitalism ignores the real needs and experiences of everyday people. They see value in prosperity and security, not just in struggle and sacrifice.

An Appreciation of Joe Stiglitz

Something to Consider • 139 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
💼 Business Economics Market Theory Statistical Analysis Public Policy
  1. Markets work best when everyone has the same information, but that's rarely the case in reality. Stiglitz shows us how imperfect information affects economic decisions.
  2. Share-cropping has its own risks and benefits. It allows landlords to provide safety nets for tenants, but it can also limit tenants' work incentives.
  3. When companies pay higher wages, they can improve worker effort and reduce turnover. This is known as the efficiency wage theory, which explains why some businesses might choose to hire fewer employees at higher salaries.

Create a SWOT in 2 Minutes

The Security Industry • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Market Analysis Cybersecurity Consulting
  1. A SWOT analysis helps businesses identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which can guide their strategy. It's a simple way to evaluate a company's position in the market.
  2. Using tools like HarvestIQ.ai can make creating a SWOT analysis quick and easy, potentially saving time compared to hiring a consultant. This software can provide detailed insights on vendors and competitors.
  3. Businesses should keep an eye on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the competition, as changes in regulations and economic conditions can impact success and growth opportunities.

Nulla dies sine linea

Kenny’s Sub • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Productivity Entrepreneurship Self-Improvement Career development Goal setting
  1. Setting smaller, more manageable tasks can help you feel more accomplished. It's better to focus on small wins than to aim for unrealistic goals.
  2. Feeling overwhelmed comes from thinking you need to achieve big things every day. Recognizing smaller steps can ease that pressure.
  3. Doing a little every day, even something small like updating a title, adds up over time and makes progress feel real. It's about consistency, not perfection.

The Crucial Role of Timing in Startup Success ⌛

The VC Corner • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
💼 Business Startups Investment Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Product Development
  1. Timing is really important for startup success. Investors often say it's a key reason startups succeed or fail.
  2. You should connect timing drivers to your business model. If your timing advantage doesn't improve your model, it might lead to wasting resources.
  3. Market size can change with timing. It's not just about current numbers, but understanding the shifts that can open new market opportunities.

Update on the Question Contest

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 698 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Updates
  1. Chris Masterjohn, PhD plans to catch up on the Question Contest soon after tackling a backlog of reports for BioOptHealth customers.
  2. The Question Contest update mentioned work on personalized reports causing a delay, but a return to normal pace by the month's end.
  3. Paid subscribers can access additional content about the Question Contest update and future plans on the Substack post.

Amazon spends $2.75 billion on AI startup Anthropic💸, The Founders Guide to Optimizing Your Fundraise📘, The Pulse of SaaS☁️ & more!

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Fundraising Technology AI
  1. Amazon spent $2.75 billion to buy an AI startup called Anthropic. This shows how serious they are about investing in artificial intelligence.
  2. There is a guide available for founders on how to optimize their fundraising efforts. It can help entrepreneurs improve their chances of getting financial support.
  3. The newsletter covers trends and insights in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. It keeps readers updated on important developments in tech businesses.

How to Create a Strong Online Reputation for Your Business

Nail It and Scale It • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Reputation Online presence Social media Entrepreneurship
  1. Having a strong Google My Business page is crucial. It helps people find your business and leaves a good first impression.
  2. Make sure to gather positive reviews on key sites like Glassdoor and Trustpilot. These reviews can really influence potential customers and new employees.
  3. Regularly check your online reputation and respond to any negative comments. Keeping an eye on your brand helps you maintain a good image and shows you care.

How Lon Seidman used his tech YouTube channel to build a huge affiliate business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business YouTube Product Reviews E-commerce
  1. Lon Seidman focuses on reviewing everyday gadgets that are not glamorous but sell a lot. This smart choice helps him reach a wide audience.
  2. He uses his YouTube channel to drive affiliate sales, earning money when viewers buy products through his links.
  3. Lon is also exploring decentralized platforms to share his content, which may help him connect with more viewers.

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.

TBM 320: From Fluffy Concepts to Concrete Outcomes & Behaviors

The Beautiful Mess • 555 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Product Management Team Dynamics Behavior Change Organizational Culture Decision-making
  1. It's important to translate vague concepts into specific behaviors. Instead of saying you want to be 'data-driven,' describe actual actions that show you are doing this.
  2. Discussing behaviors as a team can spark valuable conversations and help everyone understand what needs to change. It allows people to share experiences and ideas in a meaningful way.
  3. When trying to improve team actions, focus on what gets in the way—like training gaps or social pressures. Identifying these barriers helps create better strategies for change.

Your guide to the 2024 SaaS benchmarks

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 504 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business SaaS Startups AI Growth Metrics
  1. 2024 sees stabilization in SaaS growth rates, with early stages performing better while larger companies struggle. Smaller startups are showing stronger growth despite an overall slowdown.
  2. Early stage SaaS and AI companies are thriving, significantly increasing growth rates and maintaining lean teams. They are using automation and smart hiring to succeed.
  3. There's a shift in pricing models for AI products, with many still using traditional subscription models but a growing number exploring usage-based and outcome-based pricing. It's a sign of changing market demands.

in-office work > remote work

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Career development Team Collaboration Productivity
  1. In-person work helps teams connect better and communicate more effectively. Many important interactions happen non-verbally, which can be lost in remote settings.
  2. Working in an office allows for quick collaboration and faster problem solving. Teams can discuss ideas and make decisions on the spot, speeding up project timelines.
  3. Remote work may suit experienced professionals or those prioritizing personal life. However, junior developers may benefit more from in-office environments to grow their careers.

A Midas Winning VC Playbook

The Generalist • 1401 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Startup Strategy Operations
  1. Primary Venture Partners focuses on being the best seed fund by sticking to their core ethos of 'Startups are hard, founders deserve better.'
  2. They prioritize selective investing, focusing on high-risk, high-reward opportunities in the early stages of startup funding.
  3. Using a substantial impact team and unique operational approach, Primary Venture Partners aims to differentiate themselves in the competitive venture capital landscape.

The best growth advice of 2024

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 418 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Growth Strategy Product Development
  1. Measure how well your product keeps users every week. This helps you understand if your product is genuinely useful and worth their time.
  2. Active participation in online communities can help build your brand and attract eager users. Engage in places like Facebook, Reddit, or Slack to connect with potential customers.
  3. Consider changing how you charge for your services. Instead of just a subscription fee, think about charging based on the work done or features used to better match your product's value.

Offer accepted

Off to Lunch • 687 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Mergers Infrastructure Media Social media Podcasts
  1. Barratt Developments is acquiring Redrow in a £2.5 billion deal, creating the largest housebuilder in the UK
  2. The all-share deal values Redrow's shares at a 27% premium, with Barratt shareholders owning 67.2% of the new company
  3. The merger expects to save up to £90 million in annual costs and position Redrow as the premium housing brand within the group

a16z Raises$7.2bn💵, Optimal VC Portfolio Construction🧮, AI Index🤖

The VC Corner • 359 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. a16z raised $7.2 billion, showing strong interest in venture capital. This means more funding for startups and innovation.
  2. There's a focus on optimal portfolio construction for venture capitalists. This helps investors choose the best mix of companies to support.
  3. An AI Index is being discussed, which could track the progress and impact of artificial intelligence technologies. This will help keep everyone informed about AI trends.

Tesla in November 2023: Story twists & turns, with value consequences!

Musings on Markets • 1238 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💼 Business Investing Market Analysis Company Valuation Automotive Industry Innovation
  1. Tesla has faced ups and downs in its stock price lately, dropping below $200 after some tough weeks. This shows how quickly the market reacts to Tesla's news.
  2. Three big stories are influencing Tesla's future: price cuts to stay competitive, advancements in their self-driving technology, and the highly-anticipated Cybertruck launch.
  3. Valuing Tesla is complex because it has multiple business areas. Right now, the estimated value per share is around $180, but it can change depending on how their stories develop.

Boisson is Shutting Down?

Snaxshot • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💼 Business Startup
  1. Boisson platform may be shutting down as discussed with brands
  2. The story is evolving and more information is being gathered
  3. To read the full post and access archives, a 7-day free trial on Snaxshot is available

How To Overcome Distractions And Boost Your Opportunities

Day One • 439 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
💼 Business Productivity Entrepreneurship Personal Branding Content creation Goal setting
  1. The mind gives up before the body, so don't let mental barriers dictate physical limits.
  2. Focus on a clear vision and roadmap to avoid distractions and make progress in your goals.
  3. Building a personal brand, monetizing it, and starting a company are three essential stages to follow in growing your opportunities.

Lessons in Navigating Career Lostness

David Spinks' Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Career development Coaching Work-life balance Personal Growth
  1. It's common to feel lost in your career, especially after achieving previous success. Sometimes you need to pause and reflect instead of rushing into the next step.
  2. Ambitious people often share similar fears about success and worth, which can lead to burnout. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward real change.
  3. Transitioning in your career is a journey without a clear map. It's okay to not have all the answers; listening to yourself and taking small steps is the key.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 30 - Q is for Quentin

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startup Finance Management Leadership
  1. CitNOW started as a small business and grew a lot over time. It shows how you can build something big from humble beginnings.
  2. Hiring the right people is super important for a company's success. Finding someone who can help guide and improve the business can make a big difference.
  3. Past mistakes can teach valuable lessons. It's essential to learn from experiences to avoid making the same errors in the future.