The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

How I Made My First Million Online

Day One • 479 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
💼 Business Online Marketing Content creation Monetization Community Building Product Development
  1. Choose a platform that fits your content format and engage with your community to build a loyal following.
  2. Creating products/services should revolve around solving your community's problems, listen to their struggles and offer solutions.
  3. Consistently create quality content, engage with others, and focus on helping people to build a successful online brand.

🍿 Netflix Steps into the WWE Ring

How They Make Money • 569 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Streaming Revenue Entertainment Gaming Subscription
  1. Netflix secures a $5 billion, 10-year deal with WWE for exclusive rights to 'Raw' and other shows, expanding its reach internationally.
  2. WWE's global appeal, available in 180 countries and reaching over one billion homes, makes it a strategic fit for Netflix.
  3. Moving WWE content to Netflix provides a win-win situation, giving WWE access to a larger platform and providing Netflix with exclusive content to retain and attract members.

#44: Thought Experiment 2 - Why ever not AI SDRs?

OSS.fund Newsletter • 56 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
💼 Business Sales Hiring Talent Automation Strategy Operations Org Design
  1. AI agents can qualify leads, personalize outreach, and book meetings faster and more reliably than junior SDRs.
  2. AI SDR platforms cost far less and ramp in weeks instead of months, so automate qualification and redeploy junior reps to relationship-building, strategic deal work, and account management.
  3. Audit your SDR activity to tag rules-based versus high-touch opportunities; if most qualification is automatable, freeing that time will speed learning, improve retention, and raise win rates.

Dishoom's $400m Restaurant Playbook

SatPost by Trung Phan • 148 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Economics Marketing Operations Finance
  1. Dishoom's unique marketing strategy involves gamifying the dining experience, like letting customers roll dice for a chance to win a free meal. This adds excitement and encourages more people to visit during peak times.
  2. The restaurant blends rich cultural influences from Bombay's Irani cafés with modern dining, making it a middle ground between casual curry houses and high-end Michelin-star restaurants. This allows Dishoom to appeal to a broad range of customers.
  3. Dishoom's approach to expanding includes maintaining quality and the dining experience as core priorities, showing that focus on customer satisfaction can lead to significant growth in sales and popularity.

TBM 369: Sources Of Truth

The Beautiful Mess • 502 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💼 Business Product Development Management Organizational Behavior Strategic Planning Information Systems
  1. Many problems in product development aren't really about finding the 'truth.' Teams often struggle because they can't agree on what the truth is or if they even want to find it.
  2. Different groups in a company might have their own definitions and understandings of initiatives and goals, creating confusion. Trying to standardize everything can lead to teams working around rules instead of working effectively.
  3. While some companies simplify processes to make things easier, they can end up losing important details. It’s crucial to find a balance between understanding the complexity of the work and not getting overwhelmed by it.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Issue #7 - The Business Strategy, Where The Data Journey Starts

The Data Ecosystem • 179 implied HN points • 26 May 24
💼 Business Strategy Data Leadership Analytics Performance
  1. A business strategy is the game plan for a company to reach its goals. It involves having a clear vision, mission, and set of goals to guide the organization.
  2. Good business strategies have defined components that everyone in the company knows. This helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone focused on the same objectives.
  3. Data plays a crucial role in shaping modern business strategies. Companies need to integrate data and analytics into their plans to make informed decisions and stay competitive.

Monzo hits $5bn valuation 🚀, A Guide to Founder Salary 💵, Entrepreneurship in Africa 💡, & more!

The VC Corner • 399 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Entrepreneurship Finance Valuation
  1. Monzo's valuation has reached $5 billion, showing strong growth in the fintech space.
  2. There's a guide available that helps founders understand how to set their salaries properly.
  3. Entrepreneurship is growing in Africa, highlighting new opportunities and innovations in the region.

Make it simple

Venture Prose • 519 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💼 Business Efficiency Productivity Simplicity Meetings
  1. Efficiency comes from making every minute more valuable, intentional, and concrete.
  2. Being intentional about how you spend time, both in quantity and quality, can make you more present and purposeful.
  3. Simplicity is key - from making a good first impression in 1 minute to keeping meetings concise and effective.

Investors bet on Waymo's acceleration

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
💼 Business Technology Investment Autonomous Vehicles AI Startups International Supply Chain
  1. Big AI labs are deliberately diversifying cloud and chip partners and raising massive sums to secure compute capacity, which spreads vendor dependence across several big players. This reduces single-vendor risk but also deepens ties between top cloud and chip companies and the major AI models.
  2. The US is using public funds and joint ventures to build domestic critical-minerals processing capacity, backing a Korea Zinc-led smelter project with loans, equity stakes, and subsidies to onshore supply chains. That approach hands significant control to U.S. public and private actors while accelerating industrial capacity at scale.
  3. Waymo is gearing up to rapidly scale its fleet and expand into many new cities, including international markets, and is courting large financing at a roughly $100B valuation because investors expect quick revenue growth. Its main risks are eroding rider and regulator trust if it moves too fast and tougher competition from rivals.

Thursday State of the SubStacks: Walking the Tightrope Over the Attention-Economy Abyss

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Platforms Media Monetization Startups VC Funding Creator Economy Product Design
  1. The platform is walking a tightrope: it needs discoverability to help writers grow paying audiences without turning into an ad-driven attention machine that just maximizes time on the app.
  2. The new Notes/social feed creates real risks — its algorithmic tuning can push short-form engagement at the expense of longform newsletters and amplify extreme or divisive voices, making moderation and content choices thorny.
  3. Substack (and rivals) need transparent, data-driven experiments with adjustable dials like teaser samples, patronage/tips, and premium perks so writers can sustainably earn while protecting an open public-good core.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Wealth Entrepreneurship Capitalism Industry
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

What's going on with electric cars?

Off to Lunch • 511 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Electric Vehicles Government Strategy Sales Data Economic Impact Industry challenges
  1. Sales of battery electric cars to private buyers in the UK fell by 25% in January.
  2. The UK government's plan to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 is facing criticism for slow progress.
  3. Challenges in the electric vehicle sector include concerns about demand, government strategies, and business operations.

hypercapitalism and the AI talent wars

luttig's learnings • 499 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
💼 Business Tech industry Investment Employment Startups Compensation
  1. The competition for AI talent is intense, leading to huge salary offers, which can really shake up the trust between companies and their employees. It makes people wonder if mission or money matters more now.
  2. Big companies have an advantage in attracting top talent, which makes it hard for smaller startups to compete. They need strong missions and enough resources to stand a chance in this new market.
  3. Investors must adapt to this changing landscape, as the old rules of fundraising don’t apply anymore. They need to rethink how they evaluate companies, especially those focused on AI.

✨ The AI economy is here

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Corporate strategy Labor Market Technology impact Job Creation
  1. The use of AI is growing quickly in big companies like Amazon, which may lead to fewer jobs in some areas but could create new opportunities in others as tasks change.
  2. Top tech companies like Meta and OpenAI are competing fiercely for AI talent, offering huge salaries to attract skilled workers, showing how valuable this expertise is.
  3. Overall, AI is changing how work gets done, leading to job losses in repetitive tasks but also creating new roles and increasing productivity for skilled workers.

Under-the-hood of writing on Substack

Sustainability by numbers • 658 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Publishing Media Content creation
  1. Building an audience takes time, and almost no one starts with one. Consistently publishing interesting content helps attract more readers over time.
  2. You can potentially make money on platforms like Substack, but it often depends on how engaged your audience is. Even a small, dedicated group can lead to a good income.
  3. Long-form writing is valuable because it allows for deeper exploration of topics. There's always room for new voices, and sharing your insights helps improve public discussions.

Transportation

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💼 Business Innovation Economics Transportation Supply Chains Technology
  1. Transportation innovations drive economic growth. When new methods of moving people and goods are created, like trains and planes, they change how society operates.
  2. Driverless vehicles are becoming popular and safer. They've already shown better accident rates compared to traditional cars, which could lead to lower insurance costs.
  3. The future of transportation is influenced by energy needs for new technologies. As we innovate, we'll require more energy sources, highlighting the potential role of nuclear power as we move forward.

TBM 364: Three Team Vibes

The Beautiful Mess • 608 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics Company Culture Product Development Organizational Behavior
  1. Different teams have unique vibes that you can sense just by asking about their work. For example, some teams feel focused and motivated, while others may seem confused or disorganized.
  2. Team dynamics can cycle through different modes, like being highly effective or feeling lost. It's important to recognize where your team stands to improve productivity.
  3. Company culture influences how teams operate. If teams focus too much on individual projects, it can lead to burnout and lack of coordination, while a healthy culture encourages teamwork.

The new media, powered by Substack

Substack • 1523 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Publishing Media Subscriptions Marketing Technology
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.

Why I took the job of Head of Infinite Media at O'Shaughnessy Ventures! (OSV) 💡

Liberty’s Highlights • 1022 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💼 Business Media Venture Capital Creativity Investments Podcasts
  1. Newsletter and podcast by the author will continue but may have a more variable publishing schedule
  2. Author joined OSV due to alignment with values and desire to have greater impact with help from others
  3. OSV supports various creative ventures, including media platforms like podcasts, newsletters, and more

Cost of Acquisition (CAC) trap.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 1022 implied HN points • 12 May 23
💼 Business Marketing Metrics ROI Customer Acquisition Product Development
  1. Focus on optimizing payback period instead of just reducing CAC to improve ROI.
  2. Consider the profitability and long-term value of different acquisition channels before shutting them down based solely on CAC.
  3. The payback period is a superior metric for acquisition that focuses on reinvesting returns and optimizing various aspects like CAC, conversion rate, ARPU, and conversion time.

We must stop the IPO-hungry CEO

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
💼 Business Startups Capital Markets Corporate Governance Fintech Technology Venture Capital Regulation
  1. Boards will replace CEOs who push to IPO sooner than directors think is wise, because investors want leadership stability through a public debut.
  2. Trade and tech policy are now tangled, with the US pressuring allies over digital rules and taxes, which could stall international cooperation on AI and other tech issues.
  3. Public markets are sorting winners and losers: some hardware startups are failing despite demand, while companies like Waymo and Notion are showing revenue traction that could reset the IPO narrative if they list carefully.

What Do Investors Need From The Problem Slide? & Do Startup Need Financial Model? | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 07 May 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Financial Models Job Opportunities
  1. Investors need a clear understanding of the problem a startup is solving, focusing on why it's worth solving and who faces the problem.
  2. For a successful pitch to investors, startups must present a business model beyond just pricing, detailing revenue streams, competitive advantage, and key economics.
  3. In the world of venture capital, the potential for startups to become billion-dollar companies is crucial for investors, impacting funding decisions and the overall success of the venture.

#17: Niche cruise products: Why they work and how they might grow

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
💼 Business Cruise Industry Market Trends Consumer behavior Business strategy
  1. Niche cruise products, like river and coastal cruising, work well because they focus on smaller, unique destinations. This creates a more personalized experience for travelers, allowing them to explore different places without the crowds of larger ships.
  2. Established cruise lines mostly stick to big ships and mainstream markets because they see smaller niches as a distraction. However, this leaves openings for new companies to succeed in these specialized areas.
  3. The future looks bright for niche cruising, especially with a trend toward sustainability. Smaller ships can become more eco-friendly, which might appeal to communities that want to limit large cruise ships and reduce environmental impacts.

The American Eschaton is Almost Here

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1787 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Crowdfunding Publishing Marketing Game design Self-promotion
  1. The author has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new RPG sourcebook filled with over 1,000 magic items. They believe it's important to launch it now while things are still stable.
  2. They encourage people who love Dungeons & Dragons, or want to share it with family, to support the book. The author thinks it could bring back good, classic gaming values.
  3. There's an upcoming livestream where the author will discuss gaming and pop culture, and interact with viewers. It's an opportunity for fans to ask questions and learn more.

Shake-up at the Netflix Film Corral

The Ankler • 550 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Streaming services Film Industry Corporate Leadership Entertainment industry
  1. Netflix's film strategy is unclear, making it difficult to assess success or failure.
  2. The departure of Scott Stuber from Netflix may signal a shift in corporate priorities or leadership perspectives.
  3. The role of Head of Film at Netflix is a significant one, with implications for industry impact and decision-making power.

👑 5+ resources with the TOP creative ads

Business & Marketing with Nika • 39 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Creativity Resources Trends
  1. You can find inspiring ads and creative work at places like Ad Creative Bank or the Ads of the World website. These resources showcase some of the best in advertising.
  2. The Cannes Lions Festival is a big deal for marketers, similar to the Oscars for movies. It's a great place to see top creative work and get inspired.
  3. If you're running online ads, check out the Meta Ads Library or Google's Ads Transparency Center to find creative examples in real-time.

The Big Short dude is worried about Big Tech earnings

Alex's Personal Blog • 164 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
💼 Business Investments Tech industry Market Analysis Startups Earnings
  1. Investors are concerned that big tech might be misleading about their earnings due to how they report the costs of their data center investments. If companies extend the lifespan of their equipment, it can make their profits look better in the short term.
  2. A lot of private companies are hitting the $100 million annual recurring revenue mark, which is becoming a common milestone for startups aiming to grow. This level of revenue is a big deal because it's seen as a stepping stone toward going public.
  3. Despite worries about an AI bubble, many companies are growing quickly and generating significant revenue. This rapid growth could help stabilize their market positions, even if some projects fail.

10 SEO Myths Killing Your Business

Nail It and Scale It • 99 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Digital Strategy SEO Entrepreneurship
  1. SEO takes time and money to see real results. If you're looking for quick fixes, SEO might not be the best choice for your business.
  2. AI can help with some parts of SEO, like on-page optimization, but it can't do everything. Good content and backlinks still require a lot of manual effort.
  3. SEO isn’t a one-time task; it's an ongoing process. You need to keep optimizing and updating your site regularly to maintain good search rankings.

Capitalist strategy when capital doesn't need capitalists anymore

Philosophy bear • 171 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
💼 Business Capitalism Automation Economics Political Economy Technology
  1. As technology advances, it might become possible to automate capital management just like labor, possibly making the role of capitalists unnecessary.
  2. If automation leads to widespread job loss, people may push for the state to take control of capital to ensure fair access to resources and prevent democratic instability.
  3. Capitalists might try various strategies to protect their assets and power, but this could lead to increased tensions and challenges in society.

I'm Hiring an RD! Please Apply

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 459 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business
  1. Chris Masterjohn, PhD is looking to hire a licensed RD in the US to work intermittently for BioOptHealth, providing a chance to gain insight into his cutting-edge work.
  2. Interested applicants can fill out a form linked in the post for consideration for the job opportunity.
  3. The position offers a unique opportunity to be involved in exciting work and collaborate with Chris Masterjohn, PhD.