The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Progress is not automatic

Play Permissionless • 239 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
💼 Business Progress Development Entrepreneurship Strategy Personal Growth
  1. Progress is not automatic, you can't expect different outcomes by doing the same thing over and over.
  2. Sticking to what you know can lead to stagnation; sometimes a radical change in approach is needed to see significant growth.
  3. To achieve a 10x improvement, you often have to stop doing most of the things you're currently doing and embrace new strategies.

Once Upon a Time in the Green Valley

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals M&A Regulation Clinical Trials Reputation Consumer Protection China
  1. Fosun Pharma is paying 1.4 billion yuan to buy control of Green Valley and try to revive GV-971, a touted Chinese Alzheimer’s drug. Many experts doubt the drug’s effectiveness and its international Phase III trial failed for poor enrollment.
  2. Green Valley has a long history of promoting anti-cancer products with false or exaggerated claims, repeatedly rebranding products and breaking advertising rules. Desperate patients were misled, spent money, and sometimes lost the chance for effective treatment.
  3. The acquisition carries legal and reputational risk because regulators have challenged Green Valley’s approvals and its Chinese license has lapsed, while the company’s past leadership and brand links keep public distrust alive. People worry that continuity could mean repeating past harms even as new confirmatory trials move forward.

Come Work With Me

New Things Under the Sun • 448 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
💼 Business Job Market Economic Growth Policy Making Innovation
  1. The Abundance and Growth Fund is looking to hire 2-4 people for strategic grantmaking and research in areas like housing and energy. It's a great chance to make an impact.
  2. There are two types of roles available: specialist roles needing more experience and generalist roles for those with less experience. Details on job tracks can be found online.
  3. If you know someone who might be a good fit, there's a referral bonus of $5,000 if they're hired. Spread the word!

Eight Theories of How Agents Strangle SaaS

Pratik’s Pakodas 🍿 • 12 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
💼 Business SaaS AI Software Pricing Valuation Strategy Enterprise Markets
  1. AI agents are becoming the main interface, orchestrating actions across apps via APIs so users rarely open the original SaaS UIs, which makes those products interchangeable and squeezes their margins.
  2. AI collapses the cost and time to build, enabling many small competitors to unbundle and replicate core features, eroding incumbents' moats and turning premium bundles into commodity pieces.
  3. The business model is shifting: per-seat pricing and predictable valuations are under threat, outcome- and data-focused models gain value, and investor uncertainty about long-term economics is driving repricing.
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Snout

next big thing • 23 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Funding Healthcare Subscriptions
  1. Snout enables vet clinics to offer subscription-style wellness plans that cover routine vaccines, monthly meds, parasite screening, and unlimited telemedicine, making care more affordable and predictable for pet parents and clinics.
  2. The timing is strong because rising vet prices and a drop in visits left many pets without routine care, and Snout is showing product-market fit with millions in ARR, 5x year-over-year growth, and 250+ in-network providers.
  3. Investors are backing growth: Footwork led a $10M Series A and Snout secured a $100M non-dilutive capital line to fund clinic payments, giving the company resources to scale and hire across functions.

This Is What Fairer Trade with China Looks Like

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade E-commerce Marketing Retail Economics
  1. There are differences in the tariffs that companies like Gap and H&M pay compared to platforms like Temu and Shein. This raises questions about fairness in trade practices.
  2. Brands like Shein and Temu are gaining a lot of attention through aggressive advertising on social media and other platforms.
  3. There is a culture emerging around 'haul' videos, where influencers showcase their purchases from these low-cost retailers, promoting consumerism.

how to be extremely focused

Tiny Empires • 85 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
💼 Business Productivity Workplace Time management Entrepreneurship Mindset
  1. Focus is more about your environment and energy than just willpower. Create a clean, dedicated workspace to help your mind concentrate better.
  2. Plan your day ahead by choosing your main task the night before. It makes starting your work in the morning much smoother.
  3. Take breaks while working. Follow a cycle of 60-90 minutes of focused work followed by short breaks to keep your brain fresh and clear.

Who I Am and Why I Started This Newsletter

Nail It and Scale It • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Marketing Technology Investing
  1. The author has over 10 years of experience in advertising, tech, and startups. This gives him a unique view on problems and solutions.
  2. He has worked with both big companies and startups, helping them grow and succeed. Some of his clients have achieved significant milestones like IPOs and acquisitions.
  3. The newsletter will offer practical advice for entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses. It will cover various topics like marketing tactics, budgeting, and using AI for efficiency.

🚀 Propel Your Space Startup Journey with Space Ambition's Fellowship Program 🌌

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Programs Innovation
  1. There is a fellowship program for people interested in starting space-related businesses. It offers guidance and support to help turn your ideas into reality.
  2. Participants will receive personalized feedback and insights on how to attract investors. This can help make your startup idea more appealing.
  3. The program includes online classes, individual coaching, and access to a network of resources. This structure is designed to assist you every step of the way in launching your space venture.

Top Links 767 The surge in global steel production that is not glutting global markets. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria and the MidEast AI play.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Market Trends Global Trade Policy Analysis
  1. Global steel production is currently rising without causing an oversupply in the market. This means that while more steel is being made, it's still being used effectively.
  2. The reduction in traded steel suggests that overcapacity issues are more about political decisions than actual economic needs. It's not just about making stuff; it's also about how countries manage their resources.
  3. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria and the role of AI in the Middle East are important topics worth exploring. They show how local and technological changes can impact economies.

The inside story of why this once high-flying digital health startup failed

Second Opinion • 589 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Failure Venture Capital Policy
  1. Entrepreneurs should not avoid discussing failure, as it is part of the journey.
  2. Founders should be cautious of taking on too much at once, especially in terms of lobbying for policy changes while building a business model.
  3. When fundraising, founders should carefully consider investor relationships, future funding needs, and the value placed on patient experience.

Inside the SaaS efficiency gap

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 449 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups SaaS Finance Growth Entrepreneurship
  1. Early-stage SaaS startups are getting smaller, now averaging just 7 employees compared to 13 in previous years. They are managing to achieve higher revenue per employee as they focus on efficiency.
  2. Bigger SaaS companies are facing challenges like team bloat and slower growth. Their revenue per employee is decreasing, meaning they need to find ways to improve efficiency.
  3. The trend is shifting toward lean teams that prioritize generalists and AI fluency. Startups are adapting by hiring fewer people who can handle multiple roles and leverage AI effectively.

AI's Winners, Losers and Wannabes: Valuing the AI Boost at NVIDIA

Musings on Markets • 1179 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
💼 Business Investing Market Trends Stock Valuation Technology impact Corporate strategy
  1. The semiconductor industry has seen cycles of growth and maturity, with significant changes in who the biggest players are over time. Companies like NVIDIA have found success by targeting profitable niche markets.
  2. AI technology is currently a hot topic, with companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft seen as leaders. However, investors should be careful as many companies may falsely claim to be AI-focused, leading to potential losses if the wrong ones are chosen.
  3. When investing in AI-related companies, it's important to remember that not all will succeed. Past technological changes show that disruptive innovations can create a few big winners but also many failures.

Hero Culture means your systems are broken

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Organization Leadership Culture Systems Processes
  1. Hero culture shows that a company's systems aren't working right. If you need someone to save the day, there's likely a problem with the organization's processes.
  2. Celebrating heroes can be nice, but it distracts from fixing the real issues. It's better to thank them and work together to prevent future emergencies.
  3. Good systems include clear documentation and solid processes. These tools help avoid relying on individuals to step in and fix issues all the time.

Managing Expand Projects

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1193 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Project management Software Development Risk management Growth Strategies
  1. In a phase of rapid growth, problems can emerge suddenly, and it's crucial to focus on quick fixes instead of getting bogged down in perfect plans. This might mean using basic solutions to keep things running.
  2. When facing high demand and limited resources, the goal is to delay or prevent resource shortages. This can involve spending more money or reducing the growth rate to manage resources better.
  3. It's important to stay calm and creative during crises. Experimenting with new ideas in small, parallel teams can help find solutions quickly, which is necessary to continue growing without causing irreversible problems.

‘American Dynamism’: How VCs Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Defense Tech...Hot Startup Funding Rounds...Byju's Leads EdTech Rout

Newcomer • 432 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Technology Government Innovation
  1. Defense tech has become popular among venture capitalists due to global tensions and the U.S. government's increased investments.
  2. Success stories like SpaceX and Palantir have boosted investor confidence in companies focused on government contracts.
  3. Selling to the government, while lucrative, can be a slow and complex process due to procurement challenges.

The Big Nonprofits Post

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Nonprofits Charity Philanthropy Funding AI risks
  1. There are many excellent charities to donate to right now, especially those focused on AI safety and existential risks. It can be hard to find good places to give money, but they are out there.
  2. When deciding where to donate, it's important to trust your own judgment and knowledge about what matters. Choose organizations that align with your values and how you believe change can be made.
  3. Consider giving unconditional support to individuals doing valuable work, as this can help them focus on their projects without the stress of constantly needing to prove their worth for funding.

TBM 321: "Reducing Complexity"

The Beautiful Mess • 1480 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Productivity Work Culture Organizational Behavior
  1. Product work is naturally complex because it involves many changing factors and teamwork among different groups. This complexity isn't bad; it's just part of making meaningful products.
  2. A company operates as a complex system influenced by habits, processes, and people. This can lead to mismanagement and stress when priorities clash and workloads become heavy.
  3. Leaders should not try to simplify the work itself but instead create an environment where teams can handle their complexity efficiently. Reducing friction and improving communication can help people do better work together.

Newcomer Is Hiring!

Newcomer • 845 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Journalism Venture Capital Freelance
  1. Newcomer is hiring for various roles like reporter, interns, and freelance writers.
  2. The company has experienced significant growth in revenue, is profitable, and is expanding its editorial team.
  3. Roles include full-time reporter, freelance opportunities, and intern positions for Summer 2023.

Collapsing the Talent Stack, Persona-Led Growth & Designing Organizations for the Future

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 845 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
💼 Business Organizational Design
  1. Edition #8 of Implications covers topics like restructuring teams, leveraging AI and collapsing talent stacks.
  2. In the age of AI, organizations need to focus on refactoring functions, embracing new technology like Generative AI, and understanding the impact on jobs.
  3. Persona-led growth emphasizes the importance of personal branding, user experience design, and the implications of company personification.

When Overwhelmed, Make a List of Questions

Push to Prod • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Problem Solving Decision-making Project management Team Collaboration
  1. When you feel overwhelmed, writing down your questions can help clarify your thoughts. It's a simple way to break down a complex problem.
  2. Answering even one question can give you more confidence and direction, leading to better decision-making. It’s a helpful way to gather information and make progress.
  3. This technique isn't just for work; it can be useful in everyday situations too, like before meetings with accountants or lawyers. Taking the time to write questions helps you feel more prepared.

Toys for Billionaires: Sports Franchises as Trophy Assets!

Musings on Markets • 879 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
💼 Business Finance Investing Sports Economics Asset Valuation
  1. Sports franchises are now seen as trophy assets, where owners often care more about the prestige of ownership than making a profit. This trend makes buying teams feel more like collecting than investing.
  2. The prices for sports teams have skyrocketed in recent years, often without clear ties to their financial performance or success on the field. This disconnect means teams can be seen as overpriced compared to their actual value.
  3. As ownership of teams shifts to extremely wealthy individuals, the dynamics of sports may change. Owners might prioritize star players for their fame, reshaping how teams are built and how fans experience the games.

China Is Overtaking America. In an Electric Car.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
💼 Business Automotive International Trade Technology Economics Manufacturing
  1. China is rapidly advancing in the electric vehicle market, overtaking major companies like Tesla. It's now the largest EV maker in the world.
  2. The Chinese government is strategically hoarding resources and controlling supply chains, giving them an edge in technology and manufacturing.
  3. Industry leaders, like Ford's CEO, recognize the seriousness of this competition and the potential risks of falling behind China in the automotive sector.

Why It’s Hard to Generate a 10X Return on a Startup Investment? | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 279 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Returns Financial Strategies
  1. Calculating a 10x return on startup investments is complex due to dilution from multiple financing rounds.
  2. Incomplete data makes it challenging to accurately determine investment multiples.
  3. Investors need significant exits to achieve 10x returns, necessitating a good understanding of venture capital math.

Becoming a Cult Leader

Investing 101 • 36 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
💼 Business Startups Fundraising Venture Capital Leadership Strategy Marketing Branding Product
  1. Control mindshare: be the obvious voice in your category, deeply knowledgeable and present so people instinctively turn to you.
  2. Command capital: influence without funding can’t move the needle, so find the right forms of capital—VC, revenue, grants, or debt—that let you execute.
  3. Be the standard bearer: combine relentless public leadership and real financial resources to set the market’s rules and pursue your mission no matter what.

No, KKR is not “equity washing”

The Novelleist • 412 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💼 Business Private Equity Corporate Governance Wealth Inequality Financial Models
  1. KKR is helping employee ownership grow, even if it's temporary. They buy struggling companies and give employees a share of the profits while they own them.
  2. Critics say KKR's model isn't enough compared to true employee-owned companies, but it still offers more benefits than most private equity firms do.
  3. We need a variety of ways to give employees equity in their companies. Every little bit helps in reducing wealth inequality and giving workers a stake in their workplaces.

top 5 reading links for 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 64 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Technology Defense Data Careers Culture
  1. Big-picture data and history reveal where success and talent cluster, so studying patterns can show who wins prizes and where modern geniuses hide.
  2. Private tech is reshaping defense and security, and building 21st-century military or AI systems brings practical bottlenecks like energy, logistics, and policy into focus.
  3. Everyday business and social skills matter: many data businesses aren’t ideal VC targets, venture firms often ignore their own advice, and simple moves like the right intro, hosting great dinners, or focused job hunting make a big difference.

How I Hit 1,000 Substack Subs in 5 Months & How You Can Too!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1458 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Social media Content creation Online Platforms
  1. Building a Substack newsletter can be very rewarding, and it's possible to grow your subscriber count quickly. It took just five months to reach 1,000 subscribers.
  2. Consistent and engaging content is key to attracting and retaining subscribers. People want to feel connected through what you share.
  3. Promotion and networking are important. Sharing your newsletter in the right communities can help you gain more visibility and reach potential readers.

A Cagan Critique

The Beautiful Mess • 476 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💼 Business Product Management Leadership Critique Team Dynamics Innovation
  1. Not everyone thinks the same way about success. People have different paths to achieve their personal and collective goals, and that's what makes teamwork rich and creative.
  2. It's important to question and critique ideas, even widely respected ones. This helps us understand different perspectives and encourages an open mind.
  3. Success isn’t just about ambition. Various motivations matter, and we should recognize that each person can contribute in their own unique way.

Calif is hiring!

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 738 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
💼 Business Tech Recruitment AI Security Engineering
  1. Calif is a young firm on the verge of a big boom, working with top firms in AI, infrastructure, and products, and offering great work experiences.
  2. Calif is hiring excellent hackers to tackle important tech challenges and offers a unique opportunity to work in a company with a high standard reminiscent of Silicon Valley's early days.
  3. Calif has open positions for Offensive Security Engineer, Software Engineer, and Technical Project Manager, with a referral reward of USD 2,000 for successful hires.

A good start

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 239 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Consulting Management Strategy Leadership Organizational
  1. Amorphous consulting is about tackling unclear and emerging problems that organizations face. It's often the first step in consulting even if clients don't recognize it or want to pay for it.
  2. Starting with amorphous consulting is cheaper and quicker than hiring a concrete consultant right away. It avoids the lengthy process of re-scoping a project.
  3. Amorphous consultants ask the 'dumb' questions that uncover hidden problems. This approach is useful when there's uncertainty, helping organizations find solutions they didn't even realize they needed.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (8/26)

Human Capitalist • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
💼 Business Job Market Leadership Career Changes Workforce Trends Human Resources
  1. There were many job changes last week, highlighting shifts in talent and leadership across various companies. It's important to keep track of these moves to understand industry trends.
  2. Noteworthy individuals have transitioned to major roles at companies like OpenAI and TikTok, indicating a shift in expertise and focus in tech and marketing sectors.
  3. Monitoring job changes can provide insights into companies’ strategies and priorities, which is useful for investors and recruiters alike.