The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Startup News: Wealthon raises $133 million to scale SME financing in Central Europe

Startup Strategies • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Fintech Investment Market Trends Digital Services
  1. Wealthon, a fintech company, raised $133 million to help small and medium businesses in Central Europe. This money will be used to grow their services and reach more customers.
  2. They provide quick financing options to businesses, allowing them to get loans as fast as seven minutes. Their digital approach makes it easy for companies to access funds with less paperwork.
  3. Wealthon is becoming a leader in Poland's lending market by tripling its financing volume in 2024. They focus on innovative financial solutions tailored specifically for SMEs.

TBM 358: The Genius of SVPG

The Beautiful Mess • 1190 implied HN points • 16 May 25
💼 Business Change Management Leadership Organizational development Product Management Corporate strategy
  1. The SVPG approach to change is effective because it gives leaders a way to improve their product practices without losing face. It helps them take action while feeling confident in their leadership.
  2. For change agents within a company, who you are and how you say things really matters. Sometimes, your message might not be heard because of who you are, so timing and framing are important.
  3. Making big changes in an organization is tough and messy. Real change often requires removing hidden barriers and understanding that success doesn't just come from having a good plan; it's about navigating complex situations.

TBM 360: "Wait! I Thought the Team Was Overloaded?!"

The Beautiful Mess • 383 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Team Dynamics Productivity
  1. Teams often feel overwhelmed with too much work, but managers might deny there's a problem. It's important to listen to the team on the front lines.
  2. Sometimes, leaders want to cut down on projects, but managers are afraid to suggest it due to fear of losing resources. Clear and honest conversations can help break this cycle.
  3. If there are too many options with no clear priority, it's necessary to focus on one important goal at a time. This helps to reduce confusion and improves team effectiveness.

TBM 359: Process Person

The Beautiful Mess • 727 implied HN points • 23 May 25
💼 Business Product Management Team Dynamics Organizational Behavior Leadership
  1. Bad processes often come from a lack of experience or understanding. It's important to be flexible and learn from feedback to improve them.
  2. Not every process works for everyone. What's easy for one team can be too much for another, so finding a balance is key.
  3. Leadership sometimes asks for complicated processes without thinking about what's really needed. It's better to focus on making things simpler and more effective.

Embrace the content grind

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Content creation Streaming Advertising Monetization
  1. Consistency is key for creators. It's important to keep creating and improving, even when you don't see immediate results.
  2. YouTube is becoming more dominant in content creation due to its strong revenue sharing model, making it hard for other platforms to compete for talent.
  3. Tubi’s strategy of offering free content while avoiding expensive originals is smart. It focuses on generating ad revenue without needing big-budget shows.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

It's Still Easier To Imagine The End Of The World Than The End Of Capitalism

Astral Codex Ten • 23813 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Technology Wealth
  1. After the Singularity, wealth inequality might stay the same because AI will handle all labor. Everyone will earn similar returns on their investments, leading to a static distribution of wealth.
  2. Future wealth distribution could get more complicated with the birth of many descendants from rich individuals. This means those born into wealth might always have the advantage, creating a new kind of inequality over generations.
  3. To prevent extreme inequality, we might need government intervention or new ideas like wealth taxes to ensure that wealth is shared more fairly in a post-Singularity society.

There's no such thing as f– you money

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1639 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Tech industry Corporate culture Leadership
  1. Wealth doesn't guarantee freedom. Even billionaires serve someone and often compromise their principles.
  2. Charisma and social influence can be more powerful than money. Being likable and persuasive can get people further in many situations.
  3. Cultural power matters more than financial power. Those with money often want to control how they're perceived and fear being ridiculed.

Top Links 635 The rebalancing of global industrial production. A hog-cycle in containers. Czech reserves & Korean coups (in 1979)

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Global Economy Trade Economics Geopolitics
  1. Global industrial production is shifting. This means how and where things are made around the world is changing.
  2. There is a trend called a 'hog-cycle' in container shipping. This affects how goods are transported and the availability of containers.
  3. Historical events, like the Czech reserves and Korean coups in 1979, can help us understand current global shifts and economic patterns.

Is growth still good?

benn.substack • 1176 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups AI Innovation Market Trends Corporate strategy
  1. Fast growth can be misleading in today's market. Just because a startup is making money quickly doesn't mean it has a solid long-term plan.
  2. Smaller, newer companies are often more innovative than big ones. Many tech leaders are looking to fresh, creative minds instead of established corporations for solutions.
  3. AI is creating a new type of workplace dynamic. Instead of making jobs easier, it could lead to roles that are more focused on managing technology than using creativity.

Opp Consulting is a Scam

startupdreams • 105 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting Scams Marketing Startups Entrepreneurship
  1. Opp Consulting promised qualified leads and guaranteed meetings but failed to deliver. Instead, they sent mass emails that damaged the company's reputation.
  2. The consulting service charged a lot of money but did not follow through on their commitments. After 90 days, not a single meeting was scheduled.
  3. If you're considering using Opp Consulting, it's best to stay away to avoid wasting your resources. They have been labeled a scam based on this experience.

‘I Don’t Think My Business Can Survive These Tariffs’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 635 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade Tariffs Small business Economics International Trade
  1. Many small businesses in Canada are struggling due to high tariffs imposed by the U.S., especially under Trump's trade policies. This means they might face serious financial challenges unless these tariffs are lifted.
  2. Darrin Smith, who runs a successful woodworking tools company, is worried that the 25% tariffs will threaten the survival of his business. He relies heavily on sales to the U.S.
  3. The tariffs were created to address issues like illegal immigration and drug smuggling, but the actual impact on businesses could be quite damaging, raising concerns about the broader economy.

Is focus a luxury African startups can't afford?

Afridigest • 23 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Investing Entrepreneurship Technology
  1. African startups often diversify their services early, which may be driven by limited market options or investor demands. This means they can't always concentrate on one area.
  2. The reasons for expanding services can be both opportunity-based and necessity-based. Sometimes, businesses need to adapt due to market constraints rather than just chasing new opportunities.
  3. Determining how closely related new services are to existing ones can be tricky. The distance from a startup's core business affects its growth strategy.

Letters to a Young Investor: Kirsten Green

The Generalist • 820 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Entrepreneurship Startups Finance
  1. Kirsten Green's journey to becoming a successful investor wasn't straightforward. It took her ten years of learning and failing before founding her own firm.
  2. She developed a unique way of looking at business opportunities by focusing on how a business model can enhance the customer's experience.
  3. Failures in her early investments taught Kirsten valuable lessons and shaped her approach to investing, helping her identify when to trust her instincts.

Vibe Check: Google and Amazon. Earnings: IoT(SMTC, NOD, SLAB,PI), RMBS, AMD

Mule’s Musings • 141 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Earnings Tech IOT Finance Market Trends
  1. Google and Amazon are being assessed for their performance and outlook. People are paying attention to how these companies are doing.
  2. The earnings report includes various companies related to the Internet of Things like SMTC and AMD. These companies are important to keep an eye on for future trends.
  3. This is the first part of a weekly summary about company earnings. Expect to see more updates on financial performances soon.

"I am rich and have no idea what to do with my life"

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 2108 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Personal Finance Career Change Self-discovery Work-life balance
  1. Having a lot of money doesn't always bring happiness or purpose. It's common to feel lost even when you're financially secure.
  2. It’s important to confront your insecurities and challenges head-on. Personal growth often happens when we face difficult times.
  3. Learning for the sake of enjoyment, like studying physics, can be fulfilling. Sometimes, it's fine to not have a big plan and just focus on what makes you happy.

New survey finds workplace culture is top ask of our jobs

Make Work Better • 98 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Employee Wellbeing Diversity Work-life balance
  1. Workplace culture is the most important factor for employees when choosing jobs. Most workers want to feel valued and included.
  2. Wellbeing is now a major concern at work, with many people saying it drives success. Work-life balance is seen as a big challenge.
  3. A lot of workers care about how they are treated at work and believe diverse leadership is important for the future.

There Are No Safe Havens

Freddie deBoer • 6621 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Labor Market Tech industry Career development
  1. The job market for entry-level programmers has drastically declined, with job postings dropping significantly. It's harder than ever for new coders to find work right now.
  2. While skilled and experienced programmers still have good job prospects, the narrative around learning to code often ignores that not everyone can secure those top jobs.
  3. The promise of tech jobs being a guaranteed path to success is misleading, especially for beginners who face tough competition in a shrinking market.

Perceived Value

The Breaking Point • 279 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing Customer Service Branding Product Development
  1. Value is based on how the buyer sees it. For example, ice cubes can be very valuable on a hot day, but not so much on a cold one.
  2. Customers often find high value in features that are easy to create, rather than the complex ones. A simple 'Export to Powerpoint' function ended up being super useful for many users.
  3. Sometimes, the reasons customers buy a product aren’t just about how useful it is. They might buy it for the customer service, prestige, or other factors that might surprise you.

Projects don't pencil.

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Real Estate Market Trends Finance Investment
  1. When projects don't pencil, it can relate to high costs or other factors, but it doesn't always explain the larger market trends clearly. Builders often focus too narrowly on costs without considering broader economic influences.
  2. There's a constant shift in the number of projects that pencil versus those that don't, depending on market conditions. Just because many projects aren't penciling doesn't mean that new projects won't be started; it can often indicate changing circumstances.
  3. Understanding why projects aren't penciling is complex. Costs, demand, and other factors all play a role, but it's important to avoid oversimplifying the reasons behind these changes.

Breaking Into Data: How to Land A Job in a Competitive Market

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Job search Career development Networking Interview Prep Skills Training
  1. Focus on your skills rather than specific job titles. Job titles change all the time, so search by what you can do instead.
  2. Prepare well for interviews ahead of time. Make a study plan and find out the topics to focus on, so you don’t get stressed last minute.
  3. Build real connections with people in your field. Attend events, follow up with new contacts, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to create opportunities.

✨⏩ What DeepSeek means for faster AI-driven economic growth

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Investments Productivity Global Trade
  1. DeepSeek's AI models show that effective technology doesn't always need expensive equipment, which could change how companies develop AI.
  2. Goldman Sachs believes AI could significantly boost productivity and global GDP, similar to tech booms seen in the past.
  3. The rise of cheaper AI models could lead to faster adoption of technology in businesses, which may help improve overall efficiency and economic growth.

Why is Spotify held to a different standard than Meta?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Digital Media Content Strategy Creator Economy
  1. Spotify pays a lot to music rights holders, $10 billion in a single year, helping revive the music industry. Yet, artists still criticize Spotify more than they do other platforms like Meta, which pay much less to creators.
  2. There's a big shift from traditional media to independent outlets, as many journalists are launching their own platforms instead of staying with legacy media. This trend shows a growing frustration with mainstream media's control over narratives.
  3. When platforms share revenue with creators, like Fortnite does, it encourages more content and benefits everyone. But relying on AI for content can lead to low-quality output that doesn't hold much value.

How to buy a duplex (or triplex)

Supernuclear • 579 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
💼 Business Real Estate Finance Investing Housing Law
  1. Buying a duplex or triplex can save you money compared to single-family homes. They are typically about 30% cheaper per square foot, making them an affordable option for many.
  2. Duplexes offer a blend of private space and the ability to live close to friends. You can enjoy your own area while still maintaining close connections with others.
  3. There are different ways to buy a duplex, each with its own financial and legal considerations. It's important to explore these options to find what works best for your situation.

What if the Current Tech IPO Drought isn't a Drought but the New Normal for Venture?

Venture Reflections • 18 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups IPO Finance Investment
  1. The slowdown in tech IPOs might not be a temporary issue, but rather a shift to fewer, larger IPOs that happen less frequently. This could change how we view the IPO landscape.
  2. Many companies are now able to raise enough money privately, so they don't feel the need to go public. This reduces the urgency for IPOs as a source of liquidity.
  3. As companies wait longer to go public, secondary sales could become the main way smaller investors get returns. This change means that the investment landscape might focus more on private equity than on public markets.

AI: Productivity vs Performance

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Workforce AI Impact Productivity
  1. AI can create both big opportunities and greater inequalities in the workforce. While some people will thrive, others might struggle even more.
  2. Current pay models based on time may not work well anymore. Focusing on how much work gets done, rather than just hours worked, could be better for both companies and employees.
  3. The future job market may see more freelancers and solopreneurs. Schools should prepare students for entrepreneurship, as many people might choose to work for themselves.

Our community round has opened—let's fund this book!

The Novelleist • 282 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Investment Crowdfunding Publishing Economics Capitalism
  1. The community funding round for the book 'We Should Own The Economy' has opened, allowing readers to invest and share in potential profits.
  2. They have already raised almost $60,000 and invite everyone to confirm their investments through a provided link.
  3. There's an open call tonight where participants can ask questions about the book and contribute ideas on how to shape the future of capitalism.

Who Will Be the Japan of the AI Era?

European Straits • 40 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business AI Production Innovation Economics Workforce
  1. Countries or regions that can best adapt their institutions to support AI technology will be the leaders in the AI era, similar to how Japan led in manufacturing with its innovative practices.
  2. Lean production showcased that the real breakthroughs come from rethinking how to organize and manage work rather than solely relying on new technologies. AI has the potential to do the same in knowledge work today.
  3. Successful integration of AI will require cooperation across entire supply chains, not just within individual companies, similar to how Japanese companies thrived through partnerships and collaboration.

How Hollywood streamers should work with YouTubers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Marketing Advertising Content creation Streaming
  1. Hollywood streamers are looking to collaborate more with popular YouTubers, especially for unscripted projects. They might save money by licensing existing creators' content rather than creating new shows.
  2. Facebook groups are filling the gap left by local newspapers, providing communities with news and updates. However, these groups might lack the accuracy and depth of professional journalism.
  3. TikTok, especially BookTok, is driving more people to visit physical bookstores like Barnes & Noble. It's interesting how the platform encourages in-person shopping instead of just online sales.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/28)

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Career Changes Market Trends Corporate News Talent Acquisition
  1. There were many job changes last week, highlighting the dynamic nature of the job market. People are moving to different companies for various reasons, which shows how interconnected industries are.
  2. Notable moves include individuals transitioning to leadership roles in different sectors, such as marketing and compliance. These shifts can indicate a focus on growth and adaptation in their new companies.
  3. Keeping track of job changes can be important for investors, recruiters, and anyone interested in talent trends. Following job movements helps understand who is leading in different areas.

Pivotal Tech Company: 50% Drop in Orders

COVID Reason • 237 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Economics Markets Technology Innovation
  1. ASML, a major company in the semiconductor industry, saw a huge 50% drop in future bookings. This suggests some big challenges in the market right now.
  2. The decline in orders points to larger economic issues that could be affecting many companies. It shows how quickly things can change in the world of tech.
  3. Overall, this situation reveals that the financial landscape can be unpredictable. Companies need to stay alert to these shifts to manage risks properly.

Why is Boeing such a shitty corporation?

Robert Reich • 33589 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💼 Business Outsourcing Ownership
  1. Airbus has taken the lead over Boeing in manufacturing and sales of commercial aircraft
  2. Boeing's commitment to safety has been doubted by the public and airlines, affecting its reputation
  3. Airbus and Boeing differ in ownership and worker power, which impacts their approach to manufacturing and safety

Dirty Work: The Return of Blue Collar

State of the Future • 144 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Employment Economics Labor Automation Education
  1. AI is taking over many white-collar jobs, especially those that are routine and easily automated. Many of these roles aren't as valuable as we once thought.
  2. There are plenty of blue-collar jobs available that can provide real satisfaction and meaning. These jobs often require skills that AI cannot replicate.
  3. Blue-collar jobs are likely to gain more respect and higher status in the future. We should encourage young people to consider these careers now.

How the Bud Light Debacle Predicted America's Corporate Vibe Shift

The Ruffian • 301 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Consumer behavior Corporate strategy Cultural Trends
  1. Bud Light faced a major backlash after a marketing campaign featuring a transgender celebrity, showing how quickly consumer sentiment can change. This backlash resulted in a significant loss of sales and brand trust.
  2. Unlike typical consumer boycotts, the impact on Bud Light endured even after the company attempted to distance itself from the controversy. This highlights the lasting effects that cultural issues can have on brands.
  3. The Bud Light incident reflects a larger trend in corporate America where companies need to be more aware of the cultural-political environment. Brands must navigate these changes carefully to maintain their audience and market position.

Benchmark Your Data Team

Inside Data by Mikkel Dengsøe • 24 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business Data Teams Data Analytics
  1. Your data team size should be about 1-5% of your total company staff. Fintech companies usually have a higher percentage of data roles.
  2. The mix of different data roles is important. Having too many analysts can slow things down, while too many engineers might not deliver useful insights.
  3. Data salaries in Europe vary by experience. For example, a junior data role typically pays about $70k, while senior roles can reach $110k or more.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 36 - ciao Italia

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Sales Technology
  1. CitNOW started as a small company in the UK and grew by creating easy-to-use automotive apps. They found success by being the first to offer this kind of technology in their market.
  2. They learned the importance of focusing on their target market, which was the automotive industry. They decided to stop chasing opportunities outside this sector to stay true to their core business.
  3. When expanding internationally, they took careful steps after learning from past mistakes. They aimed to enter the Italian market by leveraging their successes and established relationships with companies like Volkswagen.

Market Movers - 5 October 2024

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 579 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💼 Business Stocks Finance E-commerce Market Trends Investing
  1. InPost launched a rewards program called InCoins, which allows users to earn coins for using their services. This strategy aims to make delivery more fun and encourage more people to use InPost.
  2. Sea Limited opened a new fulfilment center in Brazil to improve logistics for sellers. This move is expected to help local businesses grow and provide faster service to customers.
  3. Airbnb saw a big increase in bookings in Thailand, especially for group travel and long-term stays. This growth is due to better flight options and new visa policies that attract remote workers.

You are just your bosses’ little bitch

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Leadership Employee Rights Work-life balance
  1. Most workplaces operate like dictatorships, where employees must follow bosses without question. This creates a daily stress of having to please someone else just to keep their job.
  2. The idea of changing jobs or starting your own business is not a true escape, as it often just leads to serving another boss or dealing with new pressures. Many people feel trapped in this cycle.
  3. Our modern work culture often makes us lose our individuality and autonomy. It can feel like we are trading our personal freedom for a paycheck, with many people just going through the motions.

Six Startups to Watch

The Generalist • 400 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Finance Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. There are six startups that are worth paying attention to right now. They offer fresh ideas in areas like DNA sequencing and AI.
  2. These startups include a competitor to 23&Me and an AI accounting tool, which could change their industries.
  3. Joining a subscription service can give you exclusive insights into these startups and keep you updated on new trends.

Why Substack is trying to lure in TikTok creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Creators Advertising Digital Transformation Content Strategy
  1. Substack is aiming to attract TikTok creators by offering a $20 million fund to help them transition to the platform without losing money. This shows their desire to expand beyond just newsletters into multimedia content.
  2. Progressive media outlets might benefit from creating more non-political content to engage a broader audience. Mixing politics with entertainment could reach viewers who wouldn't typically seek out political content.
  3. The New Yorker has successfully transitioned to digital by becoming profitable and expanding its staff. This success story highlights how legacy media can adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

The Four Pillars of Venture Investing

Investing 101 • 184 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Finance Entrepreneurship Startups
  1. Finding good investment opportunities is all about connecting with the right people and being aware of what’s happening in the market. Investors need to actively search and know their environment well.
  2. Picking the right companies is crucial, and it requires careful evaluation beyond just being excited about a hot trend. It's important to analyze the quality of the business and its team.
  3. Supporting the companies after investing is where the real partnership happens. Investors should provide helpful guidance without getting in the way of founders' decisions.