The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

All Hail King

The Sleepwell Strategy • 648 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
💼 Business Luxury Brands Marketing Strategies
  1. High-quality products and clever marketing create a valuable brand moat that gives luxury brands a competitive advantage.
  2. True luxury brands like Rolex prioritize quality craftsmanship, exclusivity, and evoke a sense of status in consumers.
  3. Rolex exemplifies true luxury with their obsession for quality, scarcity-driven distribution strategy, and focus on timeless design.

The 5 ingredients of a great fundraising announcement

Flack • 648 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💼 Business Communication Public Relations Startup Entrepreneurship Investment
  1. A successful fundraising announcement includes objectives, audience, message, execution, and validation.
  2. Focus your announcement message on accomplishments, plans, and what matters to employees and customers.
  3. When executing a fundraising announcement, share the message authentically, handle leaks intelligently, and seek validation from others.

You Are Fired

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 419 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💼 Business Technology Automation Workforce Economics Trends
  1. Many companies are laying off employees because of automation technology, especially AI. This can cause a lot of job insecurity for workers.
  2. Paytm recently laid off nearly 1000 employees to shift towards becoming a complete AI company. This shows how businesses are changing to incorporate new tech.
  3. This trend of job cuts due to AI is expected to continue into 2024. Workers need to be aware of these changes in the job market.
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How three Morning Brew alums are building their own network of niche media outlets

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Finance
  1. Three former Morning Brew employees started Smooth Media to build a network of niche media outlets. They're focused on unique topics that cater to specific audiences.
  2. They applied what they learned at Morning Brew, expanding into new media formats like podcasts and online content, showing how versatile and scalable media can be.
  3. Their current projects include collaborations with popular creators and the acquisition of established brands, highlighting their ambitious growth plans.

Market Overview: Spacetech Deals We Liked In 2023

Space Ambition • 379 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Space Industry Investments Startups Technology Trends Market Analysis
  1. In 2023, there was a surge in funding for spacetech companies, especially in areas like commercial space stations and robotics. This shows that investors are excited about the future of space exploration and development.
  2. Debris removal and in-orbit servicing are gaining attention as important niches in spacetech. Many startups are exploring these areas, indicating a growing need for sustainable solutions in space.
  3. Despite competition in the space launch sector, several companies still secured significant investments. This suggests that there are still opportunities in launching services, but investors are cautious about long-term viability.

Generational Change, Technology, and Japan’s New Opportunity For Recovery

Japan Economy Watch • 259 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💼 Business Generational Change Technology Entrepreneurship Financial Institutions Globalization
  1. Generational changes and technological advancements in Japan are creating new opportunities for the country's recovery.
  2. Attitudes towards entrepreneurship among younger generations are shifting positively, promoting more innovation and business creation.
  3. Japan has the potential to revive rapid economic growth through entrepreneurship, drawing from historical success during the Meiji Era and post-WWII period.

How To Make All Your Ideas Work

Day One • 219 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Content creation Marketing Personal Branding
  1. A mission is different from a product. Companies like Stripe demonstrate how products can evolve to serve a clear mission over time.
  2. Having a central mission and roadmap is crucial for success. It helps in aligning ideas and content creation towards a common goal.
  3. Creating a sustainable roadmap is key to managing multiple ideas effectively. Focus on consistent execution and growth before venturing into new projects.

On Earning Foreign Income: A Book On Lessons And Strategies

Day One • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
💼 Business Income Strategies Global Market Book
  1. One strategy to hedge against declining local currencies is earning currencies of first-world nations like the US and Great Britain.
  2. Long-term thinking is crucial when aiming to earn in foreign currency, involving market study and adaptation for taking advantage of opportunities.
  3. Building a strong foundation, identifying market needs, and genuinely helping people are key steps towards earning foreign income successfully.

Marketing day

André Casal's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Startups Product Development
  1. Working hard on marketing doesn't always guarantee great results. Spending 12 hours led to only a few followers and impressions.
  2. Creating original content might attract more attention than just reaching out to people. Focusing on product improvement could be more valuable.
  3. It's important to track the right metrics for success. Being aware of sign-ups can help identify areas that need improvement.

Thoughts on the Survival and Flourishing Fund 2024 Round

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1075 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Philanthropy Social Impact
  1. There are many good charities to support right now, and the quality of applications has improved a lot since the last round. This makes it a great time for charitable giving.
  2. The process for evaluating charities has changed, including a new requirement for them to first receive speculation grants to be considered for funding. This has helped raise the overall quality of the applications.
  3. Time is tight when deciding which charities to fund, making it crucial to quickly assess the most promising options. It's important to focus on those organizations that show strong potential and trustworthy signals.

TBM 370: Dependencies Aren't Your Problem

The Beautiful Mess • 290 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Management Strategy Operations Productivity Team Dynamics
  1. Dependencies become a problem when teams are overwhelmed and lack clear priorities. It's crucial to have open discussions about what should be prioritized rather than just managing tasks.
  2. Many companies use complex tracking systems for dependencies, but they often overlook the real costs involved. Focusing on the value of work is more important than just managing schedules.
  3. To improve workflow, teams need to shift their focus from simply managing dependencies to maximizing the value they can create. This means investing in better processes and capacity allocation.

Issue #6 - Hey Data, Show Me The Money!!!

The Data Ecosystem • 119 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Investment Strategy Data Analytics Finance
  1. Investing in data is a strategic move, not just about spending money. It's important to align data efforts with business goals to see real value.
  2. When pitching for data investment, focus on the benefits it will bring. Clear communication of value can help rebuild trust with leadership.
  3. Measuring the success of data investments through defined KPIs is essential. This helps in making future improvement and investment decisions.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Blog regularly to grow your audience. Consistent posting keeps your readers engaged and helps you establish a routine.
  2. Make your content stand out with catchy headlines and good structure. A strong opening and good promotion can lead to more readers and subscribers.
  3. Think about your unique insights and be ready to share them when relevant news happens. Timeliness and originality can help your writing hit home runs.

How Jonathan Skogmo disrupted the viral video clip economy — and plans to do the same in travel media

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Content creation Travel Technology
  1. Jonathan Skogmo started his career by working with funny home videos but realized he could use the internet to find clips faster. He shifted to using YouTube as a source for user-generated content, which really took off.
  2. He founded Jukin Media, a company that licenses user-generated videos to various media outlets. His success here made him a key player in that industry.
  3. Now, Skogmo is looking to shake up the travel media world, applying his knowledge from the viral video business to create something new and exciting in that space.

Productivity

Genuine Impact - Charting Finance, Investing & Tech • 314 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Productivity US States
  1. Productivity levels differ across OECD countries based on factors like research and development, education, and infrastructure.
  2. In the US, productivity has improved over time due to advancements in technology and management practices.
  3. Washington State stands out as the most productive US state, attributed to being a technology hub and home to major innovative companies.

Reading List 11/16/24

Construction Physics • 1043 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
💼 Business Construction Infrastructure Technology Real Estate Finance
  1. Miami tried to become a new tech hub, but it didn't get much venture capital funding, showing it hasn't really worked out.
  2. Modular construction is growing, especially for fast food restaurants, where buildings can be completed in just 24 hours.
  3. The average homebuyer in the U.S. is now 56 years old, which reflects the aging population in the country.

A peak behind the curtains of a 20k/month consultancy

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
💼 Business Consulting Freelancing Networking Entrepreneurship Client Relations
  1. Balancing client work and personal projects is important. Setting aside specific times or days to work on personal goals can help prevent getting overwhelmed by client demands.
  2. Being genuine and helping others can build strong professional relationships. Sharing experiences and engaging authentically on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to valuable connections.
  3. It's crucial to keep pushing out of your comfort zone. Reflecting on your goals and staying focused on your 'why' can motivate you to pursue long-term ambitions instead of getting stuck in the short-term grind.

#47 - Thought Experiment - What if we stop 'fake approving' by humans?

OSS.fund Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
💼 Business Procurement Operations Automation Strategy Finance Leadership Risk
  1. Human approval chains for low‑value purchases are slow, costly, and often little more than ritualized clicks that add days and overhead without improving outcomes.
  2. AI agents can encode purchasing policy as rules, check budgets, vendors, and contracts in milliseconds, and create auditable logs that cut per‑order cost and cycle time while keeping controls intact.
  3. A practical path is to sample recent small POs, classify which truly need human judgment, then pilot simple auto‑approve rules with identity, logging, and time‑bound tests so people only handle the genuinely ambiguous cases.

Engineer to CEO in 3 years: These key lessons got me there

High Growth Engineer • 717 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Career growth Startups Entrepreneurship Management
  1. Simplify your communication by sharing only the important details. It's better to answer the main question first and add more info later if needed.
  2. Look for gaps in your team or company where you can help. Taking initiative and proposing solutions can help you grow in your career.
  3. Listen to your team and find out what problems they face. Removing obstacles makes it easier for everyone to work better together.

Getting better at 𝕏

André Casal's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Technology Community Building Product Development
  1. To grow your audience on X, try following big accounts in your field and engaging with their posts. This way, you can gain followers by sharing your thoughts and support.
  2. Using SEO tags can help more people find you on Google, which is a smart way to increase visibility for your business.
  3. Creating a community for your product can foster discussions and improvements, even if it feels a bit empty at first. It's a great way for users to connect and share ideas.

Brands are busy romanticising 2016, but you have to be here for the best of marketing in 2026 so far

The Social Juice • 29 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Campaigns Collaborations Media Retail Agencies
  1. Top collaborations focus on resonance, not reach — the most effective partnerships are built for a small, passionate audience that creates depth instead of noise.
  2. AI is reshaping marketing as agencies and brands roll out AI-driven platforms and ads, but low-quality or careless AI work is already provoking backlash and regulatory scrutiny.
  3. Marketers are using nostalgia, celebrity tie-ins, bold stunts and product-first innovations to stand out, from fashion and beauty launches to gaming, sports and experiential activations.

Messi, Inc.

The Generalist • 2341 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
💼 Business Sports Technology Investing Entrepreneurship Marketing
  1. Being considered the GOAT in a sport can lead to lucrative opportunities and wealth accumulation, as seen with athletes like Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi.
  2. Changes in social media, technology, and athlete earnings have given superstar athletes more power and control over their wealth and commercial endeavors.
  3. Lionel Messi's strategic moves, like moving to America and establishing Play Time, indicate a growing potential for immense wealth through business ventures beyond his football career.

The Death of Intel: When Boards Fail

Mule’s Musings • 969 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Management Finance Investments Technology Strategy
  1. The Intel board is seen as unqualified, with many members lacking the necessary semiconductor experience. This has likely contributed to the company's ongoing struggles.
  2. Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO, was fired despite being technically skilled and wanting to help the company. His optimistic approach conflicted with the board's short-term focus.
  3. The board's focus on maximizing shareholder value might lead to harmful decisions like breaking up the company, which could hurt its long-term prospects and impact the industry and U.S. competitiveness.

Oh no, don't look - it's Developer Marketing

Permit.io’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Conferences Technology Community Product Development
  1. Marketing to developers is really different from regular marketing. You can’t just tell them they’re doing things wrong; you need to connect with their community and understand their challenges.
  2. At conferences, it’s important to engage with developers at different levels. Not everyone taking a sticker will become a customer, and that's okay. It's more about building relationships.
  3. Offering flexibility in your product is key. Developers have different needs, so let them use only what they want without forcing features on them.

How I made $750k in the last 6 months

Kenny’s Sub • 379 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Personal Development Lifestyle
  1. Many success stories online lack important context and can be misleading. It's essential to look deeper into the circumstances behind these successes.
  2. Instead of comparing yourself directly to others, ask yourself key questions about your own situation. Consider your job, resources, and personal life before setting expectations.
  3. Stay curious and inspired by success stories, but remember to adapt their strategies to your unique circumstances for more realistic goals.

Capitalism that works

Japan Optimist • 314 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics Innovation Leadership Sustainability
  1. Japan is considered a potential economic superpower and role model
  2. Japan's social resilience, political stability, corporate competitiveness, technocratic pragmatism, and private sector innovation are seen as strengths
  3. Japan's demographic destiny is viewed as a positive force for next-generation leaders, citizens, and the rising Asian middle class

Some thoughts on the Substack controversy

The Watch • 2631 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
💼 Business Controversy Monetization Platform Subscription Income
  1. Substack has faced controversy over hosting white supremacists and other objectionable content
  2. Switching platforms can be risky for content creators like the author due to potential loss of subscribers and audience
  3. The author suggests direct support via other payment methods for those who want to support writers on Substack without contributing to the company