The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The Cold Ledger: When Greenland is Finally Green

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
💼 Business Supply Chain Shipping Mining Commodities Agriculture Trade Transportation
  1. Arctic shipping shortens distances but brings high extra costs and risks—ice‑class ships, slower speeds, higher insurance, and unreliable schedules—so only bulk, time‑insensitive cargo is likely to benefit in the near term.
  2. Greenland’s rare‑earth deposits can diversify and stabilize critical mineral supply for things like EV motors, but higher extraction and logistics costs mean a modest price premium rather than cheaper consumer goods.
  3. Glacial rock flour could materially lower fertilizer costs and boost crop yields, putting downward pressure on food prices long‑term, but that outcome hinges on solving expensive bulk shipping logistics or monetizing carbon credits to cover transport.

What to Watch in 2025

The Generalist • 860 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups AI Trends Market Analysis
  1. In 2025, there will be big chances in defense tech and social services as the government starts using more tech from private companies. This means more jobs and growth in these areas.
  2. Artificial intelligence is set to grow, especially in healthcare and logistics, while crypto is expected to become more mainstream as regulations become clearer and institutional support increases.
  3. Consumer apps might make a comeback as major tech companies face antitrust issues, allowing new startups to find success in areas like entertainment and personal finance.

On Substack (sigh)

Notes from a Small Press • 79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
💼 Business Media Publishing Freelancing Digital Platforms Income
  1. Substack has faced criticism and controversies over its policies, leading many writers and readers to leave or stop using the platform. This has created a divide among newsletter creators regarding where to publish.
  2. Many writers rely on Substack for income, and leaving the platform could significantly hurt their earnings. This makes it tough for some to decide whether to stay or leave because the options out there might not be any better.
  3. The idea of creating a newsletter co-op, where writers could collaborate and bundle their subscriptions, was interesting but faced challenges in gaining interest. Without more options for writers, the future of independent newsletters seems uncertain.
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Professional Pricing

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2518 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
💼 Business Business Model Revenue growth
  1. Consider raising prices to increase revenue, but be aware of potential tradeoffs.
  2. Subscribers can expect to improve software design and communication skills, connect with a community, and receive thought-provoking ideas.
  3. New pricing for the newsletter will be $25/month starting January 15, 2024, so signing up before then locks in the current $7/month rate.

Valuable, but not productive

Passing Time • 970 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Consulting Finance Career Entrepreneurship Work Life
  1. Many elite graduates end up in consulting and finance jobs, even if they don't know much about these fields. They often choose these paths due to pressure and anxiety about what to do after college.
  2. While jobs in consulting and finance are lucrative, they often don't contribute much to society. The work can feel unproductive and doesn't create a lasting impact or legacy.
  3. These high-stress jobs can lead to burnout and affect personal lives. People may sacrifice their health and relationships for prestige and money, but there are other fulfilling paths to explore.

AI and GDP: The Caplan-Karnofsky Bet

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics Investments Technology Betting Risk Analysis
  1. Bryan Caplan's bet on GDP and AI is unique because it involves a lot of uncertainty. Usually, he picks safer bets, but AI is unpredictable.
  2. The time frame of 20 years is significant; advancements might happen faster due to modern communication. This may lead to AI being adopted more quickly than expected.
  3. If the GDP drops significantly, it might be due to factors like war or disasters, rather than AI. And for GDP to rise dramatically, we need breakthroughs in education, healthcare, or robotics.

Not All Deep Tech is a Startup

Ulysses • 239 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Technology Venture Capital Manufacturing Deep Tech Startup
  1. Software startups have unique advantages like zero-cost replication and large markets, but building unicorns is still rare.
  2. Deep tech ventures face challenges like talent scarcity and long payback periods, but success can create a science-fiction future.
  3. Different models for deep tech leverage value generation, such as software-derived value, economies of scale, high-margin consumables, and extreme capital goods durability.

TBM 368: Goals Take Practice

The Beautiful Mess • 304 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
💼 Business Management Strategy Goals Productivity Performance
  1. Setting good goals is tough and takes practice. It's not something you can get right just by trying a few times.
  2. OKRs are just one tool to help with goal setting, but there are many types of goals that matter in different situations.
  3. To really improve at setting goals, practice all the time, not just once a quarter. The more you work on it, the better you'll get.

TBM 363: Is Matt A Loser?

The Beautiful Mess • 370 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Organizational Behavior Corporate strategy Workplace culture
  1. Sometimes, executives may ignore useful advice to protect their own interests and bonuses. This can hurt the overall effectiveness of a company.
  2. People like Matt care deeply about improving their workplace, even when faced with difficult situations. However, they often feel stuck and unsure about their future.
  3. The dynamics in a company can make it hard for employees to voice concerns or suggest changes. This can lead to frustration and wasted potential within teams.

Test Drive: Is BYD as Good as Tesla?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 245 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
💼 Business Automotive E-commerce Investments Market Trends Consumer behavior
  1. BYD, a Chinese automaker, is growing quickly in the electric vehicle market but Tesla still leads for now.
  2. BYD is expected to sell around five million vehicles this year, which is significantly more than Tesla's sales.
  3. Many Americans may not know much about BYD cars, but they are performing well and improving rapidly.

From Runway to Career Capital: A Framework for Evaluating Startup Jobs

Optima & Outliers • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Career development Job Market Investment Strategies Risk management
  1. When considering a startup job, focus on how it will help your career instead of just picking a 'winner'. Think about your long-term goals and how the role aligns with them.
  2. Do your homework before joining a startup. This means asking about the company's funding, goals, and speaking with people who know the founders to understand their track record.
  3. Look for opportunities to learn and build connections in a startup. These experiences can boost your resume and help you grow your professional network.

Google throws publishers a bone

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Media Publishing Streaming Technology Journalism
  1. Google's Discover feature is helping some publishers offset losses from search traffic. This shift shows that not all platforms are the same and offers a small boost to those adapting.
  2. Ghost, a publishing platform, has hit a milestone with over $100 million in subscription revenue. This highlights the growing importance of independent platforms for publishers.
  3. The growing popularity of IMAX theaters is great for premium experiences, but it could hurt traditional cinemas. It's a tricky balance between offering luxury options and keeping it affordable for everyone.

The Return of the Rust Belt

The New Urban Order • 359 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Real Estate Economics Housing Markets Investments Climate change
  1. Cities in the Rust Belt like Buffalo, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis are emerging as top housing markets for 2024, showing significant price appreciation.
  2. Contrary to popular belief, cities in the Midwest and Rust Belt are now becoming more attractive due to affordability compared to traditionally booming cities in the South and West.
  3. Factors like housing affordability, climate change, and government and private investments are influencing the resurgence of the Rust Belt cities in 2024.

Vượng In Control

Vietnam Weekly • 353 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Automotive Finance International
  1. Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is expanding to India and other countries.
  2. The subscription price for Vietnam Weekly is increasing from $5/month to $8/month.
  3. VinFast has made significant announcements, including a leadership transition, plans for India, CES presentation, and facing challenges with bad press.

2024 Noahpinion subscriber survey!

Noahpinion • 2117 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
💼 Business Blogging
  1. Noahpinion has a large and engaged audience of 12,000 paid subscribers who are smart and fun.
  2. Noah Smith conducts subscriber surveys about once a year to gather feedback on how he's doing and what people would like.
  3. Readers can get a 7-day free trial to access full post archives on Noahpinion's website.

The difference between making money and a hobby

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups E-commerce Freelancing
  1. Tinkering can be fun and educational, but it often doesn't lead to making real money. People who quit their jobs to experiment might not find traction if they aren't committed to serious efforts.
  2. If you want to succeed financially, it’s important to pick ideas with high demand. Avoid spending lots of time on small projects that don’t bring much profit.
  3. A solid marketing plan is just as crucial as having a good product. Without a way to promote what you're selling, you might just have a hobby instead of a business.

TBM 331: Strategy & Decisiveness

The Beautiful Mess • 859 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Decision-making Management Leadership Company Culture
  1. Being strategic involves making choices, but not all strategies are about being decisive. Sometimes, being flexible and open to options can be just as important.
  2. Real-world strategy often faces messy challenges. It's not just about having a perfect plan; it's about navigating the unpredictable nature of business and making practical decisions.
  3. It's okay to admit uncertainty and avoid over-pressuring teams for quick decisions. Some trade-offs and juggling acts are just part of the process.

Human Capital And The Referral Heuristic

Optima & Outliers • 119 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Hiring practices Recruitment Job Market Networking Human Capital
  1. Hiring often feels like buying a house, needing personal interactions to gauge a candidate's soft skills like integrity and confidence, which can't be fully captured in a resume.
  2. Many good candidates get overlooked because traditional screening methods focus too much on relevant experience, which doesn't always reflect their true potential or transferable skills.
  3. Networking and referrals can greatly improve your chances of being hired, as they help showcase your strengths that aren't easily seen on paper.

Looking for problems instead of solutions

Sunday Letters • 99 implied HN points • 27 May 24
💼 Business Mindset Problem Solving Teamwork Leadership Productivity
  1. It's important to focus on solutions rather than just identifying problems. Always looking for issues can slow down progress and creativity.
  2. Effective people know when to take action, even if they don't have all the details. It's okay to jump into something and learn as you go.
  3. When you have concerns, think about whether they are relevant now or just distractions. Finding solutions should be your priority to keep moving forward.

Recruiting Brainfood - Issue 345

Recruiting Brainfood • 589 implied HN points • 21 May 23
💼 Business Recruitment AI Marketing Work Operations
  1. Candidate experience is crucial for winning top talent in 2023, focusing on pillars like transparency, reciprocity, and unity.
  2. The WEF Future of Jobs report highlights regional variances in employment and the decline in real wages, impacting recruitment strategies.
  3. AI is transforming recruitment processes, from Google AI Search changing internet dynamics to AI assisting in automating hiring processes and message composition.

Harvard's Water

Lewis Enterprises • 589 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
💼 Business Investing Real Estate Water resources
  1. Long-term institutional investing can provide a unique edge in the financial market.
  2. Establishing unconventional investment profiles can lead to great returns but might challenge conventional wisdom.
  3. Harvard's approach to investing in water resources and farmland involves complex strategies and global acquisitions.

The Inference Economy: Part II

Generating Conversation • 93 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Innovation AI Data
  1. Token demand is increasing because we're processing more data with AI and using more tokens per request. This means we need to find better ways to manage how many tokens we're using.
  2. Choosing the right model for the right task is crucial to save costs. Using smaller models for simple tasks can help a lot instead of automatically reaching for the biggest and best models.
  3. Switching between different LLM providers can be beneficial for reducing costs, but it requires careful planning to handle potential security concerns. It’s important to think about how and when we use more complex models.

After Wall Street balks, Cigna calls off Humana merger and instead is set to buy back up to $11.3 billion of its shares in gift to investors

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Healthcare Investments Mergers Stock Market Corporate strategy
  1. Cigna decided not to merge with Humana after Wall Street reacted negatively to the idea. Instead, they will buy back $11.3 billion worth of their shares to please investors.
  2. Cigna's stock dropped significantly when the merger news broke but soared back up after the buyback announcement. This shows how much Wall Street values quick returns over company growth strategies.
  3. The share buyback won't help improve healthcare access or quality for Cigna's customers. It's mainly a move to boost stock prices and please shareholders.

For the brand, I guess

benn.substack • 690 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Startup Culture Market Trends Reputation Management
  1. Venture capital firms need to be great at selecting good startups, but they also have to attract those startups. If they don't seem appealing, they might miss out on investment opportunities.
  2. Investors can stand out by offering more money, being flexible with terms, providing helpful support, or showcasing their reputation. However, being popular or having a strong brand has become increasingly important.
  3. There’s a shift in venture capital where having a strong presence online and being an internet celebrity matters more than traditional methods. Companies now look for people who can bring attention and create buzz.

The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing YouTube Entrepreneurship Content creation Social media
  1. YouTube can be a platform where people showcase unique services, like yard cleanup videos. This combines marketing, good deeds, and entertainment all in one.
  2. Some lawn care businesses gain popularity by documenting their free work on overgrown properties. This not only helps others but also helps them grow their online presence.
  3. Creating content that viewers enjoy is essential in modern marketing. It's better to show entertaining ideas rather than strictly promoting services.

Google’s Woke AI Wasn’t a Mistake. We Know. We Were There.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2040 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Diversity Bias Tech industry
  1. Google's new AI tool, Gemini, produced biased results in image searches, reflecting the larger issue of the company's culture prioritizing ideologies over excellence.
  2. Former Google employees, including high-profile individuals like Shaun Maguire, expressed concerns over Google's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion leading to compromises in quality and standards.
  3. The fallout from the Gemini AI debacle at Google highlighted the importance of balancing inclusivity with maintaining product quality and unbiased information for users.

Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-January 2026

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 28 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
💼 Business Real Estate Housing Market Home Sales Inventory Homebuilding Construction Market Trends
  1. Active housing inventory has risen sharply — active listings are up about 12% year‑over‑year and this marks many consecutive months of inventory gains, bringing supply closer to pre‑pandemic levels.
  2. Existing‑home sales fell in 2025 to the lowest level since 1995, which is putting downward pressure on prices, though a big wave of distressed sales is unlikely because most homeowners have strong equity and low mortgage rates.
  3. The new‑home market is disappointing: builders are carrying many completed and under‑construction unsold homes and are cutting prices to compete with increased existing‑home inventory.

How health-tech founders can survive a brutal 2024

Second Opinion • 471 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups Investment Strategy Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. In 2024, health-tech founders may face challenges due to market conditions like the difficulty of fundraising.
  2. It's okay to let go of a struggling company and start over; it can make you smarter for the next venture.
  3. Founders should practice ruthless prioritization, focus on achieving break-even, and be realistic about liquidity events.