The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

AMD Q4 2024 and FY Financials

More Than Moore • 373 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Tech industry Market Analysis Revenue growth Product Development
  1. AMD's revenue has seen a big boost, with a 24% increase in Q4 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth is driven by strong sales in their data center and client segments.
  2. The company has shifted its focus towards high-margin products, which has significantly improved profitability. Their data center revenue is now a major part of their earnings.
  3. While AMD's gaming sector faced challenges with declining sales, they expect a recovery in 2025 as console orders normalize and new products are launched.

The internet is about to be reshuffled

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 673 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Content creation Advertising Streaming services Economic Trends
  1. When TikTok shuts down, a lot of users might turn to other platforms instead. This could create big opportunities for content creators who need to act quickly to capture the new audience.
  2. Many media companies struggle to see the true value of their employees. Freelance creators are finding success on platforms like Substack, showing that they can earn more outside traditional jobs.
  3. Spotify's move into audiobooks has helped it attract new listeners and grow its business. This shift is seen as one of the smartest decisions among streaming services, providing more value to subscribers.

The Corporate Life Cycle: Managing, Valuation and Investing Implications

Musings on Markets • 1438 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
💼 Business Corporate Finance Valuation Investment Strategies Management Economic Trends
  1. Businesses, like people, go through life cycles. They start as new ideas, grow, and eventually decline if not managed properly.
  2. Companies age differently, impacting their strategies and financial health. Younger companies often focus on growth, while older ones need to defend their position or manage decline.
  3. The skills and qualities needed in leadership change with a company's age. A startup needs a visionary leader, while a declining company may require a pragmatic approach to manage its downsizing.

7 proven mental models for engineering managers

Leading Developers • 218 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Decision-making Team Dynamics Productivity
  1. Use mental models to help make better decisions as a manager. They can guide you to avoid mistakes and think more clearly.
  2. Consider the opposite of what you want to achieve. This helps in identifying what to avoid and improves decision-making.
  3. Always think about the long-term effects of your choices. It's important to consider not just what happens now, but what could happen later.

I Do Nothing at Work and No One Seems To Notice or Care

antoniomelonio • 987 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Employee engagement Job Satisfaction Mental health
  1. Many white-collar workers feel like they do little to no meaningful work, even though they get paid well. This creates a sense of guilt when they see others, like manual laborers, working hard for less pay.
  2. Jobs often seem pointless, defined by layers of bureaucracy and processes that don’t truly serve people. This leads to feelings of alienation and boredom for many in those roles.
  3. There’s a growing concern about the future of work with the rise of AI. Many jobs may become obsolete, raising questions about how society will adapt and what meaningful work will look like.
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The Decentralised Workforce

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 586 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Gig Economy Freelancing Digital Platforms Entrepreneurship Workforce Trends
  1. Many people are choosing gig work instead of traditional jobs for more freedom and better moral alignment with their work. This shift is especially notable among younger workers who value flexibility.
  2. The gig economy is growing rapidly, with more specialized platforms allowing skilled workers to connect with clients and earn substantial incomes. It's not just about food delivery anymore; many people are making good money in diverse fields.
  3. Despite the opportunities, there are challenges, such as platform fees and lack of benefits for workers. There's a need for policies that support gig workers to ensure they have fair earnings and access to health insurance.

10 Things People Don't Realize About Scrum

Ageling on Agile • 119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Agile Management Leadership Training
  1. Scrum isn't just about short-term goals; it focuses on the long-term vision for the product. The Product Owner plays a key role in setting a clear Product Goal and regularly reviews progress.
  2. The purpose of a Sprint is to learn and adapt, not just to deliver a set amount of work. Each Sprint acts as a learning cycle where teams reflect and plan the next steps based on what they've achieved and learned.
  3. The Scrum Master is more than just a facilitator; they are also responsible for helping the whole organization adopt Scrum effectively. They guide both the team and other stakeholders to understand their roles in the process.

Problems at Signet Jewelers (SIG)

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer Trends Market Analysis Branding
  1. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming very popular, especially among younger couples, because they are cheaper and ethically sourced. Many people prefer them over traditional mined diamonds.
  2. Signet Jewelers, a major diamond retailer, is facing challenges as the market shifts towards lab-grown diamonds. They are trying to promote mined diamonds through a new advertising campaign aimed at younger customers.
  3. The diamond industry has a lot of hidden information and marketing tricks that make it hard to understand the true value of diamonds. An expert is now sharing insights to help clear up the confusion.

The case against living in the Bay Area, for ambitious tech people

Cloud Irregular • 3548 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Tech industry Venture Capital Startup Culture Market Dynamics
  1. Living in the Bay Area might not be necessary for tech success. There are many ways to build a successful career outside of that bubble.
  2. The traditional SaaS business model may not be as effective anymore. Companies should focus on creating value in other ways beyond just software.
  3. A balanced team is better than one dominated by technical skills. Recognizing the importance of marketing, sales, and other roles can lead to better business outcomes.

The Insufferable Bros Who Run Corporate America

BIG by Matt Stoller • 56953 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
💼 Business Monopolies Corporate culture Antitrust enforcement Pharmaceutical industry Marketing
  1. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily influenced by aggressive marketing campaigns targeted at doctors, controlled by corporations like IQVIA.
  2. IQVIA, a major player in the healthcare industry, is involved in a trial over a merger that could impact the future of advertising to healthcare professionals.
  3. The FTC alleges that IQVIA's acquisition of advertising firms like DeepIntent could lead to a monopolization of the healthcare provider advertising platform market.

How Do VCs Really Make Decisions?💡

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Financial Metrics
  1. VCs find deals through strong networks and relationships, not just random pitches. They carefully prune their opportunities, meaning a standout startup has a better chance of getting noticed.
  2. When it comes to choosing which startups to invest in, VCs place a big emphasis on the management team and the market potential. A great team can adapt and succeed, no matter how the market changes.
  3. Valuation is a delicate balance where VCs analyze exit opportunities and compare with similar companies. They aim for high returns, especially on early-stage investments, which comes with a lot of risk.

Why athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Max Verstappen are buying new private jets

Huddle Up • 23 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Economics Investments Sports Business Luxury goods
  1. Many athletes, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Max Verstappen, are buying private jets for convenience and comfort on their travels.
  2. Ronaldo's jet, often said to cost $70 million, was actually used and likely bought for much less — he may have even leased it instead.
  3. Private jets can save time and offer luxury, but it's important to understand the full costs, including operation and maintenance.

Why You Should Focus On Making Your Decisions Right

Remarkable People • 639 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Decision-making Entrepreneurship Innovation Leadership Coaching
  1. Striving for a perfect decision can hold you back. It's better to focus on making your decision work instead of aiming for perfection.
  2. Committing to your decision is key. Once you make a choice, throw yourself into it and make the best of the situation.
  3. Be open to change and learn from each decision. Adapting and understanding what works can help you improve next time.

Feedback

Fish Food for Thought • 6 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Feedback Human Resources Performance
  1. Feedback can be hard to give and receive, but it’s important for growth. Creating trust and a safe environment helps people be open to it.
  2. When receiving feedback, remember to own your part in it, whether it's accurate or not. Acknowledging feedback shows you are willing to improve.
  3. Instead of yearly reviews, having ongoing, real-time feedback helps people grow faster. This new approach can lead to better performance and stronger teams.

3 Mistakes to avoid when writing your performance review

High Growth Engineer • 866 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Workplace Management Performance Human Resources
  1. Don’t start writing your performance review from scratch. Create a separate document summarizing your work to help you organize your thoughts and provide a clear overview.
  2. Avoid assuming that everyone knows the details of your work. Write your review in a way that any reader, even a senior leader, can easily understand the impact of your contributions.
  3. Use specific numbers and clear statements to show your impact. Instead of vague phrases, quantify your achievements and relate them to team goals for better clarity.

Will AI Take Your Job? Deconstructing Job Descriptions To Understand What Roles Are Most Vulnerable

High ROI Data Science • 297 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Automation Employment AI Impact Market Trends
  1. Job descriptions might not fully show what a role truly involves, which can lead to misunderstandings about automation risks. Some essential skills of great workers aren't even mentioned.
  2. As AI improves, many tasks in roles like AI Product Manager and Java Developer could be automated. Workers need to consider upskilling if a large part of their job can be done by AI.
  3. Data scientists may face reduced demand as companies prefer to buy AI solutions instead of building them. They might need to shift focus to more customer-facing roles to stay relevant.

Intercom's decisive bet on AI

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 315 implied HN points • 21 May 25
💼 Business Startups Technology AI Pricing Customer Service
  1. Intercom was quick to invest in AI, becoming a leader by being the first major SaaS company to do so. Their 'war time' CEO, Eoghan McCabe, made bold decisions to redefine customer support with AI.
  2. The quality of AI tools matters more than just having features. Intercom's Fin AI agent succeeded through a lot of testing, improving its ability to resolve customer inquiries from 25% to 56%.
  3. Competitors now have to focus on delivering results, not just flashy marketing. Businesses need to educate their customers on how to choose AI products based on effectiveness, not just promises.

How 1440 scaled its newsletter to 4 million subscribers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Marketing Entrepreneurship Growth Strategies Content creation
  1. Understanding the true value of a newsletter subscriber is crucial. Knowing how much revenue each subscriber brings helps in making smart decisions about how much to spend on acquiring new subscribers.
  2. Growing a newsletter takes strategic planning and iteration. Utilizing feedback from early subscribers and constantly improving the product can lead to high engagement and retention.
  3. Expanding beyond email can unlock new growth opportunities. Creating a platform for educational content helps connect curious learners with valuable resources, while also providing more inventory for advertisers.

January 2025 New Home Sales

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💼 Business Real Estate Market Trends Sales Data Economic Impact Inventory Analysis
  1. Home sales are still slow following the effects of Covid-19. Many people are still hesitant to buy homes right now.
  2. The number of homes for sale is high, which relates to the inventory levels seen in 2008. This suggests a potential oversupply in the market.
  3. The months of supply for homes on the market are also very high, indicating that it may take a while for the market to balance out.

🎯 The Ultimate Pitch Deck Collection

The VC Corner • 739 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Investing Pitching Marketing
  1. A good pitch deck should include essential slides that clearly outline your business, like the problem you're solving and your market opportunity. This structure helps investors understand your idea quickly.
  2. Telling a compelling story around your startup's journey is crucial. It helps investors connect emotionally and see the value of what you're doing.
  3. Design matters a lot in a pitch deck. A clean and modern design can make your presentation look professional and helps communicate that you are serious about your business.

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.

4 Truths About OpenAI’s Wild Financial Position

Big Technology • 5504 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investments Corporations Economics Startups
  1. OpenAI plans to change how it looks at training costs, suggesting these might not be fixed over time. This could impact their profits, as training expenses are significant.
  2. OpenAI believes that ChatGPT will generate more revenue than its API, showing confidence in its widespread use. They expect more people will want to interact with AI in the future, which could be risky if the growth doesn’t happen as hoped.
  3. OpenAI is already making big payments to Microsoft, which is one reason they expect to lose a lot of money this year. If their losses continue at this rate, they will need to raise more money soon.

OnlyFans Sticky Business Model

SatPost by Trung Phan • 127 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business E-commerce Digital marketing Entrepreneurship Financial Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. OnlyFans has grown rapidly, with many creators and subscribers, making billions in revenue. The platform allows creators to earn money through subscriptions and direct messaging.
  2. The business model of OnlyFans is unique. Creators can earn more by keeping subscription prices low and upselling personalized content through DMs, rather than relying mainly on subscription fees.
  3. The success of OnlyFans raises questions about the nature of online connections. While it provides income for many, it sometimes sacrifices genuine connection and quality of interaction.

The Nationalization of Boeing Begins

BIG by Matt Stoller • 43431 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Management Labor relations Government intervention Corporate culture Financial impact
  1. There is growing discontent and criticism towards Boeing's management from various stakeholders like Wall Street, labor unions, customers, and regulators.
  2. Major Boeing customers like Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are publicly holding Boeing accountable for quality issues and demanding reimbursement, indicating a significant shift in the industry's code of silence about problems.
  3. The government, particularly the FAA, has taken actions against Boeing and is showing signs of increasing regulation, potentially leading towards a moment where Boeing's management structure may face significant changes.

Is Better Brand Shutting Down-Company Was Once Valued at $170M?

Snaxshot • 359 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups Finance Product Management Consumer Goods E-commerce
  1. Better Brand, once valued at $170 million, is facing allegations of being a scam as their product quality has declined significantly after raising money.
  2. Many customers cannot find Better Brand products in stores, and some have not received their orders, leading to frustrations and reports to consumer agencies.
  3. Key employees have left the company, and the founder is rumored to be hiding in Europe as the situation escalates.

When should you cross-sell?

Startup Real Talk • 291 implied HN points • 21 May 25
💼 Business Marketing Sales Growth Strategies Finance
  1. Don't rush to cross-sell. In the beginning, most customers may not buy extra products from you, so it's better to focus on growing your customer base first.
  2. Avoid getting distracted by cross-selling. Stick to what you do best to keep your business moving forward.
  3. Wait until your customer count is larger before cross-selling. The more customers you have, the better the chances of successfully selling additional products.

Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up

Afridigest • 63 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Media Health Innovation Community
  1. Slowing down can actually help you make better decisions in the long run. Taking a pause gives you time to reflect and avoid mistakes.
  2. Health challenges can lead to new perspectives and changes in plans. Overcoming such experiences can open doors to new opportunities.
  3. Creating a community and collaborating with others can enhance your projects. Listening to feedback helps improve your work and connect with your audience.

Capital Cycles and AI

Mule’s Musings • 629 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💼 Business Capital Markets Investment strategy Technological Innovation Market Trends
  1. Everything goes in cycles, including money. When investors see high returns, they jump in, but eventually, too much investment leads to lower returns.
  2. The current boom in AI feels different because it lacks a strong feedback loop that typically drives rapid investment increases. We're not yet seeing the big jumps in value that signal a bubble.
  3. Power and data centers are crucial for AI's growth, but they have slow response times. This means there might be overbuilding, which could lead to shortages and demand outstripping supply in the future.

The opportunity to rehumanise work

Make Work Better • 174 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture AI Impact Remote work Employee Wellbeing
  1. More companies are exploring shorter work weeks, like a four-day work week, to improve employee satisfaction. This trend shows that businesses are starting to value work-life balance.
  2. Younger workers are more hopeful about using AI in the workplace, seeing it as a chance to enhance their skills and job prospects. In contrast, older workers often feel anxious about changes brought by technology.
  3. Organizations have the chance to create a better work culture by focusing on human and memorable aspects of their service. This shift could lead to happier employees and customers alike.

Is this a career?

benn.substack • 1713 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Analytics Data science Careers Expertise Technology
  1. Getting good at something often just takes a little focused effort over time. Many people don't actively try to improve, so they stay at a decent skill level rather than reaching their full potential.
  2. In fields like data analytics, it's essential to specialize to truly excel. Being a generalist might keep you busy, but it can lead to a career without a clear direction or growth.
  3. To stand out and achieve more in their careers, people need to identify a specific area of expertise and commit to it. Relying on being 'good at data' isn't usually enough to make a significant impact.

Roblox’s Hindenburg moment

SuperJoost Playlist • 238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investments Tech Companies Market Trends Regulatory issues
  1. A financial report claims Roblox might have been lying about its user numbers, saying they inflate how many people really play the game each day.
  2. The report also points out safety issues for kids, saying Roblox doesn't do enough to protect young users from inappropriate content and predators.
  3. Lastly, there's a concern that Roblox could struggle to grow due to reaching most of its potential markets, which might affect its future profits.

TSM - It's Good to Be the King: 1 Trillion Incoming

Mule’s Musings • 366 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Investments Market Trends Earnings Reports Technology
  1. TSMC has reported impressive growth, especially with a 35% increase in capital expenditures. This shows they are investing heavily in their future.
  2. The demand for AI-related products is driving TSMC's revenue, with expectations for AI revenue to double in 2025. This is a big part of their expected growth moving forward.
  3. As competitors struggle, TSMC is gaining market share and experiencing growing profits. They are on track to potentially become a trillion-dollar company.

BOMBSHELL: Potential Criminal Activity Revealed in the Kroger-Albertsons Merger

BIG by Matt Stoller • 34149 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
💼 Business Mergers Antitrust Monopoly Regulation
  1. The Kroger-Albertsons merger faces challenges due to potential criminal activity discovered, leading to antitrust suits and trials to block the deal.
  2. The merger could worsen the grocery market situation with fewer stores, higher prices, and data implications for suppliers, consumers, and workers.
  3. Evidence found of Kroger and Albertsons colluding in wage suppression by avoiding hiring each other's workers, raising concerns and prompting legal action.

Intel 2024 Q4 Financials

More Than Moore • 326 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Technology Corporate Market Analysis Earnings Report
  1. Intel had a rough 2024 but showed some improvement in Q4, with revenue slightly up from Q3.
  2. The company is focusing on its new 18A technology and is getting funding to support its manufacturing efforts.
  3. While Intel is still facing challenges, especially in the AI and GPU market, there's cautious optimism for future products like Panther Lake and Nova Lake.

The 5 intensity zones of software teams

Leading Developers • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Team Dynamics Productivity Work Culture Employee Wellbeing
  1. Software teams can operate in different 'intensity zones' ranging from very light to maximum effort. Understanding these zones helps managers know when their team can relax or when they need to ramp up work.
  2. Switching between intensity zones is important for a team's success and well-being. It's crucial to have a balance and prepare the team for high-pressure times while also allowing them to unwind afterward.
  3. Effective 'intensity management' is key to keeping a team adaptable and preventing burnout. Setting clear expectations about workload and work intensity helps everyone understand what to expect.

Data Leadership Done Right: Focusing on Work That Matters

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 506 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Impact assessment Project management Team Dynamics
  1. Focus on what really matters in your work to create an impact, rather than just completing tasks. It's important to understand the value of what you do.
  2. As you grow in your role, ask yourself what projects move the needle for your organization. This questioning mindset helps drive meaningful change.
  3. To advance in your career, be proactive in identifying valuable projects instead of waiting for your manager to tell you what to do. Taking initiative is key to success.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/21)

Human Capitalist • 59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
💼 Business Job Changes Recruitment Career development Corporate strategy Leadership
  1. There were ten notable job changes recently, showcasing how companies are promoting and hiring talent in key positions.
  2. Major positions were filled at influential companies like Google, Salesforce, and Pinterest, indicating strong movements in the tech and business sectors.
  3. Staying updated on these job changes can help investors and recruiters spot talent and assess market trends.

Founder Mode👨‍💼, The Extinction of VC💀, How to Build More Pipeline🚀

The VC Corner • 259 implied HN points • 15 Sep 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Funding Sales Growth
  1. The current landscape for venture capital is changing, and there are risks that could impact its future. It's important for founders to understand these shifts.
  2. Founders can take control of their growth strategies by focusing on building a solid sales pipeline. This can help them succeed even in uncertain times.
  3. Adapting to new growth approaches is necessary for SaaS businesses. Finding fresh methods can lead to sustained success and relevance.

Subscrive Drive 2025 + Free Unlocked Posts

Astral Codex Ten • 6400 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Subscriptions Finance Marketing Media Economics
  1. You can subscribe to Astral Codex Ten for paid access, which includes extra articles and special threads for subscribers. It's a chance to support the blog and get more content.
  2. The blog had strong subscriber growth at first but has seen a drop in recent years. The author encourages financial support but understands if people cannot afford it.
  3. Several subscriber-only posts offer unique insights, covering topics like historical figures and personal reflections. When you subscribe, you can access a lot of great content.