The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

How VCs Build Soft Power

The Generalist • 780 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Personal Branding Soft Power Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship
  1. Soft power is important for venture capitalists because it helps them stand out in a competitive market. It’s not just about money but also reputation and influence.
  2. Building soft power takes time, but new VCs can start quickly by finding their unique voice and using online platforms to share their ideas.
  3. Learning from experienced investors can help avoid common pitfalls. They share their mistakes and successes to help others grow their soft power effectively.

The Intensity Dial: Knowing When to Escalate and When to Back Off

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
💼 Business Leadership Communication Management Teamwork Coaching Conflict
  1. Treat communication like an intensity dial — shift between gentle support and direct urgency depending on the situation instead of always being soft or always being blunt.
  2. Being too soft lets problems fester and breeds passive-aggressive resentments, while being too intense too early embarrasses people and shuts down trust.
  3. Escalate deliberately in small steps: make the impact and stakes clear, give the other person a fair chance to fix things, and set deadlines or escalation paths using simple diagnostic questions to choose the right level.

Time is finite

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Management Finance Startups Leadership
  1. Time is limited, so it's important to recognize that we don't have endless chances to succeed. We need to make the most of our time and decisions.
  2. Entrepreneurs often believe that things will always improve with just one more attempt. However, sometimes, those extra tries can lead to setbacks.
  3. Looking back, certain choices may seem small but can have significant impacts on success. What seems minor at the time might slow down progress enough to be detrimental later.

Trying in public...works?

Trying In Public • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Personal Growth Social media E-commerce Consulting
  1. Trying in public can be beneficial, even if it's intimidating. By sharing your work or thoughts, you may discover that others are waiting for someone to voice the same ideas.
  2. Using quizzes for marketing can be a creative and engaging strategy. Consider starting with the result you want to sort people into and mapping questions based on that.
  3. Engaging with feedback and experimenting with new ideas can lead to growth and learning. Don't be afraid to try new tools or trends to see what resonates with your audience.
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Oxford Nanopore Full Year/Layoffs

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Earnings Cash Flow Growth Layoffs Biotech Public Markets
  1. The full-year trading update largely matched the first-half results and showed no major surprises.
  2. Revenue grew about 12% from H1 to H2, but some of that appears seasonal or tied to one-off pricing and financing, so underlying growth is likely around that level.
  3. Cash on hand is down to £302 million, which at the current burn rate gives roughly a three-year runway.

From 9-to-5 to Building a Career Portfolio: How One Consulting Project Changed My Life

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 612 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Career development Consulting Networking Personal Branding Skill Building
  1. Building a solid skill set is crucial early in your career. Try out different skills and projects to find what you enjoy and what works for you.
  2. Seizing opportunities is key. Say yes to things that can help you grow, and be proactive about creating your own chances.
  3. Think of your career like building an investment portfolio. Every skill, project, and connection adds value, so keep investing in yourself and your network.

When should you offer a productized service?

Kenny’s Sub • 199 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Sales Freelancing Consulting
  1. Productized services are service offerings that are made to be like products with clear packages and prices. This helps both service providers and clients understand exactly what to expect.
  2. There are many benefits to productized services, such as easier pricing, scalability, and clearer communication. However, this model isn't for everyone and might limit customization for clients with specific needs.
  3. To create a productized service, it's important to define what you offer clearly, set up attractive packages, and build trust with potential clients through testimonials and clear terms.

Purpose Disruptors needs disrupting

Thoughts on Writing • 319 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
💼 Business Advertising Climate change Economics Funding
  1. The ad industry and climate movement should aim for better collaborations and campaigns that actually make a positive impact.
  2. It's important to critically evaluate the claims and research behind advertising campaigns related to climate change to ensure credibility and effectiveness.
  3. Narratives around climate action in advertising should be aspirational, inclusive, and focus on tangible positive changes rather than guilt or deprivation.

Figma S-1 Breakdown

Tanay’s Newsletter • 195 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
💼 Business Finance Technology Startups Marketing Growth
  1. Figma took its time, focusing on building a great product before pushing for profits. This approach paid off as it grew into a major player in design tools.
  2. Figma has successfully expanded beyond just design, offering multiple tools for the entire product development process. Many of its users are now benefiting from various products within the platform.
  3. While Figma is doing well financially, there are concerns about how AI will change the design landscape. The company sees both risks and opportunities with AI, aiming to integrate it effectively into their tools.

ResiDay 2025

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
💼 Business Real Estate Market Trends Economic Policy Housing supply Investment strategy
  1. Home prices naturally stay stable unless there's a major supply crisis. In supply-constrained markets, like big cities, families end up paying more to avoid moving away.
  2. Cities facing housing shortages have been made worse by things like a lending clampdown and recent pandemic supply issues. This has raised rents everywhere, especially in poorer neighborhoods.
  3. The current housing situation might lead to a never-ending construction boom, which could help lower prices over time. However, this will create both opportunities and challenges for investors.

The Most Important Meeting of Your Year

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 14 May 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Diversity Meetings Organizational Culture
  1. The nominating committee is super important because it decides who will lead in the future. The people you choose will shape the agenda and priorities for your group.
  2. Having a diverse group of nominees is crucial. It helps ensure that the leadership reflects different backgrounds and perspectives, making the organization stronger.
  3. Leading a nominating committee well can make a big impact. If you prepare properly and focus on the right issues, you'll set your organization up for success for a long time.

Cringe communication on LinkedIn. Yay, 🙌 or Nay? 🙅‍♀️

Business & Marketing with Nika • 19 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
💼 Business Communication Social media Marketing Professionalism Branding
  1. Communication on LinkedIn has shifted from formal to casual. It’s now common to see memes and selfies, which can feel a bit cringe.
  2. Being informal can help break the ice, but it’s important to maintain a professional image. Be careful when being casual, especially with potential clients or employers.
  3. When using LinkedIn, think about the tone you want to use. Make sure it fits your audience, and be aware of how your communication style might affect future interactions.

Stop Arguing, Start Debating

The Breaking Point • 239 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Decision-making Corporate culture
  1. Debating involves prepared discussions, clear decision-making frameworks, and open-mindedness to change opinions.
  2. Arguing results in repetitive discussions, lack of agreement, side factions, and revisiting decisions without objective reasoning.
  3. Monitoring if a team is debating or arguing is crucial to ensure effective teamwork and progress towards goals.

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.

Update: I've moved from Substack to beehiiv

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 23 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Publishing Platforms Subscriptions Creator Economy Marketing Distribution Growth
  1. The newsletter has moved from Substack to beehiiv, and all past and future issues are now hosted on the new site.
  2. Subscribers who signed up on or before December 31, 2025 were automatically migrated, and the newsletter URL did not change.
  3. The Substack archives will remain available for now but won’t get new posts, and you should reach out via email or LinkedIn if you run into any issues.

The Who and Why of Spacetech Investments

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Investments Venture Capital Startups Technology Sectors
  1. Interest in spacetech is growing fast, with many venture capital firms looking to invest. This area is part of a larger category called deeptech, which is seen as complex and risky.
  2. Investors are drawn to spacetech for its long-term potential, much like investing in successful tech companies in their early days. They want to be part of something big that could change the future.
  3. Despite a recent drop in overall investment activity, specialist funds are still eager to invest in spacetech. They see value in supporting innovative sectors that could lead to significant advancements.

More data center spending and an IPO!

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
💼 Business Technology Finance Startups Market Trends Earnings
  1. Companies are investing heavily in data centers, indicating strong demand for AI technology. This spending shows that businesses see long-term value in cloud infrastructure.
  2. Two AI companies, OpenAI and Anthropic, are taking different paths in their growth strategies. OpenAI is focusing on consumer and enterprise markets, while Anthropic is targeting mostly business customers.
  3. Klook, a travel and experience booking service, is planning to go public in the US after recovering from the pandemic. Its profitability and growth in gross transaction value make it an interesting investment opportunity.

Spotify, Revolut and the rise of the Super Sub

Department of Product • 393 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💼 Business Tech Subscription Analytics Product Launch Market Trends
  1. Some tech companies are experimenting with higher-priced subscription tiers to offer new features to exclusive users.
  2. Revenue generation is a key focus for many product teams, leading to new pricing strategies.
  3. Pricing experiments like launching super premium subscriptions are worth monitoring for trends in the industry.

15 Product Management templates to boost your productivity

Untrapping Product Teams • 393 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
💼 Business Product Management Templates Strategy Discovery Delivery
  1. Product management is complex, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone.
  2. Utilizing various templates and methods can help create value and accelerate growth in product management.
  3. Premium materials and resources are available to help product leaders and managers understand key principles for success.

L.E. Memo | The End of Thrift

Lewis Enterprises • 393 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Finance Investing Economics Market Analysis Wealth Management
  1. Public markets offer an egalitarian opportunity for individuals to invest in top companies.
  2. Private capital is dominating the economy post-2000, offering advantages like less governance and disclosure.
  3. The growth of private equity has led to a decline in public market assets, impacting savers and increasing challenges for individual investors.

Forget Personas

Running Lean Mastery • 393 implied HN points • 19 May 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Personas are not necessary at the early stages of a product
  2. Focus on a single distinguishing trait that triggers action in customers
  3. Identify switching triggers by interviewing those who have taken action

Vitamin B for Engineering Teams: Psychological Safety

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Leadership Psychology Performance
  1. Psychological safety in teams is really important. It helps everyone feel safe to share ideas, make mistakes, and ask questions without fear.
  2. There are four stages of psychological safety: inclusion safety, learner safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety. Each stage builds on the previous one to help teams grow and work better together.
  3. Just like vitamins are essential for our health, psychological safety is essential for a healthy and effective team. When teams feel safe, they can innovate and succeed.

Markets Do the Good Things That Sound Bad

Bet On It • 246 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Markets Policy Management Corporate Governance
  1. Markets often get criticized for being cost-conscious and risk-aware, but these qualities can actually lead to better outcomes for society. It's important to remember that ignoring costs can create bad decisions.
  2. People think businesses focusing on profits are bad, but profit-seeking can sometimes lead to positive results. It's about balancing risks for larger gains rather than taking reckless risks.
  3. Many popular arguments against markets don't see the bigger picture. When looking at overall success and safety, richer countries with fewer regulations often fare better than poorer, heavily regulated ones.

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.

Jobs and Opps at Cyclist, The News Movement, Bloomberg, Hackney Citizen, The Know, and Many, Many More 🧳

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 257 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Jobs Opportunities Journalism Media Production
  1. Last chance to pre-order the 2024 magazine from Journo Resources before sales close in four days.
  2. Various job opportunities in journalism available, such as staff writer positions at Cyclist and correspondent roles at The News Movement.
  3. Numerous events and awards deadlines coming up, including the GG2 Leadership Awards and the Sigma Awards.

The Bear Cave #250

The Bear Cave • 606 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Activism
  1. The Bear Cave focuses on finding problems in companies that are often ignored by the mainstream. This helps identify potential short selling opportunities.
  2. The publication has tracked executive resignations and has shown that many companies with leadership changes tend to underperform in the market.
  3. Over the past few years, the companies highlighted by The Bear Cave have consistently lagged behind the S&P 500, hinting at serious issues that investors should consider.

TAM - that's Totally A Made Up Number. | Needs More Scientists In VC | VC Remote Jobs

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Tech industry Investments Entrepreneurship
  1. Focusing on capturing a small share of a well-defined market is more strategic than aiming for a tiny portion of a giant market.
  2. Encouraging scientists to enter venture capital can drive innovation and align with objective data over marketing dominance.
  3. The shift to using SAFE valuation caps in fundraising reflects a dominant trend, especially in specific sectors like SaaS, Fintech, Gaming, and Edtech.

Dealflow LatAm #1: Welcome!

Dealflow Latam • 99 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
💼 Business Startup funding Startup News
  1. Dealflow LatAm newsletter covers startup funding news, M&A news, investor and accelerator news, startup news, big company and policy news in the Latin American ecosystem.
  2. Sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on the latest from the Latin American startup and VC ecosystem. The curated weekly email delivers relevant articles straight to your inbox every Monday morning.
  3. The newsletter also highlights funding rounds of various startups in Latin America, showcasing the growth and investment activities in the region.