The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

SVB's Demise: The Hidden Cost of Overcharging in the Competitive Banking Landscape

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 1638 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
💼 Business Banking Competition Monopoly
  1. Silicon Valley Bank collapsed due to overcharging customers, not a classic bank run scenario.
  2. SVB's business model relied on overcharging depositors, which led to customers seeking better deals elsewhere.
  3. In competitive industries like banking, overcharging customers is a risky game that can lead to loss of business and eventual downfall.

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.

40-Something Creatives: What Should We Do Next?

The Intersection • 296 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
💼 Business Career Planning Work-life balance Financial planning Entrepreneurship
  1. In your 40s, it's crucial to reflect on your career and life path since there may not be as many 'next' opportunities left. You have to navigate responsibilities and the question: 'What should I do next for the rest of my life?'
  2. When making career decisions in your 40s, consider personal values and priorities. Understand what truly matters to you to find fulfillment and satisfaction in your professional life.
  3. Think about where you want to live, the type of work you want to do, and how much money you really need. These considerations can help guide you towards a more fulfilling and balanced professional life in your 40s.

Starting a Substack

My Home Office Hacks • 10 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
💼 Business Marketing Content Publishing Monetization Audience Strategy
  1. Treat a Substack like self‑publishing: building it doesn’t automatically bring readers, so you must actively market and consistently work to grow an audience.
  2. Right after publishing, post a Note and share your issue on your social channels; also subscribe to and recommend other Substacks to get visibility and attract curious readers.
  3. Good content starts with genuine interest, your own voice, and a clear point of view; stories build trust and engagement, and free subscribers can become paid ones later.
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Your guide to the 2024 SaaS benchmarks

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 504 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business SaaS Startups AI Growth Metrics
  1. 2024 sees stabilization in SaaS growth rates, with early stages performing better while larger companies struggle. Smaller startups are showing stronger growth despite an overall slowdown.
  2. Early stage SaaS and AI companies are thriving, significantly increasing growth rates and maintaining lean teams. They are using automation and smart hiring to succeed.
  3. There's a shift in pricing models for AI products, with many still using traditional subscription models but a growing number exploring usage-based and outcome-based pricing. It's a sign of changing market demands.

Boring niches are extremely valuable

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Monetization Publications Trends
  1. Boring niches in media can be very profitable, as they often provide unique insights that larger publications may overlook. This means that publications focusing on less glamorous topics can attract a dedicated audience.
  2. There's a dilemma in the media about whether to prioritize quality journalism or profitability. Some outlets might keep their paywalls but cut back on original content, which might affect their credibility.
  3. Short-form content, like mini dramas, is gaining traction and proving successful in markets like China, hinting that there may be untapped potential for similar formats elsewhere.

Procore

Business Breakdowns • 294 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
💼 Business Construction Software Revenue model
  1. Procore is a leading software provider for the construction industry, offering a streamlined dashboard for developers, contractors, and architects.
  2. Procore's unique revenue model charges based on the number of modules used and total construction volume flowing through the customer's business.
  3. The company's strong market position, brand value, and low gross churn rate indicate potential for consistent growth and future profitability.

🩺 Doctolib - The All-In-One Solution for Independent Healthcare Professionals

Overlooked by Alexandre Dewez • 294 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💼 Business Telemedicine Market Expansion
  1. Healthcare is a large but less digitised sector in Europe, facing challenges like resistance to technology and fragmented tech stack.
  2. Doctolib started as a booking management system and expanded to be an all-in-one solution for healthcare professionals with telemedicine, EHR, and messaging.
  3. Doctolib became successful by focusing on customer obsession, aggressive sales strategy, hiring top talents, and expanding its product suite and geographical reach.

Big Gaming Industry Primer

Value Investing Substack • 294 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
💼 Business Gaming Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Financial Analysis Market Trends
  1. Big Gaming sector has wide moats with hit-based revenue streams like microtransactions and lootboxes, making it difficult for new entrants to compete.
  2. Big Gaming companies benefit from infinite free cash flow streams from hit franchises and have pricing power in the industry.
  3. There is a potential convergence between Big Gaming, Big Media, and Big Tech sectors, leading to synergies in brand assets and content creation.

Putting the fun back in fundraising

City Hall Watcher • 275 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Finance Events Campaign Finance Fundraising Government
  1. City Hall Watcher celebrates its 250th issue with a focus on fundraising events in Toronto's mayoral by-election.
  2. Swanky cocktail parties played a significant role in funding candidates, with some raising millions through ticketed events.
  3. Analyzing campaign finance data shows the impact of fundraising strategies on the mayoral contenders and their success in the election.

The Loneliness Epidemic - Five Ways Employers Can Improve Belonging

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 341 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Productivity Human Resources
  1. Loneliness is a major issue at work, affecting both mental health and productivity. It's not just a personal problem but also a business problem that can lead to high turnover rates.
  2. Many young workers feel lonelier now, with fewer social connections compared to previous generations. This is concerning as strong social ties at work contribute to overall well-being.
  3. Employers can help reduce loneliness by creating environments that promote connection. This includes redesigning workplaces, using technology wisely, and training managers to support their teams with empathy.

'You Can’t Raised Funding Without Using Old Sales-Marketing Funnel’ : Y-Combinator | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup Funding Investment
  1. Raising funding requires utilizing the old sales-marketing funnel, according to Y-Combinator.
  2. Fundraising is a sales & marketing process and needs to be diligently managed, like any other sales campaign.
  3. Focus on engaging with the right investors, prioritize time management, and continuously work on building and managing a strong pipeline of potential investors.

How to Share Bad News with a Newsroom (and How Not to)

Second Rough Draft • 157 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💼 Business Communication Transparency Management Companies
  1. Be transparent when sharing bad news with your newsroom - journalists are professional skeptics and value honesty.
  2. If you have multiple problems, address them separately to avoid confusion and speculation among your team.
  3. Establish a culture of transparency in your newsroom to minimize surprises and build trust with your team.

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.

6 Red Flags When Hiring an Ad Agency

Nail It and Scale It • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Advertising Client Relations Contracts
  1. Watch out for agencies that promise unrealistic results, like a 10x return on ad spend. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
  2. Be cautious if an agency only shares selective positive data. Reliable results should be backed by a broader range of data over time.
  3. Make sure your goals are clear and that the agency takes accountability. If they shift focus away from your goals, that's a red flag.

The 20 Year Fall of Japan's Sharp Corporation

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1692 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Technology Leadership Finance Manufacturing Acquisition
  1. Sharp Corporation, a giant in consumer electronics, faced a 20-year decline due to reliance on the challenging LCD panel business.
  2. Founder Tokuji Hayakawa's journey from a young apprentice to creating iconic products like the Hayakawa Mechanical Pencil and Sharp radios.
  3. Sharp's move towards LCD technology led to financial strain, intense competition, and ultimately being acquired by Foxconn in 2016, marking the first foreign takeover of a major Japanese electronics firm.

ICYMI: Where the Jobs Are; Doc Drama; TV News Star $$ Falling

The Ankler • 137 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Entertainment Media Jobs Market Analysis Salaries
  1. Learn about job opportunities in entertainment: Discover growing fields, unexpected job areas, and where Hollywood professionals are being placed by recruiters.
  2. The documentary market shifts: From small stories to celebs and sports stars, there's a potential return to a lucrative phase.
  3. TV news star salaries declining: High-profile news anchors like Rachel Maddow and Sean Hannity are seeing budget cuts and changes, indicating a shift in the industry.

Entourage

Venture Prose • 359 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Relationships Communication Bias Self-Improvement
  1. Entrepreneurs need a variety of support and feedback from different types of people in their circle, including friends, family, collaborators, and external contacts.
  2. Effective communication with one's circle involves sharing, confiding, and receiving feedback authentically and purposefully.
  3. Being aware of biases in interactions and being open to feedback and self-reflection can help entrepreneurs navigate their relationships and improve their decision-making.

Why 'What is your CAC?' is the Wrong Question to Ask

Nail It and Scale It • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Growth Strategy Startup funding Market Analysis Investment Insights Entrepreneurship
  1. When asking about customer acquisition cost (CAC), it's important to know the full story behind the number. Questions like how long the data covers and how much was spent can reveal if the figure is reliable.
  2. Some businesses may share only their best data to look good, which can be misleading. It's smart to ask how recent and continuous the data is to get a clearer picture.
  3. CAC shouldn’t be seen alone. Understanding what a company is trying to achieve can change how we interpret that cost, especially as they grow and scale their spending.

Tang Xiaoyang: Stitch Africa’s Fragmented Supply Chains with Chinese Capacity

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
💼 Business International Trade Investment Supply Chain Economic Development Manufacturing
  1. Chinese companies can help build strong supply chains in Africa, using their existing industrial parks to improve mining, agriculture, and light industry.
  2. China and Africa have complementary economies; while China exports manufactured goods, Africa supplies raw materials, supporting growth in both regions.
  3. Collaboration between China and Africa is evolving to integrate trade, infrastructure, and investment, boosting local production and creating jobs.

AI will replace you at your job if you let it

Technically • 28 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
💼 Business Careers Automation Productivity Technology Management Marketing Finance Sales
  1. If you hand the core parts of your job to AI without meaningful oversight or creativity, your employer may decide the AI can do it instead of you.
  2. Relying on AI for foundational tasks prevents you from learning the craft and developing good judgment, which makes you less valuable over time.
  3. Use AI to augment your work, not replace it. Start small by automating narrow repetitive tasks, keep guardrails and testing in place, and combine model outputs with your own insight and personalization.

Balancing the Conflicting Pulls on Time in a Startup

Running Lean Mastery • 137 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Productivity Time management Startup
  1. Time in a startup is pulled in different directions - outside and inside the building. Startup founders need to balance both effectively.
  2. Creating a flow state is crucial for productivity. Flow involves being fully immersed in a task, limiting interruptions, and receiving immediate feedback.
  3. To optimize work, establish uninterrupted time blocks for focused tasks, prioritize maker goals early in the day, and schedule manager activities later to maintain flow.

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.

Why Founders Are Afraid to Talk About MOAT? | Should Founders Work By Vision or Data? | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Technology Innovation
  1. Founders should focus on building a strong 'moat' for their startup, which is like a set of characteristics that make it hard for other companies to compete.
  2. Tech is no longer a strong moat for startups, as it can be easily replicated, but factors like community, trust, and network effects are more valuable.
  3. Successful companies like Spotify built their moat not just on technology, but on bold statements and innovative experiences that stand out in the market.

How To Create Life-Changing Events: 5 Timeless Rules

America 2.0 (by Gary Sheng) • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Event Planning Networking Partnerships Pricing Entrepreneurship
  1. Aim to create a memorable event experience that elevates attendees' lives and makes them feel it was time well spent.
  2. Curate a great guest list for your event to ensure a positive atmosphere and provide opportunities for valuable connections among attendees.
  3. Design each moment of your event meticulously, from initial promotion to follow-up, ensuring thoughtful details that make attendees feel valued and create lasting impressions.

Make Office Buildings Fun Again

The New Urban Order • 279 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Real Estate Housing Urban Development Social Trends Innovation
  1. Converting office buildings into co-living spaces can help address social challenges like loneliness and offer more housing options.
  2. Co-living is a shared living model that emphasizes intentional community through communal spaces and activities.
  3. Co-living has the potential to be a source of affordable housing, cater to different demographics like seniors and digital nomads, and could be aligned with co-working spaces for a more integrated urban living experience.