The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
Space Ambition 279 implied HN points 07 Apr 23
  1. Startups can benefit a lot from joining accelerators, like gaining knowledge and making useful connections. These programs can help them impress future investors as well.
  2. Choosing the right accelerator is important for success. Startups should research different programs to find one that matches their goals and needs, like focusing on specific markets.
  3. There are many accelerators for space tech, from global names like Techstars to specialized programs. Startups should apply quickly since application deadlines come up fast.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 253 implied HN points 07 Dec 24
  1. Human society has evolved from slow, agricultural growth to rapid industrial progress, but we still struggle with managing this change effectively.
  2. The historical shift from cooperation to domination in societies has created challenges in creating systems that benefit everyone today.
  3. We have the potential for great prosperity, but we need better institutions to help us use our resources wisely and live well.
Alex's Personal Blog 98 implied HN points 23 Jun 25
  1. Uber is now making a lot of money and has expanded into selling AI tools, similar to how Amazon did with its cloud services.
  2. In the NYC mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani is leading against Andrew Cuomo, but there are concerns about Mamdani's economic ideas and tax plans.
  3. The growth of coding tools like Cursor shows there's a big demand for help in software development, and they may encourage more people to learn coding.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
The VC Corner 119 implied HN points 08 Dec 23
  1. The VC Corner is a weekly newsletter focusing on venture capital updates. It's designed for both experienced investors and those new to the field.
  2. The newsletter offers curated news and resources relevant to startups and investment. This can help readers stay informed on the latest trends in the industry.
  3. Readers can get started with a free trial to access past posts and insights. This is a great way to sample the content before committing.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter 274 implied HN points 11 Nov 24
  1. Office Hours were popular and let paid subscribers ask questions and share ideas with each other. Many enjoyed the experience of chatting, even more than hearing from guest speakers.
  2. The original format created a lot of pressure, making it hard to keep it going. The goal now is to make it more relaxed and simpler for everyone involved.
  3. The new plan is to hold Office Hours about twice a month, focusing on open discussions rather than just featured guests. This change aims to create a fun, networking-like atmosphere.
In My Tribe 227 implied HN points 28 Dec 24
  1. Overhead costs are the ongoing expenses of running a business, while marginal costs are the expenses incurred by producing one additional unit.
  2. Many businesses today focus more on overhead costs because it's hard to measure the contribution of individuals in a team setting.
  3. Understanding these costs is important for making better decisions about managing a business.
Japan Economy Watch 239 implied HN points 20 Mar 23
  1. International collaboration is crucial for innovation as it exposes firms to fresh ideas and different perspectives, contributing to better performance.
  2. Japanese scientists and companies exhibit low rates of international collaboration, hindering the quality and impact of their work.
  3. Japanese firms need to shift towards true open innovation by engaging in two-way collaboration for product and process development, requiring a shift in organizational processes and mindset.
ASeq Newsletter 7 implied HN points 19 Jan 26
  1. They said their installed base doubled in 2025. Since the UG100 launched in 2024, this could mean they shipped roughly the same number of instruments in 2024 and 2025.
  2. Half of the installed base is for research use and half is for clinical use, showing an even split in customer types. Their installations span North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
  3. The company did not disclose total unit counts, so it’s unclear whether placements are actually accelerating or plateauing. That lack of detail raises questions about their growth momentum and the size of their contracted revenue backlog.
Play Permissionless 259 implied HN points 07 Feb 23
  1. Finding a productive work environment with like-minded individuals can significantly boost productivity and focus.
  2. Saying no to certain business opportunities is crucial for maintaining quality and ensuring sustainable growth.
  3. Engaging in deep, long-form writing like book projects can lead to clearer thinking, coherence, and nuanced understanding, even with just a small daily time commitment.
Thoughts on Writing 339 implied HN points 06 Jan 23
  1. The purpose vibe shift in the industry reflects a changing attitude towards corporate purpose and its impact on growth.
  2. Bill Bernbach's ethical stance on advertising, such as turning away cigaret accounts, highlights the importance of principles over profit.
  3. Purpose in business should be a human imperative, acting as a counterbalance to corporate excesses, rather than a marketing tool for profit.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged 291 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. Building a go-to-market (GTM) strategy involves understanding stages like problem-solution fit, product-market fit, and go-to-market fit. Each stage helps you grow and attract more customers.
  2. Create an Early Customer Profile (ECP) based on real evidence to identify your first customers. This helps you target those who have a strong need for your product and are willing to pay.
  3. Differentiate your product by refining your unique value proposition (UVP) and unique selling proposition (USP). This makes it clear why customers should choose you over the competition.
DeFi Education 459 implied HN points 09 Dec 22
  1. Businesses like subscriptions because they provide steady income and build customer loyalty. This makes business planning easier.
  2. NFTs can change how subscriptions work by offering unique ownership and access. This could make subscriptions more attractive to consumers.
  3. Traditional views on NFTs and subscriptions might be missing the bigger picture. There are new opportunities to explore that could benefit both businesses and customers.
Altered States of Monetary Consciousness 226 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. Corporations use simplified interfaces to interact with people, making it easier for us to deal with their complex structures. This can give them a more relatable personality, changing how we perceive them.
  2. Billionaires are often seen as uniquely gifted individuals, but this view overlooks the collaborative efforts of many people that contribute to their success. It's important to understand the collective work behind big achievements.
  3. Surveillance is becoming normalized as companies find new, clever ways to collect our data. They often spin this as a fun experience, making people look forward to sharing their information.
CalculatedRisk Newsletter 14 implied HN points 19 Dec 25
  1. A national report showed very small year‑over‑year gains in median existing home prices, with the Northeast barely rising, which contradicts state realtor and MLS data.
  2. This pattern mirrors a prior instance when preliminary estimates were later revised much higher, so a substantial upward revision—especially for the Northeast—seems likely in a future release.
  3. The discrepancy implies preliminary regional median price estimates can be unreliable, so local MLS/state data or later revised reports are safer for assessing true price trends.
Polymathic Being 83 implied HN points 13 Jul 25
  1. Improvement requires energy; everything naturally degrades without it. Just like a cup of coffee cools down without heat, our goals and processes need ongoing effort to stay effective.
  2. 80% of success comes from behavior and culture, while only 20% is about the visible processes. It's not just about having everything in order; it's about how people think and act daily.
  3. To overcome challenges at work and in life, focus on key habits and apply discipline. By actively managing tasks and accountability, growth becomes easier over time.
Alex's Personal Blog 98 implied HN points 20 Jun 25
  1. Circle's stock price is rising sharply, far surpassing its initial IPO price. This shows strong market interest in tech and crypto-related companies.
  2. Tesla plans to start its robotaxi service cautiously with ten cars in a limited area. This careful approach might help ensure safety and a smoother rollout.
  3. Cloudflare is working on a solution to stop AI companies from scraping content from websites without fair compensation. This could change how AI interacts with online content.
Make Work Better 212 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. Zuckerberg's decision to end DEI programs may reduce workplace diversity and understanding, which can negatively affect decision-making and empathy towards customers.
  2. Critics argue that recent attacks on diversity initiatives are misguided and ignore the historical disadvantages some groups face in society.
  3. There is a growing concern that the economic landscape will change, with a shift towards taxing corporations more than individuals due to the rise of AI technology.
Breaking the News 961 implied HN points 26 Jun 23
  1. The author decided to buy a Tesla Model Y after considering various electric car options.
  2. They chose Tesla due to its market leadership, availability, price, tax benefits, suitability, and despite concerns about Elon Musk.
  3. The decision reflects a shift to a more popular choice compared to the author's usual trend of selecting alternative or unique options.
Extraordinary Aliens 42 HN points 19 Apr 24
  1. Obtaining an O1 visa as a founder in the US doesn't require a Nobel prize, funding, or an American co-founder - storytelling and structuring a compelling narrative can be key.
  2. Building credibility for an O1 visa application can involve showcasing exclusive memberships, judging roles, high remuneration, awards, publications, press, original contributions, and critical roles in companies.
  3. The US O1 visa is founder-friendly, allowing for flexibility, quick processing, and serving as a stepping stone towards permanent residency.
Space Ambition 159 implied HN points 06 Oct 23
  1. Different space agencies like NASA and ESA have unique PR strategies. NASA engages with people through social media, streaming platforms, and direct communication to keep the public informed and excited about space explorations.
  2. Crisis management is really important in the space industry. Effective communication during setbacks can build or break trust, as seen in how NASA handled past tragedies compared to others.
  3. Creative PR campaigns can capture people's attention. Whether it's sending messages to the Moon or concerts at space centers, these imaginative ideas can help promote space tech and engage the public.
Technology Made Simple 159 implied HN points 20 May 23
  1. AI Misinformation, whether positive or negative, creates urgency, distorts expectations, and glamorizes certain factors to profit off misleading the public.
  2. Both AI hype and criti-hype follow a playbook of generating emotional responses in individuals to make sales, leading to financial gain for those spreading misinformation.
  3. Misinformation about AI can hide real issues within the system, making it challenging to address genuine concerns and improvements.
Enterprise AI Trends 105 implied HN points 03 Jun 25
  1. AI can take over prospecting tasks, allowing you to focus on other important things. Instead of just assisting you, AI can act independently to find leads.
  2. With AI doing most of the work, prospecting becomes a continuous and flexible process. It doesn't rely on human effort alone, making it less tiring.
  3. You'll still need humans to set up and adjust the AI agents, but the AI can handle the heavy lifting in finding prospects. This makes the overall workflow much smoother.
Davidovits! 59 implied HN points 13 Mar 24
  1. Boeing stock is rising despite a surge in employee suicide rates, leading to a significant reduction in workforce and more profits
  2. Boeing leadership's controversial approach includes encouraging employees to end their lives to maximize profits, which is drawing criticism from economists
  3. Investors are pleased with Boeing's focus on reducing workforce and increasing profits, showcasing the unusual inverse correlation between employee happiness and financial gains
The Recovering Academic 158 implied HN points 08 Aug 23
  1. Transitioning from academia to industry is possible for humanities PhDs, and it involves exploring opportunities, strategic preparation, and confident networking.
  2. In informational interviews, it's important to ask specific questions about people's projects, tools they use, and break down the tasks involved, as understanding the day-to-day aspects is key.
  3. Effective job search strategies for humanities PhDs involve learning from others' transitions, strategizing candidacy by refining resumes, and confidently seeking opportunities by networking and asking for referrals.
The Intersection 158 implied HN points 14 Aug 23
  1. A good boss motivates employees to reach new heights like a coach pushing a player to excel.
  2. Good bosses have a unique superpower that inspires admiration and aspiration in those they lead.
  3. Bosses who take decisive action, support their team, listen to their needs, show care, and admit mistakes create a positive and empowering work environment.
Bottom Up by David Sacks 281 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. Tracking pipeline generation is crucial for growth in SaaS companies. If new opportunities are increasing, it's a good sign to hire more sales staff; if not, boost marketing efforts.
  2. Understanding pipeline conversion metrics helps identify where improvements are needed. Knowing how long deals take to close and where they tend to get stuck can lead to better sales processes.
  3. Active pipeline metrics allow for accurate forecasting. Keeping an eye on open opportunities and their expected close dates helps businesses plan and strategize effectively.
The Data Score 98 implied HN points 03 Jan 24
  1. Raw data is a cost; insights have value. The process of transforming raw data into insight-ready data is crucial for generating value.
  2. Assess the return on investment in data by considering how many decisions can be influenced and understanding the limitations of the data. Data that positively impacts decisions increases its value.
  3. Understand the cost of data investment, including sourcing, loading, and transforming data. Consider the ease of integrating data and the importance of insights generated over time.