The hottest Substack posts of Alex's Personal Blog

And their main takeaways
65 implied HN points 04 Mar 25
  1. Okta and Gitlab had great stock performances today, showing positive earnings and growth. It's nice to see some companies thriving in a tough market.
  2. The stock market is struggling, with major indices like the DJIA and S&P500 dropping significantly. This could raise concerns about an upcoming recession.
  3. Despite the bad vibes in the market, there are still bright spots like new music releases making waves. It's important to find joy even when things seem uncertain.
65 implied HN points 04 Mar 25
  1. Coreweave is going public and has seen impressive revenue growth, largely due to a specific focus on AI workloads. They claim that their services are specially built to handle the demands of AI, allowing for high efficiency.
  2. The company is heavily reliant on just a few big customers, with Microsoft providing a significant portion of its revenue. This raises concerns about sustainability if Microsoft decides to cut back on their services.
  3. While Coreweave's expenses are high from investing in infrastructure, they expect to break even on these investments fairly quickly. However, future demand for their services is crucial for their ongoing success.
98 implied HN points 03 Mar 25
  1. Ramp is growing really quickly, now valued at $13 billion with strong revenue. It's impressively outperforming competitors and still chooses to stay private for now.
  2. There's concern about the U.S. government’s crypto plans under Trump, suggesting it might favor investors over the general public. This move seems to help the crypto wealthy rather than promoting financial access for everyone.
  3. Apple is falling behind in the AI race. While they still have loyal users, their lack of advancements could hurt their market share in the long run.
65 implied HN points 28 Feb 25
  1. Startups are growing faster than ever, hitting $5 million in annual revenue quicker than before. This shows that today's startups have better opportunities and strategies to scale up.
  2. Self-driving technology is making great progress, with companies like Waymo doubling their paid rides in less than a year. This suggests that self-driving cars are becoming more reliable and popular.
  3. Comparing Stripe and Adyen reveals that Stripe is investing heavily in future growth while Adyen focuses on efficiency and profits. This difference shows how each company has its own strategy to succeed in the market.
65 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. Prosus is buying Just Eat for $4.3 billion, which is a huge 63% more than what it was worth before the deal. This shows a big jump in value but raises some questions among investors.
  2. Just Eat's growth has slowed down recently, with a slight drop in global revenue. This makes some people think the deal might not be a good bargain for Prosus.
  3. The Christian Democratic Union in Germany has won a recent election and plans to lower taxes and cut regulations. They're also focusing on energy policies and digital innovation, which could reshape Germany's economy.
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32 implied HN points 27 Feb 25
  1. Nvidia's revenue is soaring due to high demand for their chips, especially for AI models. This growth is a good sign for the entire AI industry as more companies seek powerful computing solutions.
  2. Rising demand for inference, which is running AI models to handle user queries, is becoming more important than just training the models. Nvidia’s chips are designed to excel in this area, suggesting ongoing strong sales.
  3. Other companies like Snowflake are also doing well with their earnings by integrating AI into their services, while Salesforce is facing challenges despite its strong AI prospects. This shows different paths in the tech industry as they adapt to AI's growth.
32 implied HN points 23 Feb 25
  1. There are several important earnings reports coming up this week from companies like Zoom and Nvidia. These can give us insights into how these businesses are doing.
  2. Key U.S. economic events include jobless claims and consumer confidence data, which are important to track for understanding the economy's health.
  3. Global economic updates like inflation rates from different countries will also be released, giving a broader picture of the economic situation worldwide.
131 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. Twitter's financial health has changed a lot since Musk bought it. Today, it makes less money but is more profitable than before.
  2. There are mixed opinions about the future of AI startups and cloud services. Some believe they'll thrive, while others think they'll face tough competition and slim profits.
  3. Some companies, like Deel and Glean, are doing well in the AI space. They've shown strong growth and profitability, even in a tough market.
32 implied HN points 21 Feb 25
  1. Advertisers are feeling pressure from X to spend more, as there are concerns about political consequences if they don't. This shows a shift in how government and business interact.
  2. Block's recent earnings report missed expectations, raising concerns for the fintech sector. Although not devastating, this might delay new company launches in the industry.
  3. Coinbase has had a legal win against the SEC, which could open doors for more crypto companies. Without strong regulations, this market may see both opportunities and risks for investors.
32 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. Pausing growth to focus on AI development can lead to better products. It allows companies to refine what they offer before trying to grow again.
  2. Investing in creators is becoming a smart business strategy. It helps creators monetize their content while making sure that the investors benefit when creators succeed.
  3. The market is seeing new technology, especially in AI and quantum computing. Companies like Crunchbase are innovating to stay relevant and competitive.
197 implied HN points 27 Jan 25
  1. Chinese AI models are affecting American tech stocks negatively, causing major declines in companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. This raises questions about how competitive American AI firms really are.
  2. The large amounts of money American tech companies are spending on AI hardware might be wasted since Chinese models like DeepSeek can do similar work with less investment.
  3. There are some positives, like the potential for learning from DeepSeek's open-source models, and the company is limited by government rules, which helps maintain competition.
65 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Robot butlers may become affordable in the near future due to advancements in technology. This could change how we manage household tasks.
  2. Recent investments in AI and robotics indicate a growing market. Companies are receiving significant funding to improve technology and services.
  3. The political landscape is affecting tech policies and decisions. Changes in leadership might lead to new directions for tech regulations and innovations.
131 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. The U.S. government is becoming more isolated due to recent political decisions and actions, which could have serious economic consequences.
  2. There is a clash between how startups operate and how the government is supposed to function, with concerns about too much control in the hands of a few leaders.
  3. Tariffs and other actions by the government are causing uncertainty in the stock market and making it harder for businesses, especially startups, to succeed.
98 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. Microsoft is doing well with cloud services and AI, showing growth and strong investments to meet demand.
  2. Meta is balancing costs well while investing in AI, which is helping them maintain profitability despite other losses.
  3. Tesla is focusing on long-term growth with self-driving technology and new robotics, which some investors find promising despite slow car sales.
98 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. AI companies like OpenAI are worried that DeepSeek might have learned from their models in a way that isn't fair. This has led to concerns about how to protect their technology.
  2. There are ongoing discussions in the AI industry about whether some companies are just making excuses for not being the best. These companies are feeling threatened by competitors who are catching up fast.
  3. The state of federal spending looks chaotic, which could be a problem for the new administration. More economic updates are expected soon, especially from major companies like Meta and Microsoft.
230 implied HN points 07 Jan 25
  1. Nvidia's new 50-series GPUs are impressive and expected to boost their popularity among gamers. Many people are excited but it's unclear when they'll be widely available at the announced price.
  2. Nvidia is launching Project Digits, a personal AI supercomputer, priced around $3,000. This makes powerful AI more accessible for developers at home or small businesses.
  3. Meta is changing its policies under new leadership, focusing on less fact-checking and more political content. This shift is seen as catering to a Republican audience, which might affect how news is shared and perceived.
65 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Palantir's stock has skyrocketed, making it the most expensive on the S&P 500. This raises questions about whether its high valuation is justified based on its earnings.
  2. The stock market is behaving irrationally, sometimes valuing companies like startups even when they are publicly traded and have slower growth forecasts.
  3. Investors should be careful with risky trades like shorting stocks because the market can stay irrational longer than you can handle.
32 implied HN points 14 Feb 25
  1. AI companies are combining different types of models into one product. This means improvements in how they work together for tasks like reasoning and generating text.
  2. The market for secondary shares in startups is improving. Higher demand for good AI startups is helping to boost prices lately.
  3. There are ongoing debates in politics about technology and defense, particularly around companies like TikTok and relations with countries like China and India. This is creating a lot of uncertainty in the tech space.
65 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. Startups seem to have a limit on how much money they can handle, known as being 'founder constrained'. This means that there are not enough strong ideas or founders to support the cash available.
  2. There has been a drop in the success rate of startups getting further funding after their initial rounds. This is particularly true for those that started during the funding boom in 2021.
  3. Venture capital returns from funds initiated in 2021 are underperforming, likely due to an excess of companies funded without sufficient quality ideas or founders backing them.
32 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. SailPoint is moving forward with its IPO and has increased its share price range, suggesting a positive market for tech companies. This shows there is still interest in new technology offerings despite some hesitation from other firms.
  2. Startups are reaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue faster than before, making it easier to attract investors. This shift indicates that the traditional milestones for going public are changing.
  3. Shopify had strong revenue growth, but its future profit expectations worried some investors. This illustrates the challenges companies face in today's tough market, even if they are performing well.
32 implied HN points 09 Feb 25
  1. This week has important earnings reports from many tech companies like Monday.com and Zillow. Keep an eye on how they perform as it might affect the market.
  2. There are several key economic events in the U.S. this week, such as consumer inflation reports and retail sales. These can give us clues about the economy's health.
  3. Global economic updates are happening too, with events like unemployment rates and industrial production in countries like China, Turkey, and Germany. These will help us understand the international economy.
164 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. Some venture capitalists are backing a project called New Founding that seeks to create a Christian community in Kentucky. They aim to build businesses that align with their values while opposing what they see as leftist censorship.
  2. The idea of merging Christianity with business is met with skepticism, as many feel it won't lead to a more open society. The author reflects on their own experiences with conservative Christians and predicts these efforts will not promote true freedom of expression.
  3. Recent social progress, like women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, is valued, and the author emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold these advancements instead of reverting to past restrictive views.
65 implied HN points 22 Jan 25
  1. There is a big investment in AI happening, totaling $500 billion, which will help the U.S. stay ahead in technology. This money will be used to build infrastructure and create jobs.
  2. SoftBank's financial status is unclear, but it is involved in this major investment deal. The real challenge is making sure they can actually fund their part of the investment.
  3. While OpenAI is leading the project, there are other AI companies like Anthropic and Mistral that are doing well and can compete for market share. The AI market seems to have room for multiple big players.
65 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Trump's inauguration brings many expected executive orders. These include controversial policies like a large deportation program and ending birthright citizenship.
  2. There's a prediction that Waymo will soon take the lead over Uber in rides in major cities, indicating a shift in the ride-sharing landscape.
  3. Trump's entry into the crypto space with his own 'shitcoins' raises concerns about regulation and market integrity in the cryptocurrency industry.
32 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. OpenAI's valuation is getting a huge boost, potentially reaching $300 billion. This shows how confident some big investors are about its future.
  2. Major companies like Intel, Apple, and Atlassian are recently reporting their earnings, with some beating expectations while others struggle.
  3. There's a chance of new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and possibly China, which could impact business hopes and trade relations.
32 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. Investors might have assumed that U.S. tech companies would always lead in AI, but that dominance isn't guaranteed. New challenges can always arise from competitors.
  2. The rapid drop in Nvidia's market value shows how volatile the tech sector can be, especially with hype around AI. A sudden selloff can happen, and it can be surprising.
  3. There's a perception that other countries, like China, are not idle when it comes to AI development. Many talented developers worldwide are working hard, so competition is always increasing.
230 implied HN points 14 Nov 24
  1. Inflation is slowing down, which is good news, but there are still bumps to deal with. It makes it less of a worry than before.
  2. Elon Musk seems to have a big role in the Trump administration, influencing political decisions and interactions. His support is seen as a key factor in Trump's election success.
  3. Despite concerns about AI development hitting a wall, there is optimism from leaders like Sam Altman at OpenAI, indicating that progress continues.
98 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. There is a growing divide between Trump's tech supporters and traditional MAGA fans. This shows how complex and conflicted the political landscape can be within the same party.
  2. Racist comments have emerged regarding high-skill immigration, highlighting tensions within Trump's followers. Some people have different ideas about immigration based on their backgrounds and experiences.
  3. American tech companies are raising massive amounts of money for AI development. This shows that the U.S. has significant resources and talent in the tech industry compared to other regions.
65 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Price controls can lead to less supply. When prices are kept low, it can make it hard for businesses to operate, leading to fewer products or services available.
  2. Regulating insurance prices can be problematic. It's essential to find a balance, as too much control can push companies out of the market, resulting in fewer options for consumers.
  3. The federal deficit is an important issue. Keeping track of government spending and debt is crucial for a healthy economy, and ignoring it can lead to severe long-term consequences.
65 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. This week has important economic events like PMI reports and jobless claims that could affect the market.
  2. Major companies will be reporting their earnings, which could give insight into their financial health.
  3. There are both U.S. and global economic indicators to watch, including inflation rates and consumer confidence.
98 implied HN points 19 Dec 24
  1. Chime, a financial technology company, is planning to go public in 2025. This news has raised hopes for a surge of initial public offerings (IPOs) next year.
  2. There's a growing expectation that a single powerful figure, like Elon Musk, could influence political decisions more than traditional leaders. This shift raises concerns about the concentration of power in politics.
  3. Many tech industry supporters seem to prefer a strong leader who acts quickly without debate, akin to a king. This reflects a desire for streamlined control rather than involving the usual checks and balances in government.
98 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. Countries need to be self-sufficient in key areas like energy and tech for national security. Relying on imports can create vulnerabilities, especially during conflicts.
  2. A strong satellite Internet system is crucial for communication and defense. The EU is investing heavily in its own satellite Internet project to stay competitive.
  3. Many companies, like Databricks, prefer to stay private and keep raising money rather than going public. This trend shows that the venture capital market is still willing to support private growth.
65 implied HN points 02 Jan 25
  1. Venture capital in the U.S. is becoming more concentrated, with a few big firms controlling most of the funds. This trend means fewer opportunities for new investors and startups.
  2. The amount of money raised by new venture capital firms has dropped significantly, reaching lows not seen since 2015. This indicates a tough environment for emerging investors.
  3. The influence of large venture firms like a16z is growing, shaping what types of startups receive funding and driving the conversation in the tech industry.
164 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. Venture capitalists can make money off their 2% fees without needing successful company exits. This creates a situation where they might prioritize raising more funds over helping founders succeed.
  2. Large venture funds may overpay for investments to quickly deploy capital, which can lead to problems for founders who might be offered too much money at high valuations.
  3. There's a debate about how much authors should be paid for their work being used in AI training. Some authors feel $2,500 per book isn't enough compensation for potentially being replaced by technology.
197 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in voting patterns, with Trump gaining support from younger and more diverse voters compared to previous elections.
  2. The stock market shows optimism for business growth under a Trump presidency, particularly in finance and tech, but there are concerns about his potential policies on tariffs and immigration.
  3. Many people fear negative impacts on social issues, international relations, and climate policy with Trump back in office, signaling uncertain times ahead.
32 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. The launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket was a success, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Despite some setbacks, it showed progress in competing with other space companies like SpaceX.
  2. Duolingo is seeing a boost in interest and stock value as more people want to learn Mandarin due to changes in social media access. This trend suggests that more individuals may pursue learning different languages in the future.
  3. Public-market SaaS revenue multiples are currently stable, indicating a good environment for top cloud companies. This shows that, historically, it's a favorable time for generating market value in the SaaS sector.
32 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Fintech is experiencing significant growth again, with companies like Plaid and Klarna showing increased revenue and plans for IPOs. This is a positive sign for the industry after a tough period.
  2. The market has changed how it values fintech revenue, with some companies seeing a drop in their revenue multiples. This creates challenges for startups looking to raise funds or sell.
  3. There’s a lot of optimism in tech startups, especially with advances in AI and improvements in battery technology. Many founders are working on exciting projects that could change the industry.
32 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. The U.S. government has new rules for exporting AI chips, with different restrictions for various countries. This change has caused a lot of backlash from tech companies, who fear it may hurt America's competitive edge.
  2. OpenAI released a new plan to help the U.S. stay ahead in AI technology, focusing on better communication between the government and AI businesses. They want to ensure that innovation continues without compromising safety.
  3. There is a growing conflict between different factions within the Republican Party regarding tech policies. Steve Bannon is openly opposed to Elon Musk's influence, hinting at some power struggles in the upcoming administration.
65 implied HN points 19 Dec 24
  1. Nuclear power is gaining traction as tech companies look to use it for sustainability and energy needs. This shift could help power data centers efficiently.
  2. Despite general market optimism, there are challenges and doubts about current investment strategies. Investors need to think critically about their options in a changing economy.
  3. The EU is facing criticism regarding its AI regulations, which might push tech development outside the region. This could lead to a lack of innovation and growth in Europe.
32 implied HN points 11 Jan 25
  1. The author has become less fond of Twitter due to its negative impact on news gathering, especially during events like the LA fires. They now prefer niche subreddits for information.
  2. AI is causing tech companies to stop hiring new staff as they optimize productivity with technology, which may affect job growth in the industry.
  3. The slowdown in hiring at big tech companies could lower the value of talent in acquihire situations, affecting startup exit strategies.