The hottest Substack posts of Alex's Personal Blog

And their main takeaways
98 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  1. AI models may need to make deals with publishers to get access to training data, but this can create challenges for startups that can't afford upfront costs.
  2. There's a suggestion to shift payment for data access from upfront to back-end, where AI companies pay a portion of their revenue in return for used data.
  3. There are discussions around the importance of fair compensation for content used by AI models to ensure their continued development and success.
131 implied HN points 04 Jan 24
  1. OpenAI is incorporating internet content, including from the New York Times, into its AI models
  2. OpenAI is making deals with publishers to mitigate legal risks and continue using content
  3. The New York Times initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI for using its material without compensation, highlighting the importance of fair compensation in technology innovation
98 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  1. Having a baby can lead to a personal identity crisis.
  2. Balancing work, family, and personal identity can be challenging.
  3. Finding self-worth beyond work and adjusting to new roles takes time and effort.
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1 HN point 13 Mar 24
  1. There's a big debate about TikTok and its data privacy, with concerns around Chinese ownership and government access.
  2. Key figures like Brendan Carr and Elon Musk have contrasting views on TikTok's presence in the US.
  3. The suggestion is to divest TikTok from its Chinese owner rather than outright ban it, to address concerns while maintaining its popularity.
0 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. Technology is advancing rapidly in areas like self-driving cars and digital superintelligence, but we are still waiting for significant breakthroughs in quantum computing.
  2. Birth rates are declining in many developed countries due to the pressures of capitalism, causing concerns about the future population.
  3. Parents are feeling overwhelmed and are choosing to have fewer children in a competitive world, in turn affecting societal growth.
0 implied HN points 16 Jan 25
  1. Cursor, an AI coding tool, has impressive annual revenue of $100 million but is valued at only 25 times that amount. This valuation seems low for such a fast-growing company.
  2. In comparison, other AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are raising funds at much higher valuation multiples, around 42.4x to 68.5x their revenue.
  3. Investors might find Cursor a more appealing option due to its lower valuation compared to its peers, making it an interesting investment opportunity.
0 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. This week's economic calendar includes important U.S. and global events, so it’s a good time to pay attention to financial news.
  2. Earnings reports from companies like 3M and American Express are happening this week, which could affect their stock prices.
  3. Key economic indicators such as jobless claims, retail sales, and inflation rates will be released, providing insights into the economy's health.
0 implied HN points 21 Jan 25
  1. AI is now in high demand. Companies are scrambling to keep up with the need for AI solutions, marking a shift from earlier concerns about AI being useful.
  2. Media companies are struggling, with layoffs happening as they try to refocus their operations. The advertising market for media remains unstable, pushing companies to rethink their strategies.
  3. Recent political actions, particularly from Trump, highlight ongoing tensions around issues like gender rights and environmental policies. Changes in government priorities signal a shift in how policies will be approached moving forward.
0 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Tokenizing stocks allows more people to invest in the stock market, no matter where they are or what local rules they face. It could make investing more accessible to a global audience.
  2. This new method of investing aims to increase liquidity in the market, which means it could be easier to buy and sell stocks. More options can help in maximizing returns.
  3. The concept of tokenization stems from successful examples like stablecoins and shows a potential to enhance financial inclusion. It's about bringing more people into the investing world.
0 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. The new Crypto Executive Order is seen as having a positive impact on the industry. It focuses on providing a clear framework for crypto activities.
  2. This order might promote innovation in the sector by reducing excessive caution from companies. It encourages businesses to engage more proactively with cryptocurrency.
  3. Overall, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding how this order will shape the future of cryptocurrency regulation and development.
0 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Defense funding is increasing, and it looks like 2025 will have a record high in investments for defense companies. New opportunities in this sector are popping up, indicating strong growth potential.
  2. Recent inflation data shows consumer prices rising more than expected, which suggests interest rates might stay higher for longer. This could affect economic decisions moving forward.
  3. Lyft's recent earnings report was disappointing, and the company's announcement about future self-driving taxis seemed like an attempt to distract from weaker financial results.
0 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. OpenAI and other tech companies had major funding and product news in 2023, showing the industry's rapid development.
  2. There were various U.S. economic events scheduled, including reports on consumer confidence and job claims, indicating important trends in the economy.
  3. Global economic news included significant events in countries like Japan, Turkey, and Brazil, highlighting international market movements.
0 implied HN points 05 Mar 25
  1. The AI industry is rapidly growing, with companies like Arista Networks and Astera Labs showing impressive earnings and growth. This growth is benefiting a lot of businesses right now.
  2. The space economy is also gaining traction, with many startups focusing on building an economy in orbit. This is exciting and shows potential for future developments.
  3. Despite some economic concerns, there is still good news in tech and innovation, and the stock market remains strong for startups.
0 implied HN points 10 Feb 25
  1. French AI companies are receiving more investment, with funding increasing by 82% over the past year. This shows that France is becoming a serious player in the AI field.
  2. The French government is investing in a new gigawatt AI data center, signaling their commitment to boosting AI capabilities.
  3. Competition between EU and US AI startups can be beneficial, as it pushes both sides to innovate and improve their technologies.
0 implied HN points 27 Jan 25
  1. Multiple companies are sharing their earnings, including big names like Microsoft and Tesla. This shows a busy week for financial updates.
  2. Economic events are scheduled, like new home sales and consumer confidence, which can affect market trends. Keeping an eye on these numbers is important.
  3. Global economic updates will also take place, like trade balances in Mexico and jobseekers data in France. This information helps understand the international economy.
0 implied HN points 02 Mar 25
  1. This week has a full schedule of important economic events in the U.S. and globally. Pay attention to manufacturing and employment data, as they can affect the economy.
  2. Many companies are reporting their earnings this week, including big names like Target and JD.com. Knowing how these companies are doing can give insights into the market trends.
  3. Different countries are also releasing key data like unemployment rates and GDP growth. Checking on these figures can help understand the global economic landscape.
0 implied HN points 12 Nov 24
  1. AI coding tools like Cursor are growing very fast, making them potentially undervalued in the market. Their revenue jumped from $4 million a year to $50 million a year in no time.
  2. Shopify recently reported strong earnings, which has led to a noticeable increase in their stock price. This reflects their solid performance in the market.
  3. The demand for AI-powered tools in coding is rising, showing that there might be many successful companies in this space. It suggests that there's a big opportunity for innovation and growth.
0 implied HN points 03 Dec 24
  1. Intel is facing tough times in the chip market, while many new startups are emerging to take its place. This situation shows that even when a big player struggles, new ideas can grow.
  2. SpaceX's valuation has jumped significantly recently, suggesting investors believe in its future plans. This rapid increase is thought to be connected to Musk's influence and potential future benefits.
  3. The US is leading in venture capital for AI and tech, while China's investment and economic situation seem less stable. The growing gap indicates that the US may have a better chance of leading in the future of AI.
0 implied HN points 26 Feb 25
  1. Startups that focus on AI are growing really fast, much faster than traditional ones. This has shifted what success looks like in the startup world.
  2. Some companies that used to do well with steady growth are now feeling the pressure from these high-growth AI startups. This makes their past achievements seem less impressive.
  3. It's becoming more common for businesses to buy government favor to get favorable regulations. This raises questions about fairness and ethics in business practices.
0 implied HN points 25 Feb 25
  1. AI is being used more in workplaces to track how employees perform, but this can feel unfair and invasive. People shouldn't be treated like machines; they need support and investment.
  2. There's a chance that interest rates may not drop as expected, which could slow down initial public offerings (IPOs) in technology. Some believe this could be a new normal for fewer IPOs in the future.
  3. There's exciting news in AI development, especially with models like Anthropic's Claude Code showing strong early reviews. More tools are becoming available, making it easier for developers to create software without needing a large team.
0 implied HN points 01 Dec 24
  1. This week is packed with important earnings reports from major companies like Salesforce and Chewy. Keeping up with these can help you understand market trends.
  2. There are also key U.S. economic events happening, such as job openings and the employment report. These indicators can show how the economy is doing.
  3. Understanding global economic events, like inflation rates and GDP growth in other countries, is important too. It gives a bigger picture of the economic landscape.
0 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. The economic calendar for the week is short as everyone is getting ready for the New Year. It includes some important U.S. and global events to watch.
  2. Big news this week involves AI and tech updates, such as Microsoft and Activision's deal and new AI tools for legal systems.
  3. There are several important economic indicators coming up, like home sales and job claims, that could give insights into the economy's performance.
0 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. This week has important economic events happening in the U.S. and around the world. It's a good time to pay attention to reports about jobs, trade, and inflation.
  2. There are several tech earnings releases scheduled throughout the week. These could signal how well tech companies are doing in the current market.
  3. Global economic updates are also coming from countries like Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These updates are valuable for understanding the international economic landscape.
0 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. Stablecoins are becoming more popular, especially as Tether faces troubles in Europe. This situation opens the market for other stablecoins that follow regulations.
  2. Companies making stablecoins can earn money by investing the dollars customers give them in low-risk options. As interest rates rise, these investments become even more profitable.
  3. Banks are looking to join the stablecoin market, simply because there’s money to be made. In 2025, we might see big moves like stablecoin IPOs and more investments in the sector.
0 implied HN points 20 Dec 24
  1. OpenAI's new model, o3, shows significant improvements in programming tasks and exam scores. It indicates that AI is advancing fast and can tackle challenging problems.
  2. Inflation rates are slightly lower than expected, which might affect consumer spending and interest rates. However, the markets seem to recover despite this uncertainty.
  3. Elon Musk is building ties with various right-wing political groups in Europe. His support for these parties suggests a trend toward anti-immigration and nationalistic policies.
0 implied HN points 31 Oct 24
  1. Microsoft saw strong growth in their cloud services, particularly with Azure, largely driven by AI usage, although their stock declined despite beating revenue expectations.
  2. Meta is successfully growing its user base and focusing on efficiency, but its heavy spending plans are causing its stock to drop even after beating earnings expectations.
  3. Coinbase reported a decline in trading revenue but is still profitable; they are diversifying their income and even expanding their workforce, unlike many other tech companies.
0 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. This week is busy for companies reporting their earnings, especially the big ones called the Magnificent 7. Investors can bet on whether companies will do well or not before the earnings results come out.
  2. More people are getting into online sports betting, which is now a big business in many states. It's interesting to see how much money is being wagered and how it affects things like tax revenue.
  3. Election betting is becoming a thing where people can place bets on election outcomes. While it offers a new way for people to engage, it raises concerns about how it could influence the actual elections.
0 implied HN points 10 Oct 24
  1. September's inflation data showed a 0.2% rise, with the yearly change at 2.4%. This suggests some ongoing economic pressure.
  2. Crunchbase is focusing on AI by enhancing its data tools. They introduced AI-powered search features to improve access to their extensive data.
  3. OpenAI is projected to have significant cash losses but could still become profitable by 2029 with a strong revenue base. The risks of high spending in this sector are considerable.
0 implied HN points 08 Oct 24
  1. Chinese stocks are currently experiencing volatility, with recent gains primarily driven by government stimulus rather than strong economic fundamentals. This raises concerns about the sustainability of such growth.
  2. The Chinese economy faces serious challenges like a declining population and high local debt, which could lead to long-term issues for businesses and the market.
  3. There is an optimistic view that the contradictions in China's economic model may eventually lead to political changes, possibly reducing the current single-party rule.
0 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Pony.AI is getting ready for an IPO and has self-driving permits in major cities in China. This is a big deal as it shows they are ahead in the autonomous vehicle game.
  2. The company makes money from three main areas: robotaxi fares, robotruck services for logistics, and software licensing. They have a solid business model with multiple revenue streams.
  3. Despite the excitement, Pony.AI will face challenges since it operates under a complex corporate structure and risks in the international market. Investors need to be aware of these factors.
0 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. Anthropic introduced a new AI feature that allows its model, Claude, to interact with computers like a human does. This means it can perform tasks by moving a cursor, clicking, and typing on its own.
  2. This technology could change how companies use AI, making it possible to automate many jobs, which might reduce the need for human workers in some areas.
  3. The introduction of this API means that more people can experiment with AI at home and in small businesses, which could lead to creative and practical uses for technology in daily life.
0 implied HN points 18 Oct 24
  1. Netflix is doing really well, growing its profits and revenue significantly, even after struggling last year. They're now expected to break $10 billion in revenue for the next quarter.
  2. Netflix has transformed into a cash-generating powerhouse, surprising critics who thought it was spending too much. It's a great example of how companies can turn their finances around.
  3. The venture capital scene is facing a slowdown with fewer big payouts and companies being sold. Many investors think there might be too much money chasing too few good startup opportunities.
0 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. China's economy is struggling with low inflation and falling producer prices, leading to the need for monetary stimulus to boost growth.
  2. Rent the Runway is facing significant market challenges, even as it takes steps to improve its business and reduce losses.
  3. There is a growing divide between business leaders and the general public regarding consumer anger, particularly about issues like health insurance.
0 implied HN points 15 Oct 24
  1. Cerebras is planning to go public, but there are concerns about relying too much on a few customers for revenue. This could affect their growth and stability.
  2. Boeing continues to face ongoing issues that seem unresolvable, leading to questions about how they will recover in the future.
  3. There's a growing interest in nuclear power, as companies like Google look for reliable energy sources for their operations, especially data centers.
0 implied HN points 11 Dec 24
  1. Inflation in the U.S. has increased to 2.7% recently, which is the highest since June. There are expectations for a potential rate cut from the Federal Reserve soon, but future tariffs could complicate the inflation forecast.
  2. General Motors has decided to stop its Cruise robotaxi project after investing over $10 billion. They plan to focus on autonomous and assisted driving instead, signaling challenges in the competitive robotaxi market.
  3. Senator Tom Cotton blocked a bill aimed at protecting journalists from legal pressure to reveal sources. This move raised concerns about press freedoms and the future role of traditional media in the face of emerging platforms.
0 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. SoftBank is planning to invest $100 billion in the U.S., which shows confidence in the American market. This investment could lead to increased deal-making opportunities in various sectors.
  2. There is a growing gap between the spending of major cloud companies on AI technology and their free cash flow. While they’re spending a lot, investors seem okay with it as long as it leads to future profits.
  3. If AI companies do not meet revenue growth expectations, the current positive sentiment could shift. Investors will need to see that their spending results in cash flow gains to keep supporting these companies.