The Generalist

The Generalist covers the intersection of technology and business, focusing on topics from startup culture to large-scale technological innovations, venture capital, leadership in tech firms, and the impact of AI. It features insights from industry leaders and analyzes the strategic moves of tech companies from idea to IPO.

Startup Culture Technological Innovations Venture Capital Leadership and Growth Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Governance Investment Strategies Corporate Decision-Making Global Tech Industry Entrepreneurship

The hottest Substack posts of The Generalist

And their main takeaways

The Generalist’s Productivity Stack

5063 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Technology Workplace Tools
  1. Start your day by choosing three important tasks to focus on. This helps keep your day organized and priorities clear.
  2. Try speaking your emails instead of writing them. It saves time and makes responding easier, especially for tricky messages.
  3. Use tools like Claude to help take notes while you read. It saves you time and keeps your information organized for later use.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

1080 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business E-commerce Management Strategy Entrepreneurship Leadership
  1. Be customer-obsessed, going above and beyond to meet their needs can lead to long-term benefits, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
  2. Always be willing to innovate and don't fear failure; it’s a crucial part of success in business.
  3. Sometimes, it's smart to work with your competitors for mutual benefit, as this can set you up for future advantages against them.

Letters to a Young Investor: Kirsten Green

820 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Entrepreneurship Startups Finance
  1. Kirsten Green's journey to becoming a successful investor wasn't straightforward. It took her ten years of learning and failing before founding her own firm.
  2. She developed a unique way of looking at business opportunities by focusing on how a business model can enhance the customer's experience.
  3. Failures in her early investments taught Kirsten valuable lessons and shaped her approach to investing, helping her identify when to trust her instincts.

Six Startups to Watch

400 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Finance Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. There are six startups that are worth paying attention to right now. They offer fresh ideas in areas like DNA sequencing and AI.
  2. These startups include a competitor to 23&Me and an AI accounting tool, which could change their industries.
  3. Joining a subscription service can give you exclusive insights into these startups and keep you updated on new trends.

Nadia Asparouhova on antimemetics, nuclear mysticism, and scrolling

1320 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Literature Technology Society
  1. Some ideas spread slowly or not at all, which is something we don't talk about enough. It's different now with social media, where people often keep their best thoughts private to avoid backlash.
  2. Building relationships through patronage could be more beneficial than just relying on crowdfunding. It creates deeper connections and helps sustain valuable relationships in our lives.
  3. Scrolling through social media makes us lose focus and can lead to a poorer state of mind. It's important to be aware of how this constant distraction affects us.
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Monk Mode

1521 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Mental health Mindfulness Nutrition Physical activity
  1. January is a great time to start new habits because everyone is focused on self-improvement. You can use this positive energy to make lasting changes in your life.
  2. Using technology mindfully can help you avoid distractions. Limiting social media and opting for higher-quality content like audiobooks can improve your focus and creativity.
  3. Making small changes in your daily routine, like walking more or avoiding alcohol, can create a big impact on your overall well-being. It’s about finding what works best for you and sticking to it.

European Ambition

2441 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural norms Innovation Entrepreneurship
  1. Europe has produced very few large tech companies compared to the US and China, highlighting a need for a cultural change that embraces ambition and big thinking.
  2. Regulations in Europe often make it harder for startups to thrive, contributing to a fear of failure that discourages entrepreneurs from pursuing bold ideas.
  3. To succeed, Europe needs to reshape its cultural mindset to celebrate ambition and big achievements, rather than adhering to norms that keep ambitions modest.

Silicon Emperor

620 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Historical Figures Influence
  1. Elon Musk has significant economic power, with a net worth substantially higher than rivals like Jeff Bezos. His wealth may continue to grow, possibly making him the world's first trillionaire.
  2. Musk's influence goes beyond just money; he is shaping the future through technology with companies like SpaceX and Tesla. This type of power is different from historical figures who ruled through violence or sheer force.
  3. Considering figures from the past, Musk's wealth and impact can be compared, but his concentrated power may be unmatched in the modern age, showing a new kind of influence in the 21st century.

Introducing The Generalist's Reading and Deal Clubs

260 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Reading Community Information
  1. The Generalist has started two clubs: a Reading Club and a Deal Club to share interesting articles, books, and startups.
  2. Every Friday, members can participate in the Reading Club by sharing and discovering new information and insights together.
  3. On Mondays, the Deal Club will focus on interesting startups and funding news, allowing members to discuss and learn from each other.

What to Watch in 2025

860 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups AI Trends Market Analysis
  1. In 2025, there will be big chances in defense tech and social services as the government starts using more tech from private companies. This means more jobs and growth in these areas.
  2. Artificial intelligence is set to grow, especially in healthcare and logistics, while crypto is expected to become more mainstream as regulations become clearer and institutional support increases.
  3. Consumer apps might make a comeback as major tech companies face antitrust issues, allowing new startups to find success in areas like entertainment and personal finance.

The Best Investing Advice

760 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investing Venture Capital Market Analysis Decision-making
  1. Investing is all about finding great companies, not just good deals. Focus on what makes a company truly outstanding.
  2. Diversify not just across different industries, but also over time. Don't rush into investments; think long-term and consider market changes.
  3. Startups should offer something unique that stands out. Instead of competing with existing options, create a choice that reshapes the conversation.

Modern Meditations: Caleb Watney

500 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups R&D Biotechnology Governance
  1. We need to improve government hiring processes to attract good talent. Many talented people are turned off by low pay and slow bureaucratic procedures.
  2. Public investment in scientific research can lead to breakthroughs that the private market often ignores. Funding areas like disease research or innovative technologies can yield unexpected benefits for society.
  3. Understanding and improving how government works is essential. There are many effective ways to enhance efficiency that are often overlooked but can significantly help society.

The Bitter Religion: AI’s Holy War Over Scaling Laws

920 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Computing Innovation Research Engineering
  1. The AI community is divided over whether achieving higher levels of computation will lead to better artificial intelligence or if there are limits to this approach. Some think more resources will keep helping AI grow, while others fear we might hit a ceiling.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the importance of scaling laws and whether they should continue to guide AI development. People are starting to question if sticking to these beliefs is the best path forward.
  3. If doubt begins to spread about scaling laws, it could impact investment and innovation in AI and related fields, causing changes in how companies approach building new technologies.

How to Exit

520 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💰 Finance Venture Capital Investing Market Trends Liquidity Regulations
  1. Exiting from investments is just as important as entering them. Investors need to remember that cashing out is a key part of the venture capital game.
  2. Secondary transactions are becoming more common and important. Investors must learn how to handle these types of deals to benefit from changing market conditions.
  3. Understanding when and how to sell in the secondary market is crucial. Knowing the right timing can help investors meet their targets and provide returns to their supporters.

How to Avoid Becoming a VC Meme and Actually Add Value

700 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship Startups Growth Strategies
  1. Venture capitalists should focus on actually helping founders by connecting them with great talent, customers, and funding. It's important not just to say you add value, but to really do something meaningful.
  2. It's better for investors to set realistic expectations about their contributions. Overpromising can damage relationships with founders, so honesty about what you can offer is key.
  3. Investors should respect the founder's role and not try to take over. They bring valuable insights but need to let entrepreneurs lead their own companies and make their own decisions.

Mullet Capitalists

620 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Strategies Market Analysis
  1. Mullet Capitalism is a new trend in venture capital where firms combine a traditional business with venture investments. This means they can use their existing business to identify promising startups and invest in them.
  2. Many emerging managers in the venture space are facing tough times, and Mullet Capitalism offers a fresh approach for them to adapt and thrive. It highlights the importance of blending stable income with the potential for high returns in investments.
  3. Examples of Mullet Capitalists include recruiting firms and media companies that also invest in startups. These firms leverage their industry connections and insights to make informed investment decisions while providing valuable services.

52 Tiny Venture Lessons

860 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Market Trends Startup Culture
  1. Look for unique people when investing. Different or strange backgrounds often lead to surprising success, so don’t just focus on traditional markers like good grades.
  2. Create your own investing strategy. Trying to copy what others do won't work for you, so find a method that fits your own strengths and experiences.
  3. Help without overstepping. It’s important to support startups when they ask, but don't check in too often or interfere unnecessarily.

How VCs Build Soft Power

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.

Messi, Inc.

2341 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
💼 Business Sports Technology Investing Entrepreneurship Marketing
  1. Being considered the GOAT in a sport can lead to lucrative opportunities and wealth accumulation, as seen with athletes like Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi.
  2. Changes in social media, technology, and athlete earnings have given superstar athletes more power and control over their wealth and commercial endeavors.
  3. Lionel Messi's strategic moves, like moving to America and establishing Play Time, indicate a growing potential for immense wealth through business ventures beyond his football career.

Letters to a Young Investor: Reid Hoffman on Signals and Mirages

1941 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Investing Technology Venture Capital AI Startups
  1. Investors need to differentiate between signals and mirages in venture capital to find potential winners.
  2. The process of identifying successful investments involves filtering out flawed ideas and making bets on plausible opportunities.
  3. Successful investments are like oases in the technology landscape that investors strategically seek out.

A Midas Winning VC Playbook

1401 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Startup Strategy Operations
  1. Primary Venture Partners focuses on being the best seed fund by sticking to their core ethos of 'Startups are hard, founders deserve better.'
  2. They prioritize selective investing, focusing on high-risk, high-reward opportunities in the early stages of startup funding.
  3. Using a substantial impact team and unique operational approach, Primary Venture Partners aims to differentiate themselves in the competitive venture capital landscape.

A Contrarian’s Guide to Hiring

1320 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business Recruitment Interviews Team Building
  1. Founders need to be creative in their hiring practices to find the right talent for high-growth startups.
  2. Assessing a candidate's writing, backchanneling with previous employers, and focusing on cultural fit are key strategies for hiring exceptional talent.
  3. Conducting non-traditional interviews like principles-based interviews can help in identifying candidates who align with the company's values and work style.

CEOs on Their Least Popular But Most Impactful Decisions

900 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Leadership Decision-making Company Building Customer Relations Team Management
  1. Great leadership requires making tough decisions that go against popular opinion.
  2. CEOs must prioritize what's best for the long-term success of their company, even if it means making unpopular choices.
  3. Building a successful company often means making difficult decisions that may challenge the norms and expectations of others.

Introducing our newest writer

1421 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💼 Business Tech Startups Writing Operations Media
  1. The Generalist has welcomed a new writer, Ben Butler, who brings startup experience and a strong sense of taste to the publication.
  2. Ben Butler is a creative individual with a background in writing, stand-up comedy, and screenwriting, adding a fresh perspective to The Generalist.
  3. Ben Butler's addition to The Generalist is seen as a valuable enhancement that will push their thinking forward and improve the quality of written analysis.

Reid Hoffman on The Best Possible Future

500 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Future Science
  1. Reid Hoffman discusses AI's potential and risks in the final edition of 'Letters to a Young Investor's' first series.
  2. The conversation delves into the importance of envisioning a positive future enabled by technology, rather than focusing solely on dystopian scenarios.
  3. Reid Hoffman emphasizes the need to proactively steer towards creating a future that is radically better than our current trajectory, despite acknowledging the challenges technology presents.

The Founders’ Guide to Leveraging AI

480 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups Finance Entrepreneurship Innovation
  1. Startup founders are navigating the Age of GPTs with new opportunities and risks due to advancements in AI.
  2. AI not only streamlines processes but also enhances human connection, especially in areas like HR.
  3. Industries should leverage AI for efficiencies, and companies need to be cautious not to blindly adopt AI trends without valid reasons.

The Future of Farcaster with Dan Romero

380 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media Blockchain Decentralization Monetization Scaling
  1. Farcaster, a disruptive social network, is built on a permissionless protocol, attracting attention by charging every user a fee to prevent spam.
  2. Farcaster competes head-to-head with Elon Musk in the social arena, aiming to offer a fundamentally different social experience rather than just a Twitter clone.
  3. Introducing innovative features like 'Frames' mini-applications within the feed has been a game-changer for Farcaster, sparking interest among developers and users.

ASML: A Monopoly on Magic

1 HN point • 30 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Innovation Semiconductors Manufacturing Global relations Research & Development
  1. ASML is the sole provider of EUV lithography machines for semiconductor chips, making it a monopoly in a valuable market.
  2. ASML's EUV machines are incredibly complex and rely on a vast supply chain, with the company coordinating components sourced from multiple manufacturers.
  3. ASML's technology is crucial for industry advancements, particularly in AI, and the company faces challenges from US-China tensions and the need to maintain Moore's Law.

What to Watch in AI (July 2023)

1 HN point • 23 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Startups Generative AI Cybersecurity
  1. Investors are selecting AI startups to watch, focusing on areas like human health, enterprise solutions, and cybersecurity.
  2. AI startups are using technology to address challenges in healthcare, enterprise search, and cybersecurity, offering innovative solutions.
  3. AI is expanding globally, with startups outside the US developing cutting-edge technologies for industries like robotics, healthcare, and manufacturing.