The hottest Business Models Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How Super Apps & Platforms Are Turning AI On Its Head

High ROI Data Science • 79 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Platforms Apps Business Models Consumer behavior
  1. Super apps in Asia grow by offering many services to a smaller customer base, unlike Big Tech that focuses on single services for many users. This helps them cater better to local needs.
  2. The advantages of super apps include faster product development, lower costs for data collection, and a unique competitive edge through exclusive data. They can quickly adapt to market changes too.
  3. Wrtn, a South Korean startup, shows how a super app can combine multiple AI services into one platform. This model offers better value to users and keeps them engaged with ads instead of multiple expensive subscriptions.

Dario Amodei + DeepSeek’s New Burdens

ChinaTalk • 518 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Business Models Government Relations
  1. DeepSeek is facing challenges in managing corporate partnerships while maintaining its research-focused culture. They might have to balance getting support from big tech companies with staying true to their values.
  2. As DeepSeek becomes more popular, it risks losing its talented employees to other companies offering better pay. This could change the company's culture and innovation approach.
  3. If DeepSeek forms closer ties with the Chinese government, they could get funding and resources, but it may come with scrutiny and reduced independence. They need to navigate these relationships carefully.

Twitter or Bluesky? How about neither.

Silver Bulletin • 418 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Business Models Digital Platforms Online Influence User Behavior
  1. Twitter has lost much of its influence compared to its heyday, now having less engagement and relevance in social media discussions. Many users are finding better alternatives for their online engagement.
  2. Despite challenges, Twitter still holds some value for quick updates, memes, and keeping up with special interests. However, its growth seems stagnant, and it's not heading towards a broader 'everything app' vision.
  3. The business model of platforms like Twitter faces inherent issues, as they struggle to balance being a platform and a publisher. This affects their profitability and long-term sustainability.

How Big Tech Sees DeepSeek: Five Key Takeaways

Tanay’s Newsletter • 82 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Business Models Infrastructure Computing
  1. DeepSeek has introduced important new methods in AI training, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon are already using its models.
  2. The rapid sharing of ideas in AI means that any lead a company gains won't last long. As soon as one company finds something new, others quickly learn from it.
  3. Even though AI tools are becoming cheaper, total spending on AI will actually rise. This means more apps will be built, leading to increased overall use of AI technologies.

Venture Capital Unbundled

Investing 101 • 235 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💰 Finance Venture Capital Investment Strategies Market Trends Business Models Economic Analysis
  1. Venture capital is shifting away from big brands and focusing more on individual investors. People want to work with specific individuals who they feel are genuine and relatable.
  2. Many investors are moving around to find better opportunities or roles, but this trend is also about the changing business model in venture capital. Investors are looking for ways to adapt and thrive in a new landscape.
  3. The term 'venture capital' is becoming less useful as it tries to cover many different investment strategies. There is a need for diverse approaches and voices in building startups, which is exciting and refreshing.
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Deepseek: From Hedge Fund to Frontier Model Maker

ChinaTalk • 400 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Research Startups Business Models
  1. High-Flyer, a hedge fund, is making big moves by venturing into AI research through a new company called DeepSeek. They want to create human-level AI instead of just copying existing models.
  2. Their success in the AI field comes from a unique hiring process that focuses on curious and passionate individuals rather than experience. This helps foster innovation within the company.
  3. Despite the high costs of running AI research, High-Flyer believes in funding their projects through a mix of their own resources and philanthropy. They prioritize long-term research over quick financial returns.

Is being data driven a fad?

benn.substack • 843 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Data Analysis Financial Metrics Market Trends Investment Strategies Business Models
  1. The way we value companies might be changing. Instead of just looking at numbers, people are considering things like hype and public interest.
  2. Being data-driven used to be seen as a key to success, but now it seems less effective for some businesses. There are successful examples, but many companies struggle to use data well.
  3. Cultural factors, or 'taste', are becoming more important in the business world than just relying on data. This shift might mean that how people feel about a company matters just as much as the finances.

Crypto Business Models

DeFi Education • 459 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Marketplaces Business Models Layer 2
  1. Crypto businesses are evolving beyond just interesting technology. They need to solve real market problems to succeed.
  2. Layer 2 solutions help reduce costs and improve transaction speeds. They thrive on attracting users by offering engaging applications.
  3. Most crypto platforms operate as marketplaces, connecting different types of users. They make money by taking a small percentage of transactions.

The Future of Investing 101

Investing 101 • 87 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Market Trends Business Models Entrepreneurship
  1. Writing helps clarify thoughts and ideas. It's surprising how much understanding comes from putting words on the page.
  2. Conversations with others can spark valuable insights. Talking about ideas can lead to new perspectives that writing alone might miss.
  3. Improving writing involves more than just writing. It includes reading, watching content, and engaging in dialogue to enhance learning and thinking.

Guest Essay: VC Contagion

Newcomer • 1808 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Business Models Market Trends Investor behavior
  1. Venture capital supports unsustainable models to achieve scale, like with tech giants Apple, Google, and Amazon.
  2. Companies like Uber and Airbnb, initially fueled by VC funding, now face challenges as they struggle with profitability.
  3. VC funding has fueled a culture of excessive capital consumption, leading to concerns about sustainability and the future of innovation.

Leaving Substack

Mostly Python • 1257 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Platforms Open Source Business Models Digital Content Data Ownership
  1. The author is moving their newsletter from Substack to Ghost as they feel Ghost is a better fit due to its focus on writing and its open-source foundation.
  2. It's important to consider the platform's business model when deciding on a service, as sustainable revenue streams can help avoid unwanted platform changes and dark patterns.
  3. Being able to export your data easily and understanding the platform's funding history are crucial factors to consider when choosing a service for the long term.

From selling access to selling work (and what it means for you)

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 512 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Business Models Pricing Strategies SaaS AI Integration Revenue management
  1. Companies are shifting from charging for access to software to billing for the actual work done by AI. This means businesses will charge based on how much the AI helps them, like charging per task completed.
  2. With these new pricing models, customers can pay only when they see results. However, it can be tricky to figure out who deserves credit for any success achieved.
  3. As the industry evolves, businesses will have to rethink how they predict revenue and manage customer relationships, making it more about actual usage and outcomes instead of just subscriptions.

Issue #3 - Pulling Back the Data Ecosystem Curtain

The Data Ecosystem • 219 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💼 Business Data Strategy Business Models Decision-making Data Governance
  1. Data in a business starts with understanding its goals and needs. The success of data efforts relies on how well it aligns with what the business wants to achieve.
  2. The data lifecycle turns business needs into actionable insights. It involves sourcing data, organizing it, and finally consuming it to gain meaningful insights that support decision-making.
  3. Surrounding factors like market trends and organizational issues can impact how data is used. It's important to recognize these influences to address challenges and keep data initiatives on track.

From Rideshare to Robotaxi: Uber, Waymo, and the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

Gad’s Newsletter • 32 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Autonomous Vehicles Market Dynamics Business Models User Experience
  1. Waymo's self-driving robotaxi offers a smoother experience than traditional ridesharing by eliminating awkward conversations and optimizing routes. This shows how autonomous vehicles can change the ride-hailing game.
  2. The ride-hailing market is shifting as new players like Waymo disrupt established companies like Uber. Despite Uber's strong network effects, low switching costs for users allow them to easily choose between different services.
  3. Different business models are emerging in autonomous vehicle ownership. Companies like Waymo focus on owning fleets for reliability, while Uber relies on independent drivers for flexibility, highlighting the need for partnerships in the evolving market.

Latest from AI Roller Coaster: Disruptive Nausea

Day Zero: Always Learning • 85 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups Infrastructure Investment Workforce Business Models
  1. AI infrastructure is getting super crowded and costs are rising, which may lead to a shake-up in who leads this space. Companies need to find new angles to succeed, like offering something unique or targeting a niche.
  2. AI observability is a hot trend right now, with many startups focusing on helping businesses check if their AI models are really working. Measuring success with AI tools is still a big challenge that needs to be figured out.
  3. The way companies operate is going to change a lot because of AI, creating a mix of specialized skills and generalist abilities. Traditional roles may get transformed or even replaced as companies rethink how they do business.

On Technological Change: 3 Learnings.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 44 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media AI Innovation Business Models Communication
  1. Technology changes things fast, and businesses need to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. It's important to rethink your business model with each new technology that comes along.
  2. Using technology shouldn't just be about making things faster or cheaper. It can also give you a chance to completely change how you do business and compete with others.
  3. Having talented people is key. Technology alone won't make you stand out; it's the skills and creativity of the people using it that truly make a difference.

Le papa : Mediapart

L'Atelier Galita • 219 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism Ethics Business Models Media Impact
  1. Mediapart is a well-known investigative journalism outlet that has been involved in many high-profile revelations.
  2. Investigative journalism is costly, time-consuming, and critical for revealing important facts and holding power accountable.
  3. Mediapart follows an independent journalism code, relies on subscriber revenue, and uses a technique of progressive revelations to maintain media attention.

The Nvidia economy and the benefits of toilet paper.

Jon’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investment Strategies Economic Trends Market Analysis Business Models
  1. Nvidia is rising fast in the market and could soon be worth more than Apple. Experts believe its growth is different from the tech bubble of the past.
  2. During election years, the stock market often has ups and downs, but usually rallies in the second half. Historical trends show that certain sectors perform better depending on who wins the election.
  3. Investors should look for companies with strong 'moats' that protect them from risks. Essential products like toothpaste and toilet paper are always in demand, making companies like Procter & Gamble good choices.

New Normal

Venture Prose • 219 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Financial planning Efficiency Business Models
  1. Set higher business goals and aim to achieve positive yields from actions taken.
  2. Question industry norms and push yourself to exceed expectations, rather than just following what others have done before.
  3. Prioritize efficiency and financial independence in your business strategies, ensuring that actions are intentional with positive long-term impacts.

Freelancer ≠ Entrepreneur

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Business Models Marketing Income Streams
  1. Freelancers trade time for money and often have multiple clients, making it feel like a 9 to 5 job. They work to keep their business running and don't earn income if they stop working.
  2. Entrepreneurs focus on scaling their business and creating systems that allow them to earn passive income. They spend their time thinking of new ideas rather than doing all the work themselves.
  3. Making the shift from freelancer to entrepreneur requires changing your mindset and learning to delegate tasks. There’s nothing wrong with freelancing, but being an entrepreneur can offer more freedom and growth opportunities.

UX Roundup: ElevenLabs Podcast | Usability Guidelines as Figma Plugin | AI Kills Companies | o1 and o1 Pro

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 9 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Design Usability Podcasts Business Models
  1. ElevenLabs has a new podcast feature called GenFM, but it feels less fun to listen to compared to Google's podcast version. While it's informative, it follows more of a Q&A style than a dynamic discussion.
  2. Baymard Institute's new Figma plugin offers usability guidelines for web design, making it easier for designers to access important research while they work. This should help create better websites more efficiently.
  3. AI is significantly disrupting companies like Chegg and Stack Overflow, leading to big drops in their business. As AI technology advances, we can expect more industries to feel its impact and change how they operate.

Narratives of business models

Product Identity • 59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Business Models Marketing Entrepreneurship Finance Customer Relations
  1. Business models are crucial for companies and can greatly affect their success. There are many debates about which model is the best, like subscription versus ads.
  2. Telegram's business model is unique because it relies on user subscriptions rather than ads. This approach has helped them gain a large number of paying customers and a positive image.
  3. Different business models create different emotional connections with customers. The way a company charges can reflect its values and how much it cares about its users.

Leaked Treasury Prime Docs Show Risks Of BaaS Business: Churn, Concentration, Slowing Growth

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💰 Finance Fintech Banking Regulations Business Models Risk management
  1. Leaked Treasury Prime documents highlight risks in Banking-as-a-Service business, including issues like churn, concentration, and slowing growth.
  2. Treasury Prime's strategic pivot to focus on selling to banks instead of fintechs resulted in drastic employee layoffs, shedding light on the challenging environment for middleware platforms in fintech.
  3. Fintech companies like Chime and Green Dot facing regulatory actions and penalties underscore the importance of compliance and customer service in the financial industry.

💬 Dom Wells: Lessons on how to acquire a digital business

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
💼 Business Business Models Investing Entrepreneurship Finance Digital marketing
  1. When buying a digital business, you need to be careful of scammers. Always verify financial information and ensure the business is truly what it claims to be.
  2. Focus on finding good businesses rather than thinking you can easily flip a struggling one. It's better to invest in a solid company with growth potential.
  3. Successful digital business owners are curious, adaptable, and able to learn on the job. It's important to be able to delegate tasks and stay committed to the process.

Lights, Camera, Strike! The Blockbuster Battle Between Hollywood Workers and AI Machines

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 97 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Industry AI Technology Business Models
  1. Recent strikes in the media industry highlight workers demanding fair pay and protections
  2. Negotiations involve issues such as minimum pay, AI image rights, and compensation for training AI models
  3. The industry may need new business models to address equity, flexibility, and autonomy for workers