The hottest Competition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
Nihar’s Thoughts on Stocks 0 implied HN points 07 Sep 23
  1. Xometry is a marketplace business with core services for buyers to order parts and supplier services with different revenue percentages and margins.
  2. The business recently faced deceleration and challenges in Q3 '22, impacting growth and profitability forecasts.
  3. Marketplace businesses like Xometry face struggles with product customization, order size, and consistent ordering patterns, impacting scalability and business efficiency.
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Escher Studies 0 implied HN points 01 Oct 23
  1. Cooperation can evolve through mechanisms like direct reciprocity, indirect reciprocity, spatial selection, group selection, and kin selection.
  2. Elinor Ostrom's work challenges the tragedy of the commons theory by showing that communities can sustainably manage shared resources through local knowledge and cooperation.
  3. Understanding the biological foundations of collaboration involves concepts like Hamilton's rule, genetic relatedness, and cooperation conditions in evolution.
The Entertainment Strategy Guy 0 implied HN points 25 Jan 24
  1. Netflix made a strategic move by acquiring WWE rights, addressing growth limitations by expanding into live content.
  2. The deal with WWE signals Netflix as a potential bidder for other sports rights, which may affect the future of sports media rights.
  3. Despite past skepticism, Netflix's strong performance in 2023 suggests the need for a rethink of their competitive position.
Fight to Repair 0 implied HN points 08 May 22
  1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could impact independent auto repair by potentially limiting repair options for car owners.
  2. Introduction of Ford's Certified Glass Network is an example of how automakers are adapting to the rise of ADAS features in vehicles.
  3. The market for auto repair, such as glass replacement, is evolving due to the increasing reliance on software-based safety features in modern vehicles.
Fight to Repair 0 implied HN points 11 Jul 21
  1. The Executive Order covers a wide range of issues beyond repair restrictions, aiming to promote competition and tackle anti-competitive practices in various industries.
  2. The Executive Order calls out restrictions on repair in the agriculture sector, affecting farmers and consumers who face challenges in repairing equipment independently.
  3. The FTC is encouraged in the Executive Order to address anti-competitive practices in the technology sector, specifically focusing on repair restrictions imposed by cell phone manufacturers.
subtract 0 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. Netflix solved the problem of watching videos with convenience by introducing innovative solutions like DVD rentals by mail and streaming services.
  2. By deeply understanding customer problems like late fees, bulky inventory, and inconvenience, Netflix continuously evolved to adapt and strive for a near-perfect solution.
  3. To maintain dominance, Netflix transitioned from DVDs to streaming, ventured into original content production, and consistently aimed to be the best solution in the market.
Equal Ventures 0 implied HN points 30 Aug 23
  1. Legacy software product companies are at risk of becoming obsolete due to the impact of AI on software production.
  2. The concept of building platforms instead of products is crucial in the age of AI for long-term success in the tech sector.
  3. Platforms leverage data, distribution, and development to create increasing returns to scale, making them more valuable and defensible than traditional product-centric companies.
Quantum Formalism 0 implied HN points 01 Sep 22
  1. The Quantum Formalism community is hosting a meme competition tied to their lectures on Measure Theory & Functional Analysis. Participants can submit memes after each lecture on Discord.
  2. The community will vote for the top 3 memes at the end of the course, with winners receiving prizes, including a cute Hippo-looking Pokémon clone. Lectures and homework assignments are also available for those interested in joining.
  3. Engaging with the Quantum Formalism community on platforms like YouTube, GitHub, Discord, and LinkedIn can provide valuable learning opportunities and connections in the field.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 17 May 23
  1. The CEO of OpenAI called for AI regulation, suggesting the creation of an agency for licensing AI models, which could potentially limit competition and create barriers for startups.
  2. The proposed licensing process may lead to incumbents like OpenAI controlling the industry evolution by either acquiring successful startups or forcing them to comply, creating an 'incumbents' club.'
  3. Legislators should be cautious of regulatory requests from established players, as regulations may end up benefiting them more than promoting social welfare. They should aim to create more accessible, cost-effective licensing processes to prevent stifling competition.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 17 Dec 17
  1. Bitcoin mining consumes a significant amount of energy due to the proof of work mechanism, leading to high resource costs.
  2. The cost of running the Bitcoin network has drastically increased over time, surpassing the GDP of many countries, with no clear end in sight until around 2032 when the cap of 21 million Bitcoins is reached.
  3. Alternative cryptocurrencies with less energy-intensive mechanisms may eventually replace Bitcoin through competition, but for now, the excessive energy consumption continues.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 13 Feb 17
  1. Snapchat prioritizes execution over control to drive user engagement and product innovation.
  2. An execution strategy can be more profitable than a control strategy, as it allows for quicker market entry and cost-saving experiments.
  3. Snapchat's strategy mirrors Apple's approach of focusing on innovation rather than building barriers to entry, though profitability execution remains unproven.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 08 Apr 16
  1. Facebook Live allows anyone to broadcast live videos and store them for future viewing on the platform, challenging other social media video tools like Periscope and Meerkat.
  2. Facebook Live is a strategic move by Facebook to keep up with technological advancements and signal to competitors that it will aggressively match features.
  3. The introduction of Facebook Live showcases Facebook's commitment to innovation and experimentation, even if the immediate value to consumers is not entirely clear.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 16 Feb 16
  1. Kayne West released his new album exclusively on Tidal, which he partly owns, possibly leveraging monopoly power to drive traffic away from competitors like Apple.
  2. Determining if Kayne West has monopoly power involves evaluating his impact on the music market and competition levels.
  3. The exclusivity of Kayne West's album on Tidal could potentially lead to increased music service prices, raising concerns about competition and antitrust regulations.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 11 Feb 16
  1. Incumbents facing disruption may choose to acquire disruptive entrants to avoid being disrupted themselves.
  2. Privately held companies being acquired by competitors rather than going public can stifle innovation and competition.
  3. Acquisitions as an exit strategy for startups can impact antitrust considerations and drive entry into markets.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 17 Nov 15
  1. Uber doesn't fit the traditional definition of a disruptive innovation, as it entered the mainstream market first before appealing to overlooked segments.
  2. Regulated industries like taxis often don't innovate, giving room for disruptors like Uber to succeed.
  3. Uber's success challenges the idea that only disruptive innovations can compete against established firms; they thrived with sustaining innovations like their user-friendly app and reliable service.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 18 Apr 15
  1. Traditional models of competition in oligopolies may not consider the impact of cross-ownership of shareholders on firm behavior.
  2. Shareholders with stakes in multiple firms might prioritize overall profits rather than just the profits of the firm they own, potentially leading to collusive outcomes.
  3. The distribution of wealth among shareholders and their relation to consumption levels are important factors to consider in addressing market power and wealth inequality.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 14 Apr 15
  1. The framework to determine if a new firm like Tesla will disrupt old ones like GM or Toyota involves considering if the product targets over-served customers, if the disruptor has incentives to enter higher performance segments, and if there is a trajectory for fast performance improvements.
  2. Disruption may not necessarily occur through the same traditional pathways, such as Tesla's potential to disrupt the supply-side of the industry with architectural innovation rather than just demand-side shifts.
  3. Tesla's unique position with its electric focus and potential architectural innovation poses an existential threat to traditional car-makers, raising the question of whether they can adapt to this new challenge.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 25 Nov 14
  1. Uber's aggressive approach may not be solely due to a 'winner take all' nature of the market, but also influenced by various other factors like pricing, available drivers, and customer loyalty.
  2. The competition between Uber and Lyft is more about attracting customers rather than fighting for drivers unless there are moves towards exclusivity or incentives that make drivers prefer one platform over the other.
  3. In the long run, customer decisions in the ridesharing market may come down to price, as ease of transitioning between platforms can keep availability similar, leading the edge in service quality to be essential for capturing value.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter 0 implied HN points 14 May 13
  1. Yahoo! may be returning to its portal roots, wanting to be the daily go-to for users across devices.
  2. Yahoo! is focusing on a portal strategy that includes information aggregation to solve users' information overload problems.
  3. Other big tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, and Google have their own strategies, but Yahoo!'s focus on a daily routine user base and advertising is unique.
Platform Papers 0 implied HN points 15 Aug 23
  1. Superstars, like top artists or developers, have a significant impact on attracting consumers to platforms like music streaming services or app stores.
  2. Offering exclusivity to superstars can give platforms a competitive edge by attracting more consumers and complementors, enhancing the network effect.
  3. When platforms acquire superstars, the decision to withhold or license content to rivals affects market competitiveness and may impact exclusivity strategies.
AI Disruption 0 implied HN points 05 May 24
  1. OpenAI is launching a new search engine to compete with Google, creating a potential challenge for Google's dominance in the search engine market.
  2. There are concerns about Google search such as too many ads, dead or outdated links, and limitations in understanding search context which could provide an opportunity for OpenAI's new search engine.
  3. Interest in AI-powered search is growing as demonstrated by the success of companies like Perplexity AI, indicating a shift in the search engine landscape.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 16 Aug 09
  1. Team CLGT performed well in the WOWHacker 2009 competition, finishing 8th out of 45+ teams.
  2. ISEC 2009 is a significant cybersecurity conference in Asia that features activities like Capture The Flag competitions.
  3. CLGT team is seeking sponsorship to cover expenses for the final round of the competition in South Korea in September.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 08 Jun 09
  1. Success in competitions like Defcon CTF requires a balance of theory and real-world application, as highlighted by Richard Feynman's approach to physics.
  2. Building a strong hacking team demands dedication, expertise, and a deep understanding of both offensive and defensive tactics in cybersecurity.
  3. Participating in cybersecurity competitions showcases skills and can open up career opportunities in the field.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 27 Jan 08
  1. Before having a product, it's important to understand customer needs and be able to meet them in order to start marketing and sales
  2. Focus on satisfying the first customer to create trust and potentially gain referrals and insights for future improvements
  3. Effective marketing, PR, and sales strategies play a crucial role in winning over competitors, highlighting product advantages, and building customer confidence
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 17 Jul 07
  1. Participation in intellectual competitions may reveal the role of luck in outcomes; success and failure can depend significantly on chance elements.
  2. Intellectual competitions should prioritize reasoning over memory-based questions to truly assess intelligence.
  3. The function of the human brain is primarily for thinking and reasoning, not just storing information; critical thinking is a better measure of intelligence than rote memory.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 0 implied HN points 20 Sep 23
  1. NVIDIA has been the leader in the GPU market for a long time, but Intel is closing in fast. This competition is great for consumers because it can lead to better products and prices.
  2. In a recent performance test, NVIDIA was still the best, but Intel did really well, taking second place. This shows that Intel is becoming a strong competitor in AI computing.
  3. The rivalry between these tech giants means exciting advancements in AI hardware are on the way. Consumers can expect improved technology and options as these companies push each other to innovate.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 0 implied HN points 25 Apr 23
  1. Companies can evolve from being customers to competitors, which can shift the dynamics in an industry. This has happened before, like with Lamborghini and Ferrari, showing how a customer's dissatisfaction can spark competition.
  2. In the tech world, major companies like Microsoft are now making their own AI chips instead of just relying on others. This means they want more control over their technology and costs.
  3. Though companies are becoming competitors, they also maintain partnerships. For example, cloud providers still support NVIDIA's products despite developing their own chips for AI.
Matt’s Five Points 0 implied HN points 07 Jun 10
  1. Being loud and confident when making a call helps you win disputes. When you clearly state your position with assurance, others are more likely to agree.
  2. Never show doubt in your argument. If you hint at compromise, you lose. You need to stand firm and not back down.
  3. Choosing which calls to dispute is important. If you argue too much, people will ignore you. Pick your battles wisely to maintain credibility.
Musings on Markets 0 implied HN points 02 Sep 14
  1. Education is a business because it has a mission, a product, and customers. Universities sell degrees, so they should be held accountable just like any other business.
  2. The current education system isn't truly non-profit; it still generates surpluses that benefit administrators and faculty, rather than focusing solely on student education.
  3. The education sector is ripe for disruption due to its inefficiencies and lack of customer focus. Disruptors need to understand what makes education valuable beyond just classes, like social networking and career support.