The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Why We Make the Exeter Hammer

The American Peasant • 2715 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💼 Business Product Development Entrepreneurship Manufacturing Marketing Sales
  1. The Exeter Hammer was developed over three years to create a lightweight, balanced tool ideal for furniture makers. It combines good design and functionality to improve woodworking tasks.
  2. The hammer's design process involved scrapping an earlier project that felt too similar to common hammers on the market. This led to creating a unique hammer that meets specific needs of woodworkers.
  3. The first 400 hammers sold quickly, showing a strong demand and approval from users. This success suggests that thoughtful design can resonate well with the target audience.

Earlywood: Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It

The American Peasant • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Networking Marketing Finance Self-employment
  1. Keep your day job until you are financially secure. It’s smart to build your business while you still have a steady income.
  2. Network with other creative people. Making friends in your field can lead to new opportunities and support when you need it.
  3. Learn a bit of everything. Knowing skills like photography and website design can save you money and help your business thrive.

The Anarchist’s Compass No. 1

The American Peasant • 2535 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Publishing Finance Entrepreneurship Acquisitions Venture Capital
  1. A businessman shared a wild story about buying a small publishing company. He revealed that the owner didn't know he was supposed to keep the cash in the company, and the buyer ended up getting the business almost for free.
  2. The room erupted in laughter when he shared how the situation turned out. It showed how sometimes, deals can have unexpected and surprising outcomes.
  3. This story highlights how important it is to understand business transactions and financial details. Misunderstandings can lead to big surprises for both buyers and sellers.

How three Morning Brew alums are building their own network of niche media outlets

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Finance
  1. Three former Morning Brew employees started Smooth Media to build a network of niche media outlets. They're focused on unique topics that cater to specific audiences.
  2. They applied what they learned at Morning Brew, expanding into new media formats like podcasts and online content, showing how versatile and scalable media can be.
  3. Their current projects include collaborations with popular creators and the acquisition of established brands, highlighting their ambitious growth plans.

No Pats On the Back

Points And Figures • 772 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Investment Strategies Economic Development
  1. Chicago lacks the investment and willingness to take risks that cities like Silicon Valley and New York have. This makes it hard for startups to get support.
  2. Entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive when they focus on merit and tolerance for failure. Chicago is seen as outdated in these aspects.
  3. The culture in Chicago often emphasizes who you are instead of what you can achieve, which can hinder innovation and growth.
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The Thiel-Andreessen Axis

From the New World • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
💼 Business Startups Investment Technology Market Trends Entrepreneurship
  1. Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen have different views on how businesses succeed in competitive markets. Thiel sees a winner-takes-all approach, while Andreessen focuses on timing in fast-changing tech environments.
  2. The AI industry is shifting. The idea that large companies will dominate is evolving, with new technology making it easier for startups to collect data and compete.
  3. Instead of competing against each other, Thiel and Andreessen's ideas complement each other. It's important to explore both approaches to find the best strategy for any business or industry.

The House of Huawei

ChinaTalk • 444 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
💼 Business Corporate culture Entrepreneurship International Trade Telecommunications Geopolitics
  1. Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei, grew up facing hardship during the Cultural Revolution but turned this struggle into his motivation for success. His challenging past helped him build a strong company culture focused on hard work and resilience.
  2. Huawei has grown by exploring high-risk international markets where other companies hesitated, such as Libya and Iraq. This strategic risk-taking allowed Huawei to create valuable global partnerships and expand its business.
  3. The company has faced significant scrutiny from the West, particularly the United States, over security concerns related to its technology. However, Huawei has continued to thrive by emphasizing its importance to China's tech development and fostering a unique corporate culture.

Engineer to CEO in 3 years: These key lessons got me there

High Growth Engineer • 717 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Career growth Startups Entrepreneurship Management
  1. Simplify your communication by sharing only the important details. It's better to answer the main question first and add more info later if needed.
  2. Look for gaps in your team or company where you can help. Taking initiative and proposing solutions can help you grow in your career.
  3. Listen to your team and find out what problems they face. Removing obstacles makes it easier for everyone to work better together.

What Hotelier Ari Heckman thinks about building brand worlds IRL

the case for brand 💼 • 137 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Hospitality Branding Entrepreneurship Design Marketing
  1. Ari Heckman focuses on creating unique brand worlds for his hotel projects, blending art and commerce. This approach helps make each hotel feel special and connected to the local culture.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of being involved in both the creative and operational sides of business. Balancing creative ideas with sound business practices can lead to better results.
  3. The idea of evolving beyond just being a hotel brand is key for Ash. They want to be seen as a lifestyle brand, offering more than just lodging, like products and experiences that connect with their brand story.

Africa's Hustle Generation: Ambition, Innovation, Opportunity

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 146 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investment Workforce Innovation
  1. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with many young people entering the workforce. This could lead Africa to play a bigger role in global growth by 2030.
  2. There is a thriving start-up culture in Africa, especially in technology and finance. Companies are getting more funding and creating new job opportunities.
  3. As more people in Africa move to cities, the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship increases. Urban centers are becoming major hubs for new businesses and investments.

Fred Smith Built a Great American Company. What Made Him Tick?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Logistics E-commerce Management Marketing
  1. Fred Smith came up with the idea for FedEx while at Yale, despite not doing well in school. He didn't let that grade stop him from building a huge company.
  2. FedEx changed how people expect deliveries with its promise of overnight shipping. Smith had to navigate many rules to make this vision a reality.
  3. As the internet grew, Smith adapted by expanding into ground shipping, helping FedEx stay strong against competitors like UPS and Amazon.

American Advantages in Economies of Scale

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Markets Consumer behavior Entrepreneurship Global Trade
  1. The size of America's consumer market helps businesses grow because they can reach a lot of people who can afford to buy their products. A bigger market means they can make more items faster, like how a big factory can produce more than a small workshop.
  2. Cultural similarities in America allow stores and brands to sell the same products across the country without changing much. This makes it easier for companies to run and for consumers to find what they want, no matter where they are.
  3. English, especially American English, is popular around the world. This helps American brands and culture spread more easily, making it a powerful tool for influence and business growth.

DOGE In the States

Points And Figures • 879 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Entrepreneurship Tax policy Venture Capital
  1. Many government programs aiming to help entrepreneurs are seen as wasteful and do not deliver real results. It's often just a way to create jobs for government employees.
  2. Entrepreneurial ecosystems work best when driven by the private sector rather than government involvement. Government interference tends to complicate matters and can limit growth.
  3. Accountability in the private sector is focused on solving customer problems efficiently, while government often prioritizes expanding control and influence, resulting in wasted resources.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

The Generalist • 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.

Morris Chang and the Origins of TSMC

Construction Physics • 46767 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Innovation Manufacturing Entrepreneurship History
  1. Morris Chang founded TSMC in 1985, turning it into a key player in the semiconductor industry. He saw the need for a company that could manufacture chips for others, which allowed many new companies to emerge.
  2. Chang's journey was not smooth; he faced many challenges and failures before achieving success with TSMC. Much of his early career included tough breaks, but he persevered and created something significant.
  3. TSMC's unique business model changed how semiconductor companies operated by providing manufacturing services without competing directly with clients. This innovation helped TSMC grow quickly and become vital for tech giants like Apple and Intel.

How Repl.It 25x'ed ARR to $100m in <1year

Enterprise AI Trends • 126 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Technology Startups Growth Strategy Market Trends
  1. Repl.It achieved amazing growth by tapping into the 'learn to code' audience. They built a strong presence in schools and coding bootcamps over several years.
  2. The company focuses on users who want to create apps without worrying about the technical details. This means they cater to a specific market that's eager to learn and build without complex barriers.
  3. Repl.It has a unique strategy that sets it apart from competitors like Cursor. They have a solid foundation and can keep growing, but there are still risks they need to manage.

Marissa Mayer: I Am a Software Girl

Magic + Loss • 238 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Entrepreneurship Women in Tech
  1. Marissa Mayer sees AI as a bright and helpful force in our lives, rather than something dangerous or negative. She believes it can enhance family and social experiences.
  2. She has a strong opinion against feminism, feeling it is too militant and not focused on merit. She thinks being a geek is more important than gender roles.
  3. Mayer enjoys various topics like fashion and art, showing that she has a diverse range of interests outside her tech career.

Don't build a platform... unless?

lcamtuf’s thing • 2856 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Platforms Gaming Programming Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a platform is hard and often not worth the effort. It's usually better to focus on creating a good product first.
  2. To make a successful platform, you need to either find a unique idea, have a strong personal following, or get backing from big companies.
  3. Having good code isn’t enough to make a platform thrive; you need visibility and support from the right people to attract users.

The Profile: The Spanx billionaire’s new invention & the DNA testing company running out of options

The Profile • 356 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Innovation Marketing Consumer Trends Corporate strategy
  1. Telling stories from unexpected perspectives can make them more interesting. For example, focusing on a gravedigger during a famous event reveals a unique viewpoint.
  2. Sara Blakely created a new shoe that mixes style and comfort, but it has received mixed reactions. She sees this as a sign of innovation, even if some people think it's odd.
  3. 23andMe, a DNA testing company, is facing big challenges after a data breach and struggles to make a profit. Their future is uncertain as they try to stay relevant in the market.

I was selected for a $100,000 O'Shaughnessy Ventures Fellowship to empower used bookstores with AI.

Castles in the Sky • 102 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Technology Innovation Education Culture
  1. A person received a $100,000 fellowship to create a tool for used bookstores using AI. This tool aims to help identify and preserve old and rare books.
  2. The project is inspired by a need to protect literary history and make it easier for bookstores to archive valuable books. The goal is to create a big database with details about every book.
  3. The project will also focus on building a community of people who care about preserving books, along with sharing related content through a blog and videos.

How Silicon Valley got rich

The Novelleist • 521 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investing Corporate Governance Wealth Inequality
  1. The rise of Silicon Valley demonstrated how entrepreneurship and venture capital can change the economy. A group of engineers creating a new tech company set the stage for tech innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
  2. Employee equity programs allowed many workers to gain a stake in the companies they helped build, leading to wealth creation among employees. However, there is a growing inequality, where top executives earn much more than regular workers.
  3. For a fairer economy, we need to increase employee ownership in companies. This could help reduce wealth inequality and provide more opportunities for workers to benefit from their contributions.

Frances Odera Matthews Chats with Ellen: All things solo business operations

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 2 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💼 Business Consulting Entrepreneurship Operations Productivity Coaching
  1. Using Notion can help organize and streamline your business processes, making it easier to track and share important information.
  2. Solopreneurs often complicate things too early, so it's important to simplify and focus on what truly matters for your business.
  3. Hiring help comes with hidden costs, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits before making a decision.

Introducing Substack Study Hall: Advice from top creators on getting started, going paid, and more

Substack • 1043 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Social media Subscription Models
  1. Being consistent is more important than being perfect. Just share your thoughts regularly, and you'll connect with your community better than waiting for everything to be flawless.
  2. When you start charging for your content, keep it simple. You don’t need to overwhelm people with perks; focus on delivering one valuable thing that you can promise consistently.
  3. Using social media is a great way to show a bit of your content and invite people to check out your main platform. Share interesting snippets to draw them in instead of just posting links.

Opp Consulting is a Scam

startupdreams • 105 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting Scams Marketing Startups Entrepreneurship
  1. Opp Consulting promised qualified leads and guaranteed meetings but failed to deliver. Instead, they sent mass emails that damaged the company's reputation.
  2. The consulting service charged a lot of money but did not follow through on their commitments. After 90 days, not a single meeting was scheduled.
  3. If you're considering using Opp Consulting, it's best to stay away to avoid wasting your resources. They have been labeled a scam based on this experience.

Letters to a Young Investor: Kirsten Green

The Generalist • 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.

The Burden of Proof

Investing 101 • 46 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
💼 Business Investing Critical Thinking Entrepreneurship Technology Science
  1. People often believe in ideas that match their group or social circle instead of thinking for themselves. This can lead to poor judgment and decision-making.
  2. Critical thinking is really important when evaluating claims, especially unusual ones like telepathy. It's essential to look for evidence and consider other viewpoints.
  3. Trust in sources of information is crucial. If a source is biased or lacks credibility, it can lead to believing things that aren't true, impacting investments and personal beliefs.

SpaceX Evolution (Appendix C: Why SpaceX Not NASA)

Chris’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Space Exploration Innovation Aerospace Entrepreneurship Commercialization
  1. NASA has become more inefficient over time, losing its ability to innovate and push space technology as its bureaucracy has grown.
  2. In contrast, SpaceX is agile and focused, quickly developing new technology without the red tape that hampers NASA's progress.
  3. NASA's current projects may be less ambitious than what SpaceX could achieve, highlighting SpaceX's crucial role in future space exploration.

The Oddest Man Out Among Our $Hundred-Billionaires: Elon Musk

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 492 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Market Trends Corporate strategy Investment
  1. Elon Musk's wealth, largely tied to Tesla, is facing challenges as the company’s profit growth may not continue. The recent surge in Tesla's sales was helped by market conditions and celebrity status, but that charm seems to be fading.
  2. Many billionaires, especially those in tech, have consistent income from their businesses. In contrast, Musk's financial future looks uncertain as competition in the electric vehicle market increases and his brand image shifts.
  3. The reasons people used to buy Teslas included its innovation and eco-friendliness. Now, with Musk's controversial actions, many of those who once supported the brand are distancing themselves, which could hurt Tesla's future sales.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 36 - ciao Italia

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Sales Technology
  1. CitNOW started as a small company in the UK and grew by creating easy-to-use automotive apps. They found success by being the first to offer this kind of technology in their market.
  2. They learned the importance of focusing on their target market, which was the automotive industry. They decided to stop chasing opportunities outside this sector to stay true to their core business.
  3. When expanding internationally, they took careful steps after learning from past mistakes. They aimed to enter the Italian market by leveraging their successes and established relationships with companies like Volkswagen.

Six Startups to Watch

The Generalist • 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.

Strange and Dazzling Things Are Happening Right Now

The Honest Broker • 19781 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Media Finance Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Elon Musk tried to buy Substack, but the CEO chose to reject the offer, showing loyalty to independent writers.
  2. Substack's subscription numbers are growing, with many creators earning significant income, but the platform still isn't profitable yet.
  3. There are concerns about some tech companies, like Nvidia, using risky accounting practices that can create a false sense of success.

The Decentralised Workforce

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 586 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Gig Economy Freelancing Digital Platforms Entrepreneurship Workforce Trends
  1. Many people are choosing gig work instead of traditional jobs for more freedom and better moral alignment with their work. This shift is especially notable among younger workers who value flexibility.
  2. The gig economy is growing rapidly, with more specialized platforms allowing skilled workers to connect with clients and earn substantial incomes. It's not just about food delivery anymore; many people are making good money in diverse fields.
  3. Despite the opportunities, there are challenges, such as platform fees and lack of benefits for workers. There's a need for policies that support gig workers to ensure they have fair earnings and access to health insurance.

How Do VCs Really Make Decisions?💡

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Financial Metrics
  1. VCs find deals through strong networks and relationships, not just random pitches. They carefully prune their opportunities, meaning a standout startup has a better chance of getting noticed.
  2. When it comes to choosing which startups to invest in, VCs place a big emphasis on the management team and the market potential. A great team can adapt and succeed, no matter how the market changes.
  3. Valuation is a delicate balance where VCs analyze exit opportunities and compare with similar companies. They aim for high returns, especially on early-stage investments, which comes with a lot of risk.

Why You Should Focus On Making Your Decisions Right

Remarkable People • 639 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Decision-making Entrepreneurship Innovation Leadership Coaching
  1. Striving for a perfect decision can hold you back. It's better to focus on making your decision work instead of aiming for perfection.
  2. Committing to your decision is key. Once you make a choice, throw yourself into it and make the best of the situation.
  3. Be open to change and learn from each decision. Adapting and understanding what works can help you improve next time.

🎯 The Ultimate Pitch Deck Collection

The VC Corner • 739 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Investing Pitching Marketing
  1. A good pitch deck should include essential slides that clearly outline your business, like the problem you're solving and your market opportunity. This structure helps investors understand your idea quickly.
  2. Telling a compelling story around your startup's journey is crucial. It helps investors connect emotionally and see the value of what you're doing.
  3. Design matters a lot in a pitch deck. A clean and modern design can make your presentation look professional and helps communicate that you are serious about your business.

OnlyFans Sticky Business Model

SatPost by Trung Phan • 127 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business E-commerce Digital marketing Entrepreneurship Financial Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. OnlyFans has grown rapidly, with many creators and subscribers, making billions in revenue. The platform allows creators to earn money through subscriptions and direct messaging.
  2. The business model of OnlyFans is unique. Creators can earn more by keeping subscription prices low and upselling personalized content through DMs, rather than relying mainly on subscription fees.
  3. The success of OnlyFans raises questions about the nature of online connections. While it provides income for many, it sometimes sacrifices genuine connection and quality of interaction.

European Ambition

The Generalist • 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.

An Exit

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investing Consumer Goods Startups Corporate culture
  1. Investing in entrepreneurs you believe in can be more important than the product itself. Finding a passionate leader can make all the difference.
  2. Solving personal problems often leads to stronger businesses. When entrepreneurs face their own challenges, their passion and commitment to the solution grow.
  3. Being smart with financing is key for business success. Using venture debt wisely can help a company grow without giving up too much ownership.

Clarity of Thought

Investing 101 • 156 implied HN points • 31 May 25
💼 Business Investing Startups Entrepreneurship Leadership Strategy
  1. Good founders have 'clarity of thought', which means they can explain their ideas clearly and logically. This helps others understand their vision and connects with the audience.
  2. Founders build a framework for their ideas that makes it easy for others to understand complex concepts. By using clear definitions and examples, they help people grasp their vision quickly.
  3. To make a strong pitch, founders need to present their main idea distinctly and also explain why it matters. They should avoid distractions and focus on what makes their idea important and valuable.

Why True Friendship is Built on Unconditional Kindness

The Profile • 277 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Corporate strategy Work Culture Economic Trends
  1. Kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. Small acts of kindness can create lasting memories and connections.
  2. People often remember those who showed them genuine kindness over time. It's those warm moments that stand out in our hearts.
  3. Choosing kindness in tough situations is rare but important. It can help people feel seen and supported when they need it the most.