The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Semafor proved the haters wrong

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Semafor has grown significantly in just two years, with over 80 staff members and 750,000 newsletter subscribers. They stayed focused on key topics, keeping their costs low while attracting a valuable audience.
  2. Costco's magazine is more popular than many big-name publications because it delivers useful tips and highlights its vendors. It shows how a focused approach can yield success.
  3. Political Wire's successful subscription model offers extra content and perks for loyal readers. Building a strong community can really help in retaining subscribers.

Starting a business

Tribal Knowledge • 39 implied HN points • 23 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Consider the appeal of bootstrapped startups over venture-backed ones for lower risk and more flexibility
  2. Reflect on past business experiences to learn from shortcomings and apply lessons in future endeavors
  3. Explore alternative ways to grow skills and start a business, like content creation, to balance conflicting desires

🚪 A filmmaker SaaS acquired for $15k

No-Code Exits • 117 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting small and testing ideas is important to reduce risk and adapt quickly based on feedback.
  2. Creating revenue-driven and sustainable businesses that do not rely on external funding is crucial.
  3. Learning and mastering no-code tools like Bubble can lead to successful ventures with lower maintenance costs and faster shipping times.
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The Game-Changing Clause For Entrepreneur , VC Funds Are Mostly Just Wasting Their Time and Your Money, VC Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. In negotiating convertible notes, entrepreneurs should include a clause to prevent early investors from taking advantage of rising valuations.
  2. A study by Morgan Stanley calls into question the superior returns claimed by VC funds, highlighting challenges and inconsistencies in the industry.
  3. Investors often face struggles in accurately valuing equity in VC investments due to complex structures, contributing to potential overvaluation.

Hidden Clauses In The Term Sheet that Every Founder Should Know | 2008 Venture Capital Market Recovery | How To Convince Investors? | VC Remote Jobs & Internships and More

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Understanding hidden clauses in term sheets is crucial for founders to avoid disputes and confusion in the future.
  2. Knowing the economic aspects of term sheets, such as valuation, investment amount, and anti-dilution, can help founders negotiate effectively with VCs.
  3. Founders and investors should remember that a term sheet is a tool for communication and does not guarantee success; a strong business does.

Why it's Better To Raise Less Capital In The First Round? | Don’t Waste Time Chasing Investors | How To Convince Investors | VC Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Start Small, Stay Nimble: Raising less capital in early stages allows flexibility for strategic adjustments while maintaining control.
  2. Small Beginnings, Bigger Rewards: As your startup proves its worth, raising less initially can lead to diluting fewer shares and higher valuations later on.
  3. Grow Smarter, Stronger: Strategic use of capital matters more than the amount raised, like nurturing a seed to watch your startup grow into a mighty oak.

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

Enterprise AI Trends • 126 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  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.

You Can Be an Entrepreneur Without Being a Founder

Insight Axis • 217 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Entrepreneurship is not limited to being a startup founder with venture capital, it is a broader concept that involves problem-solving, risk-taking, and resource management.
  2. Common definitions of entrepreneurship emphasize risk-taking and creating economic value, but a more inclusive definition should focus on problem-solving with limited resources and seeking leverage.
  3. Examples of entrepreneurship span beyond traditional business ventures and can include activities like writing on platforms such as Substack or a college student taking unconventional steps to secure internships.

Letter #72: Don Valentine (2000)

A Letter a Day • 216 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Venture capitalists should focus on building great, lasting companies.
  2. Short-term, get-rich-quick investments can harm the innovation and progress of the industry.
  3. Long-term commitment to building sustainable companies can lead to significant market impact and success.

the bravest thing you can do this 4th of july

Both Are True • 114 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Entrepreneurship
  1. Real leadership is about helping others achieve their dreams, even if it means letting them go. Supporting your team in their bold ventures can lead to amazing opportunities.
  2. Taking risks can lead to personal freedom and growth. Sometimes, making a brave choice means stepping away from comfort and embracing uncertainty.
  3. Being part of a supportive community can help you improve and find inspiration. Surrounding yourself with creative people encourages productivity and personal expression.

Hidden Trap Of Convertible Note and Liquidation Preference Multiples | Marc Andreessen On Risk-Cash Relation | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. One should be aware of the hidden traps of convertible notes and liquidation preference multiples, especially in funding rounds.
  2. Founder should keep the liquidation preference multiples in check to prevent undesired outcomes for themselves.
  3. To tackle the impact of multiple liquidation preferences, founders can consider issuing sub-series of preferred stock for protection.

All content should flow toward newsletter signups

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Good content should always encourage people to sign up for newsletters. This helps creators grow their audience and make money.
  2. You can succeed on platforms like Substack even if you start with no followers. Many people have built their subscriber base from scratch.
  3. Partnerships can help you grow faster. Teaming up with established brands can lead to more visibility and subscribers.

How I Built This In Public: Marko Saric

Build In Public Newsletter • 210 HN points • 10 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Plausible Analytics was built in public from the first line of code, attracting early users and customers.
  2. Building in public brings transparency, feedback, and support from the community, but requires more than just sharing on social media for startup success.
  3. In building in public, create valuable content, be different, focus on creating a product people want, and learn effective communication strategies.

This Substack Writer Accidentally Enabled The Paid Button - Here's What Happened!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 459 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Substack allows anyone to create a newsletter quickly and easily, which can lead to significant earning potential. It's a great way for writers to share their work and connect with readers.
  2. Alicia Kennedy's story shows that even a simple mistake, like accidentally enabling the paid subscription option, can turn a hobby into a source of income. She built a successful newsletter with thousands of subscribers and made over $2,000 a month.
  3. Starting a newsletter can open up many opportunities, like connecting with publishers or getting recognized by major media outlets. Even a small following can lead to financial gain and personal growth in the writing field.

The Carpenter’s Guide To Online Branding: Sell Your SawDust.

Day One • 2456 implied HN points • 05 May 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Share your work process, not just the final product. People love stories and want to be informed, educated, and entertained.
  2. Don't hoard your 'sawdust' - share the byproducts of your work. Opportunities come from letting people in on your journey, not just the end result.
  3. Reveal your progress and growth journey. By showcasing your development, you can attract more clients and showcase your expertise.

Letter #154: Josh Kushner and Kareem Zaki (2023)

A Letter a Day • 98 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. When starting a venture capital firm, consider going against conventional wisdom and focus on a unique approach. Josh Kushner and Kareem Zaki emphasize the importance of building a firm that is hands-on and sector-agnostic, going beyond traditional boundaries in investment strategies.
  2. In consumer investments, look at trends like the rise of creators and the power of brands. Thrive Capital highlights the significance of coupling an extraordinary product with strong brand presence across different industries, not just limited to direct-to-consumer businesses.
  3. Consider major life decisions beyond a specific industry. The intersection of software and hardware, growth in healthcare technology, and trends like brain-machine interfaces offer promising investment opportunities. Keeping a flexible mindset and being able to adapt to fast-paced changes is crucial in today's evolving landscape.

Why newsletter signups should always be your north star

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 723 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Focus on growing newsletter signups as a key metric for success, as platforms can impact content creators' reach and livelihood unpredictably.
  2. Media entrepreneurs should be cautious of relying solely on tech platforms for distribution, as policies and algorithms can mistakenly impact their work.
  3. Entrepreneurs in media should consider covering niche news sites, video channels, podcasts, newsletters, and affiliate/ecommerce to succeed independently.

Conviction-Led Contrarianism

Investing 101 • 138 implied HN points • 24 May 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. It's important to think differently and go against the crowd sometimes. Instead of just trying to fit in, being a contrarian can lead to amazing innovations.
  2. Don't let what other people think stop you from pursuing your ideas. Often, we worry too much about others' opinions, but we can be more free and creative when we focus on what we truly believe.
  3. Always aim to have strong reasons for your beliefs. It's great to be a contrarian, but make sure you're right and not just being difficult for the sake of it.

Be an idea expander

polymathematics • 139 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Open your mind to new ideas and let them grow instead of shutting them down right away. Protecting fragile ideas helps them develop.
  2. Focus on creating alternatives rather than competing. Unique ideas that are different can lead to success.
  3. Think about how something makes you feel when deciding to pursue it. Following what excites you can lead to better choices.

How writers and creators are using Notes to reach more subscribers

Substack • 516 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Posting three or more thoughtful notes can lead to 50% more subscribers when launching your Substack. It's a powerful way to connect ideas and people.
  2. Notes can be used to experiment with content and get quick feedback from your audience. This helps you develop ideas that your subscribers will like.
  3. Sharing personal stories and engaging with your community through Notes helps build trust and a stronger relationship with your readers.

Don't build for yourself

Sam’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Don't just build for yourself, it's a common startup advice but may not always be the best approach.
  2. Building something people want and finding them is crucial for success.
  3. Consider finding your customers first, then building something they need, and your passion may follow.

Understand All About SAFE | AI’s $200B Question: Long Term’s Good, Short Team Messy! | VC Remote Jobs and More

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Understanding SAFE Agreement - No Debt and No Equity. A different funding option for startups that doesn't fit traditional categories.
  2. 5 Types of SAFE Notes explained with examples. Different scenarios of how a SAFE investment can convert and affect valuation.
  3. Considerations about AI and GPU investments. Long-term benefits versus short-term challenges in the AI industry, highlighting the need for innovative startups to create real value.

How to Earn Extra $15000 from GenAI

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. You can use tools like ChatGPT and Canva to potentially earn extra money each month. These tools help with tasks such as designing products and creating advertisements.
  2. Some people promote courses or guides that claim you can get rich quickly with AI. But many times, these are just advertisements and not very helpful.
  3. There are practical ways to use AI tools for small jobs, like making designs for social media or videos, which can lead to extra income.

The VC Corner 📰 #4

The VC Corner • 139 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Venture capital news is important for anyone involved in startups. Staying updated helps investors and teams make better decisions.
  2. The newsletter offers resources and insights that can guide new and experienced investors alike. It’s a useful tool for the venture capital community.
  3. A free trial is available to explore past posts. This makes it easy for readers to see if the content fits their needs.

The Menopause Disruptor

Ladyparts • 479 implied HN points • 04 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Entrepreneurship
  1. Joanna Strober founded Midi Health after struggling with menopause symptoms that were initially misdiagnosed by doctors as depression.
  2. Menopause symptoms like insomnia can be overlooked or misinterpreted by healthcare professionals.
  3. Empowering women to address menopause health issues through innovative solutions like Midi Health is crucial.

Why Parker Conrad’s Contrarian Playbook on SaaS & AI Is a Blueprint for Repeat Founder Success

Day Zero: Always Learning • 85 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Replacing operations with AI isn't easy. It's better to automate from the start than try to fix things later when they get messy.
  2. Successful software should be a suite of apps that work well together, not just a bunch of individual tools. This approach builds more power in enterprise software.
  3. AI isn't making engineering work faster yet. Companies still need many engineers because the actual improvements haven't been seen.

A Creative's Guide on Starting a Company

The Intersection • 197 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a company requires finding a trigger like the right people, money, or a solid idea.
  2. Taking on the financial responsibilities of a company involves doing the math, saving money, and being prepared to hustle.
  3. Building your personal and company brand is crucial through authenticity and developing a distinct voice.

Economics Links, 2/10/2025

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Phil Gramm and Larry Summers believe that tariffs harm economic growth and could lead to trade wars. They recommend against implementing broad tariffs.
  2. Aswath Damodaran discusses how the entry of DeepSeek could change the AI landscape, creating both low-cost alternatives and maintaining a premium market for AI.
  3. Magatte Wade argues that Africa's poverty is largely due to over-regulation and difficult business conditions, making it hard to trade and grow economically.

Three Lessons from Roam Research

Hard Pivot • 196 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Be Polarizing: It's better to be loved by some and hated by most than for everyone to sort of like you.
  2. Be Petty: Having a 'chip on your shoulder' can drive you to prove yourself and succeed.
  3. Be Prolific: Building in public can be energizing and help you grow, but don't let it get in the way of actual work.

✨ Building a Modern Constellation Software

Overlooked by Alexandre Dewez • 196 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The world has changed since the inception of Constellation Software in 1995.
  2. A new player cannot directly compete with Constellation Software's acquisition strategies and existing relationships.
  3. Building a modern software conglomerate would require focusing on growth, quality, and building synergies rather than mimicking Constellation Software's exact model.

How to Find Founder-Market Fit

Startup Pirate by Alex Alexakis • 196 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Founder-Market Fit is crucial for startup success - ensure you are well-suited for the market you are targeting.
  2. Assess market dynamics, business model, key activities, and industry culture to determine your fit in a specific market.
  3. If you face Founder-Market (un)Fit, consider solutions like finding a co-founder, getting social proof, building a strong executive team, or exploring new opportunities.