The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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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.

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.

Market Sizing 101

The VC Corner • 759 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Investment Market Analysis Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Understanding the size of your market is crucial for attracting investors and growing your business. A clear market size can make your pitch stand out.
  2. Market sizing involves knowing categories like Total Addressable Market (TAM) and Serviceable Available Market (SAM). These help you understand how big your market really is and how much of it you can reach.
  3. Many founders get stuck on the idea of a 'billion-dollar market'. It's important to look at market size more deeply, rather than just chasing big numbers. This helps avoid bad assumptions and discover real opportunities.

E(X)>0: An Open Letter to Elon

Bet On It • 925 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Economics Government Entrepreneurship
  1. It's important to welcome people who can contribute positively, not just those who are obviously exceptional. This means considering everyone who has something to offer, even if they're not the top experts.
  2. Investment and hiring should be seen as opportunities with positive expected value, not just focused on certainty of success. This idea helps to foster growth and innovation in both companies and society.
  3. A good immigration policy should allow more people in, as long as they can contribute positively, like how the UAE has seen success by welcoming a range of skill levels instead of just the elite.
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Behind $800M in Funding: 25+ Successful Startup Pitch Decks 💰

The VC Corner • 699 implied HN points • 24 Aug 24
💼 Business Startup Funding Pitching Entrepreneurship Investment
  1. A good pitch deck shows what your business is about and why it's valuable. It helps convince investors to trust your project and consider investing.
  2. Successful pitch decks make complicated ideas easy to understand. This is important so investors know what you're offering, even if they aren't experts in your field.
  3. To stand out, you need to show what makes your business special. Highlighting your unique approach helps attract interest in a competitive market.

Living beyond the edge

The Leap • 919 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Innovation
  1. Skill and luck both play important roles in success, and understanding their balance can help us navigate challenges better.
  2. Nate Silver's new book dives into how to make decisions when facing uncertainty, which is relevant in today's world.
  3. Historically significant moments in tech, like the founding of PayPal, highlight the importance of timing and opportunity in achieving greatness.

Why I Left Norway

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1553 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Taxation Investment Startups Innovation
  1. High taxes in Norway, including a new unrealized gains tax, made it hard for entrepreneurs to keep their businesses profitable and maintain ownership. They struggled to balance their income with the need to pay these taxes.
  2. Many successful Norwegian entrepreneurs are leaving the country to escape burdensome taxes, and this trend is affecting the wealth distribution in Norway. A significant number of top taxpayers have relocated to protect their wealth.
  3. The situation in Norway reflects a troubling pattern where government policies may stifle innovation and entrepreneurship. This has created an environment where those who want to build businesses feel they have no choice but to move elsewhere.

Building Authority

Tiny Empires • 147 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Coaching Personal Branding Content creation
  1. You can become an authority in your field without taking years. Focused action is more important than time spent.
  2. To build authority, find your unique approach and communicate it clearly. Show real-world applications of your expertise and be transparent about your journey.
  3. Don’t try to be an expert in everything and don’t hide who you are. Sharing your unique insights consistently will help grow your authority over time.

You Shouldn't Start a Newsletter in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3776 implied HN points • 24 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Online business
  1. You don't need a big following to start a newsletter. You can grow your email list right from the beginning, and it's more valuable than just chasing followers.
  2. You can write about broad topics and narrow down later. Starting vague is okay, and you can figure out your niche as you go along.
  3. Having a small, engaged audience can be more profitable than a large one. Even with just a few subscribers, you can still earn good money if they truly care about your content.

The Ultimate Investors List of Lists (Extended) 🚀

The VC Corner • 199 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
💼 Business Investing Startups Venture Capital Funding Entrepreneurship
  1. Finding the right investors is super important for startup success. Connecting with the right people can really help your business grow.
  2. Using curated lists of investors saves you time. Instead of searching for hours, you can quickly find potential investors interested in your startup.
  3. Having access to a variety of potential investors increases your chances of success. The more options you have, the better your chances to find the right match.

The Fastest Way to Make Money with Your Newsletter in 2024 📧

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1878 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Monetization
  1. Short newsletters are becoming more popular. People prefer quick reads over long articles.
  2. Atomic newsletters focus on one idea and are usually around 250 words. This makes it easier to create content and determine what your audience likes.
  3. To make money from newsletters, use methods like affiliate links or sponsorships. This can help you earn income without much extra effort.

Why Is Africa Poor?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Economic Policy Entrepreneurship Trade Poverty Corruption
  1. Economic freedom is crucial for Africa's growth. When people can easily start businesses and trade, they can improve their lives and communities.
  2. Many African countries face heavy regulations that make it hard to start businesses. This creates barriers and leads to corruption, which makes economic freedom worse.
  3. Better trade connections and fewer rules can help Africa prosper. Countries like Mauritius show that when barriers are removed, economies can thrive and people can become wealthier.

The confidential YouTube Investment Memo by Sequoia you were never meant to see

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Risk management Entrepreneurship Market Analysis
  1. Sequoia Capital's investment memo shows how they viewed YouTube as a potential leader in user-generated video. They spotted emerging trends like cheaper video equipment and better internet access that would help YouTube grow.
  2. The memo highlights the importance of a clear, simple investment thesis. The way Roelof Botha presented his ideas was straightforward and confident, making it easier for others to understand his vision.
  3. By analyzing both risks and opportunities, the memo provides a valuable lesson in balanced investing. Recognizing what could go wrong while staying focused on the potential for success is key in venture capital.

What Do You Invest in?

Pratyush’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💼 Business Investment Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Startup Founders
  1. Investors should look for unique founders who stand out with exceptional traits, like intelligence and grit. A well-rounded person often doesn't lead to great investments.
  2. Successful companies often become the top choice in their category and have strong characteristics that help them stay ahead. These can include tricky competition or special technology.
  3. Timing is crucial; it's better to invest in companies before they become popular in the market. If everyone's already paying attention, it might be too late to find a winner.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Wealth Entrepreneurship Capitalism Industry
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

Young People Can't Get Jobs. Now What?

State of the Future • 228 implied HN points • 15 May 25
💼 Business Employment Economy Education Entrepreneurship Technology
  1. AI is causing entry-level jobs to disappear, especially for young graduates. Many of the roles that students are training for are fading away fast.
  2. Youth unemployment is increasing, with recent grads struggling to find work. The job market is looking worse for them compared to the overall workforce.
  3. We need new ideas and solutions to help young people find work. Programs that encourage entrepreneurship and skilled trades can help them build careers even as traditional job paths vanish.

Shrinking Hierarchy

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Remote work Innovation
  1. Agoric institutions are where most people are self-employed and work together more like a community of entrepreneurs. This helps reduce reliance on traditional companies.
  2. Technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to create and share their work without the need for companies, like self-publishing or AI helping in content creation.
  3. As technology improves, it reduces costs and complexities of doing business. This means more people could work independently in the future, even if big companies still exist.

What I Learned from Bob Cialdini

Remarkable People • 339 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing Influence Psychology Entrepreneurship Ethics
  1. Reciprocity is powerful. When you do something nice for someone, they feel compelled to return the favor. This helps build trust and strong relationships.
  2. Cialdini's six principles of influence include social proof, authority, and scarcity. Using these ideas can make your messages more effective and persuasive.
  3. It's important to use persuasion ethically. The goal should be to create a win-win situation, where everyone feels good about the outcome.

Afridigest Intelligence: The era of E2E expansion is here

Afridigest • 15 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Market Trends Startups Acquisitions
  1. Companies are shifting from a pan-African strategy to an emerging market-to-emerging market (E2E) strategy. This means they focus on expanding into other developing markets instead of just neighboring African countries.
  2. Recent examples show African companies entering markets in Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil through acquisitions and partnerships. This demonstrates increasing global ambitions for African entrepreneurs.
  3. To succeed in building large businesses, it's important for African startups to adopt a multi-country mindset right from the beginning. This approach can help them tap into new opportunities effectively.

The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing YouTube Entrepreneurship Content creation Social media
  1. YouTube can be a platform where people showcase unique services, like yard cleanup videos. This combines marketing, good deeds, and entertainment all in one.
  2. Some lawn care businesses gain popularity by documenting their free work on overgrown properties. This not only helps others but also helps them grow their online presence.
  3. Creating content that viewers enjoy is essential in modern marketing. It's better to show entertaining ideas rather than strictly promoting services.

kitten corner: frozen assets

bad cattitude • 150 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Being an angel investor means you're thinking about supporting new businesses. It's important to do your research before deciding.
  2. Pitching to you shows that startups are looking for funding and believe in their idea. This can be an exciting opportunity if you choose wisely.
  3. Always ask questions and get advice from experienced investors. They'll help you understand the risks and rewards involved.

Cadeau : une formation gratuite

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Sales Training Entrepreneurship Online Courses
  1. There's a free training available on how to sell if you don't like selling. It's a chance to learn useful skills without any cost.
  2. This training is available for a limited time of 24 hours, specifically for premium members. It's a special offer to appreciate loyal subscribers.
  3. The training focuses on the basics of copywriting, which can help improve selling techniques. Even if you're not a fan of sales, these tips can be valuable.

The Ultimate Founder-Led LinkedIn Guide

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 73 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Social media Branding SaaS
  1. A strong LinkedIn presence can help founders build their personal brand and authority, attracting more leads and opportunities. People want to engage with real people, not just logos.
  2. Creating valuable content and sharing personal stories can make you stand out on LinkedIn. It's essential to show your expertise while being authentic.
  3. Engaging with your audience regularly and responding to comments can improve visibility and build relationships. Active participation is key for success on the platform.

Valuable, but not productive

Passing Time • 970 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Consulting Finance Career Entrepreneurship Work Life
  1. Many elite graduates end up in consulting and finance jobs, even if they don't know much about these fields. They often choose these paths due to pressure and anxiety about what to do after college.
  2. While jobs in consulting and finance are lucrative, they often don't contribute much to society. The work can feel unproductive and doesn't create a lasting impact or legacy.
  3. These high-stress jobs can lead to burnout and affect personal lives. People may sacrifice their health and relationships for prestige and money, but there are other fulfilling paths to explore.

Don't Snooze on Substack Notes. The Opportunities for Writers Are Stupid Crazy | Interview with David Mcllroy

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3037 implied HN points • 02 May 24
💼 Business Writing Social media Content creation Marketing Entrepreneurship
  1. Substack Notes is a great place for writers to grow their audience without the hassle of traditional social media. It allows you to own your following and make real connections.
  2. Many writers are not using Substack Notes effectively, missing out on its community benefits. Engaging with this feature can lead to rapid growth in subscribers.
  3. Substack Notes is ad-free and helps writers discover one another, creating a refreshing social media experience focused on writing and community.

Startups, This Is How You Update Investors

Points And Figures • 373 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Finance Management Entrepreneurship
  1. Startups should keep their investors updated regularly, like every quarter. Simple updates help investors stay engaged and offer support.
  2. When updating, focus on key points like growth rates, income or losses, and any future capital raising. It's best to keep it clear and short.
  3. Investors can be valuable beyond just their money. They can help with introductions and potential partnerships, so it's crucial to communicate effectively with them.

This is how I start working with a client

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Coaching Client Relations Entrepreneurship Personal Development Business Operations
  1. When starting with a new client, I prioritize getting to know them through a discovery session. This helps both of us see if we’re a good fit for working together.
  2. During the discovery session, I listen to the client’s vision and goals. It’s a helpful chat that aims to clarify their direction and identify any action steps.
  3. After the discovery call, I send a recap email and a coaching agreement. I also ask clients to reflect on some questions before our first session to get the most out of our time together.

The newsletter platform wars heat up

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 548 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Streaming Content creation Subscription Models
  1. The newsletter market is competitive as platforms like Substack and Beehiiv fight for creators. Beehiiv aims to help creators monetize with ads better than Substack, which focuses on subscriptions.
  2. Big media companies see theatrical releases as a way to boost streaming views. They think that cinema buzz can lead to more interest in streaming the same content later.
  3. Forbes is moving away from freelance writers due to changes in Google's policies. They're focusing more on their internal content to adapt to new search engine challenges.

Put up the bat signal

Abe • 47 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Networking Startups Marketing Personal Branding
  1. Founders should proactively communicate with their network, even before they have a concrete idea. This helps to create opportunities and attract support.
  2. Sharing updates on social media and networking can lead to valuable connections and feedback. It allows for genuine interactions that can spark new ideas.
  3. Being authentic and offering value in conversations builds trust and strengthens relationships. This approach can lead to unexpected collaboration and opportunities down the road.

The Great Reset: From Startups to What's Next

European Straits • 60 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Economics Innovation Global Markets Entrepreneurship
  1. Europe has struggled to create big tech companies like those in the US and China. It's due to issues like culture differences and less investment, which make it harder for companies to grow big.
  2. The US has certain advantages, such as a large market and easier access to funding, that help companies succeed. In Europe, money tends to be concentrated with a few wealthy families, making startups struggle.
  3. Even if startups seem to be fading, there's still a chance for new tech and ideas to emerge, especially with things like AI. Companies are likely to focus on efficiency rather than just rapid growth.

How to Build a Data Room That Stands Out 📁

The VC Corner • 719 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Fundraising Investing Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. A data room is a secure online space where startups keep important documents for investors. It shows you're organized and ready to share details about your business.
  2. Having a well-prepared data room can save time and build trust with investors. It helps them understand your company's operations and financial health better.
  3. When setting up a data room, choose good software, organize your documents, and control who can see what. This ensures sensitive information stays safe while sharing essential details.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Blog regularly to grow your audience. Consistent posting keeps your readers engaged and helps you establish a routine.
  2. Make your content stand out with catchy headlines and good structure. A strong opening and good promotion can lead to more readers and subscribers.
  3. Think about your unique insights and be ready to share them when relevant news happens. Timeliness and originality can help your writing hit home runs.

An Interview With Or Weis

ciamweekly • 62 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship AI Developer Tools
  1. CIAM helps businesses balance security and user experience. If security is too tight, users get frustrated, while loose security can lead to risks.
  2. Without CIAM, companies waste time creating custom access control systems. CIAM makes it easier for developers to manage permissions, so they can focus on product development.
  3. The future of CIAM involves managing machine identities as much as human ones. As automation grows, businesses will need new methods to handle permissions for both types of users.

How to Get More Subscribers With Substack’s (New) Growth Engine

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 6394 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Email Marketing Content creation
  1. Substack's recommendation feature helps newsletters grow significantly, with many users reporting over 28% of their subscribers coming from recommendations.
  2. Writers on Substack can curate and recommend other newsletters, giving them control over who to promote and helping to build a community.
  3. Building an email list is valuable because you own your subscribers, unlike social media followers, making it easier to sustain a personal brand.

Reflections on Palantir

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 1678 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Tech Companies Data Integration Software Development Corporate culture Entrepreneurship
  1. Palantir focuses on solving tough problems in important industries like healthcare and manufacturing. The company aims to tackle complex issues that others often ignore, offering a unique opportunity for engineers who want to make a real impact.
  2. The role of forward deployed engineers (FDEs) is key at Palantir. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and integrate data effectively, helping to create software solutions that solve real business problems.
  3. The culture at Palantir is intense and promotes open communication, where criticism and debate are welcomed. This environment encourages employees to think deeply and cultivate a unique set of skills that can lead to successful startups.

Term Sheets Demystified 📄🤝

The VC Corner • 659 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Fundraising Startups Venture Capital
  1. A term sheet is a non-binding agreement that lays out the basic terms of an investment. It's like a guide for both investors and founders to understand what's being offered.
  2. Key parts of a term sheet include the investment amount, valuation, and liquidation preferences. These details help both sides know what to expect if the company is sold or liquidated.
  3. Dividends can be part of a term sheet too, specifying how much investors might earn annually. It helps clarify when and how investors would get paid.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 35 - the wild goose chase continues

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Expansion Finance Management
  1. Expanding a business into new markets can be really tricky. Many companies assume they will succeed without understanding local culture or costs, and that can lead to big losses.
  2. Hiring the right people is essential, especially in new regions. You need experienced local managers who understand the market and can connect with customers.
  3. Sometimes, it's better to focus on nearby markets instead of chasing distant dreams. Building strong local partnerships can lead to better results without unnecessary risks.

Learning from Failure🛑

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Market research Competitive Analysis
  1. Startups often fail due to initial mistakes, like a mismatched founding team. It's important for co-founders to share a common vision and work well together.
  2. Strategic errors can lead to failure too, such as not clearly showing what makes a product special. If customers don't see the value, they won't buy it.
  3. Operational failures also play a big role. Companies must pay attention to customer feedback and keep an eye on their competition to survive.