The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Look at yourself in the mirror

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. People often show only their strengths and avoid talking about mistakes. It's important to face your failures honestly.
  2. Many founders mistakenly believe their company is doing well without understanding the real numbers. They need to check their reality against actual progress.
  3. Getting honest feedback is key to knowing if you're on the right path. Without it, it's hard to measure how well you're doing.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 30 - Q is for Quentin

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. CitNOW started as a small business and grew a lot over time. It shows how you can build something big from humble beginnings.
  2. Hiring the right people is super important for a company's success. Finding someone who can help guide and improve the business can make a big difference.
  3. Past mistakes can teach valuable lessons. It's essential to learn from experiences to avoid making the same errors in the future.

Decoding Elon Musk

Tanay’s Newsletter • 100 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Elon Musk's leadership style involves intensity and high standards, pushing employees to their limits for groundbreaking achievements.
  2. Musk's "Algorithm" for product development includes questioning every requirement, deleting unnecessary parts, simplifying, optimizing, accelerating cycle time, and automating.
  3. Musk's problem-solving approach is based on first principles thinking, stripping down complex problems to fundamental truths.

No Plan B

Fish Food for Thought • 13 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having no backup plan can be a powerful motivator to pursue your dreams fully. It's like saying you're all-in on your goals, but it's important to be prepared for any bumps along the way.
  2. Experience shows us that things can and do go wrong, especially in complex systems like software. That's why it's smart to have a plan to recover quickly if issues arise.
  3. Leaders need to keep a strong vision while being flexible in their execution. You can be committed to your goals but also ready to adapt and fix problems when they come up.
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The Otonomist - March 2023 Issue

The Otonomist • 59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Entrepreneurship
  1. The newsletter discusses options for banking your crypto company, including a new UAE base in Dubai.
  2. Crypto businesses face challenges in opening and maintaining fiat bank accounts due to various factors like government actions and regulations.
  3. OtoCo announces a new entity creation workflow with revised pricing and the launch of a Swiss Association, aiming to provide instant legal containers for entities and DAOs.

The Big Tech War has started. Here is how you will win [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The Big Tech companies are engaging in a war for market dominance, expanding into new areas by acquiring smaller companies and investing in new technologies.
  2. To succeed in the tech industry, you can make money as an employee, consultant, or entrepreneur, each path offering different levels of risk and potential rewards.
  3. Being an employee provides stability and a clear career path, while being a consultant allows for flexibility and higher pay, but with the risk of unstable income and no benefits.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 25 - we want a Gordon.

The ZIPster • 44 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Hiring experienced consultants can help a business grow quickly without long-term commitments. This helps you tackle competition and make informed decisions.
  2. Forming strong connections is important for business success. Having the right people with industry contacts can pave the way for new opportunities.
  3. Sometimes, it's hard to convince talented people to join your team. Offering them a share of the company can be an attractive incentive.

Why Do You Work?

David Spinks' Newsletter • 44 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Success can feel like a mountain made of layers, built from our experiences and beliefs about love and acceptance. Many people work hard because they feel they have to earn their worth.
  2. Realizing that you are already enough can be a powerful shift. It allows you to stop chasing external validation and allows a more authentic relationship with work.
  3. Working should bring you life and joy, not just security or status. It's important to focus on what truly fulfills you and aligns with your values.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 29 - Aston Martin?!

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a business is tough, especially during hard times, but with the right idea, it can thrive. CitNOW found success by focusing on video services for car dealers when no one else was doing it.
  2. Partnerships can make or break a business. For CitNOW, getting a big contract with Nissan was a major boost, but it also showed how complex relationships with larger companies can be.
  3. When competition increases, businesses must adapt. CitNOW faced new rivals offering cheaper services, so they had to find ways to cut costs without losing quality to stay competitive.

Building Your Board

Build To Scale • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a strong relationship with your board is crucial and requires trust and honesty.
  2. As a CEO, it's important to have a plan when facing problems to share with the board for input and guidance.
  3. Consider adding independent board members with different skills and experiences to help with strategic decisions and scaling the company.

"Ctrl+Z for CEO

aidaily • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. OpenAI's CEO faced controversy but returned, highlighting the tech industry's focus on growth.
  2. Innovation in AI can happen unexpectedly, like a self-operating computer developed during late-night baby duty.
  3. AI impacts social interactions and work dynamics, potentially reducing loneliness and changing the workweek to focus more on creativity.

Great Leaders Don't Manage, They Conduct

Maestro's Musings • 52 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Great leaders act like conductors in an orchestra, guiding their teams with a clear vision and making sure every part works in harmony. They don’t just manage from a distance; they stay involved and connected.
  2. The concept of 'Founder Mode' emphasizes that founders should understand every aspect of their company and focus on what truly matters. This helps them lead effectively without getting lost in many details.
  3. Maestro's mission is to empower leaders and employees alike to see how their work fits into the bigger picture. When everyone understands their role, the whole team can perform better together.

Why Blackrock invested into FTX[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Smart money investors may not always thoroughly understand the businesses they invest in, sometimes basing decisions on trends or buzzwords rather than solid research.
  2. Investors like Blackrock may invest in numerous startups, making it feasible for them to overlook losses in some investments if one startup gives a significantly high return.
  3. Investors can get caught up in hype and euphoria, leading them to invest in companies that may not be sound businesses, with the main goal often being a profitable exit rather than the success of the business.

Wanted: New Instruments to Fund BBNs

FreakTakes • 14 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. BBNs are new types of organizations focused on research and development, similar to consulting firms but with a broader impact aim. They need new funding models to support their unique financial challenges.
  2. Common financial problems for BBNs include cash flow issues, startup capital needs, and the need for risk capital. They often require funding before their contracts and grants pay out, which complicates their operations.
  3. There are ideas for new financial products that could help BBNs, like low-interest loans or revolving door loan funds. These could provide timely financial support and help BBNs grow and innovate.

Keys to building a 200 Billion Dollar Industry from Scratch [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Identify new, uncontested markets - like a shark finding a blue ocean to feast peacefully without competition. Look beyond your existing boundaries for opportunities.
  2. Connect with like-minded individuals - NASSCOM members bonded over shared challenges over drinks, breaking boundaries to collaborate instead of compete. Build relationships outside your comfort zone.
  3. Expand your horizons - Gain deeper insights beyond day-to-day tasks. Embrace philosophy, question norms, and challenge projects to find more effective solutions. In a world of tight competition, collaboration can drive everyone's success.

User Interviews Considered Harmful

Likely Wrong • 3 HN points • 15 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Users may not always be truthful about their needs and preferences during interviews, leading to unreliable feedback.
  2. Identify if users are making genuine efforts to solve the problems they complain about, as lack of actions may indicate low urgency or value for a solution.
  3. Users often believe their problems are unique and require custom solutions, when in reality, they might just need common tools or products.

✅ African public relations agency recognised by The Financial Times

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. BHM, an African public relations agency, was named one of Africa's Top 100 fastest-growing companies by The Financial Times. This is a big deal for a privately owned firm.
  2. The agency focuses on helping African businesses reach international markets and helping foreign companies understand Africa. This is important as businesses look for new opportunities.
  3. BHM values hard work and community involvement, with a strong team made up of people who have grown within the company. They even created World PR Day to highlight the importance of public relations.

Great Products Have Great Premises

Working Theorys • 86 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. A great premise gives context and comfort for users to engage in actions they might otherwise find challenging
  2. Great premises are the foundation of successful products and brands, normalizing behaviors or beliefs that were previously not accepted or considered mainstream
  3. Powerful premises lead to strong identities for products and businesses, shaping brand decisions and marketing strategies

Frontier AI Labs: the Call Option to AGI

East Wind • 14 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. AI development is accelerating quickly, with major investments from companies like OpenAI and DeepSeek. It’s important to consider who will thrive in this space—the big established companies or small innovative labs.
  2. To succeed, AI labs need to find ways to make money beyond just subscriptions and advertising. This includes capturing market share from existing companies and launching innovative services.
  3. There are huge opportunities for AI to replace human jobs and disrupt traditional markets. Companies that can leverage this potential for automating tasks may see significant financial rewards.

The Hardest Sale A Founder Will Make

Tippets by Taps • 10 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Hiring great early employees is one of the toughest tasks for founders. It's hard because you're asking someone to leave a stable job for something uncertain.
  2. When recruiting, you need to convince not just the candidate but also their support system. Their families often play a big role in their decision to join your startup.
  3. Every new hire can shape the future of your company, so take recruitment seriously. Spending time and effort on it can lead to a more successful team.

My Book, Get Funded!, Is 50% Off This Weekend!

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The book 'Get Funded!' offers essential tips on how to successfully secure funding for your startup or project. It's a helpful resource for anyone looking to raise money.
  2. Right now, the book is available at a 50% discount, making it a great time to buy if you're interested in learning about fundraising.
  3. Despite being published in 2020, the book has continued to be popular and relevant, showing that good advice lasts over time.

Introducing Makers : A Community Driven Blueprint To Achieving Your Goals

Day One • 279 implied HN points • 04 Apr 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The Makers Community provides coaching, resources, and a community for individuals to work on their goals
  2. The community targets those struggling with procrastination, consistency, and lack of access to the right people for accountability
  3. A limited number of people can join the community at a reduced investment cost, making it accessible for those in need of support

#24: Insurance for AI: Easier Said than Done

Loeber on Substack • 40 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Insurance for AI risks is a complex topic due to the unpredictable nature of AI outputs, making it hard to find solid coverage options. Businesses want protection from costly mistakes by AI, but actual insurance products may be limited.
  2. The market for existing software error insurance is quite small, which raises questions about how large the market for AI error insurance could be. With many companies not even aware of current insurance options, it's a niche field.
  3. Insurers face challenges in accurately assessing AI risks due to information gaps and the rapid evolution of AI technology. This could lead to difficulties in creating effective insurance policies for AI applications.

A Bank of One's Own

Monomythical • 166 HN points • 11 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Many startup employees are unable to afford buying equity in the company they work for, leading to missed opportunities.
  2. Traditional banks often do not cater well to the financial needs of individuals involved in startups or venture capital.
  3. There is a need for more institutional support and celebration of diverse backgrounds in the entrepreneurial and creative fields.

Evaluating Startups

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Startups need to prove their technology works by showing that credible research supports their approach. If only their own team has evidence, that's a red flag.
  2. External validation is important. When a trusted partner checks and confirms that the startup's work is real, it builds investor confidence.
  3. Investors are often more focused on potential profits and selling their investment than on whether the startup is currently making money. They want to see if someone else would buy in based on the startup's promise.

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
  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.

1000 Skills Conference: Day One Recap

Day One • 219 implied HN points • 25 Sep 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The 1000 Skills Conference Day One focused on building fundamentals and strategies for businesses.
  2. Key insights included the importance of expanding networks, adding value, and focusing on personal growth.
  3. Recommended resources to arm attendees for success included books and podcasts on branding, financial literacy, and wealth creation.

Building Codiga: Resilience

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Facing tough truths is important while keeping hope for success alive. You need both to survive in the startup world.
  2. Starting a business is often harder and longer than many expect. It’s crucial to avoid overconfidence and stay realistic about your journey.
  3. Even with challenges, dedication to improving your product and business model is key. Staying focused and prepared can lead to eventual success.

The Decades-Long View

next big thing • 120 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Successful founders and CEOs have the ability to take a decades-long view in building their businesses.
  2. Companies that want to last for decades must earn the right to serve customers and have a sustainable business model.
  3. Founders who take a decades-long view have a strong belief in their work and show an obsession-level commitment.

Introducing Starday

Equal Ventures • 119 implied HN points • 17 Aug 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The food value chain is undergoing significant changes due to shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainable, healthy, and local products, creating opportunities for new platforms and brands.
  2. Digital-first grocery platforms are empowering consumers to own the value chain and access a wide range of niche, specialty products, leading to a revolution in how food is purchased and consumed.
  3. Launching a strong platform in the food industry that focuses on data-driven optimization and efficient product launches can lead to the creation of multiple successful brands with long-term profitability.