The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Adriana Tica Chats with Ellen: All things strategic marketing

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building authority online takes time and effort. It’s important to focus on a clear, strong idea that showcases your unique perspective.
  2. Consistency is key in marketing. You don’t need to be on every platform, but having one place for potential clients to find you is essential.
  3. Even great writers can struggle with newsletters. It's vital to understand the marketing side to make sure your newsletter is profitable.

Fund Raiser! Please buy a subscription.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Money is tight, and it's important to be mindful of our spending. Choosing the cheapest options can help during tough financial times.
  2. Supporting creators and writers through subscriptions can ensure they continue providing content. Your support can make a big difference!
  3. Weather can impact activities like busking, so it's okay to take a break when conditions aren't favorable. Staying safe is a priority.

In Defense of the Rich

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 8 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
💰 Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. Rich people often help others in times of need, like when a wealthy community came together to support a firefighter's sick child. This shows that they can be caring and generous.
  2. The wealthy contribute significantly to the economy and taxes, often funding essential services and cultural institutions. They create jobs and help maintain public resources.
  3. Even though some rich individuals might be perceived as out of touch, they face their own unique challenges and stresses, making their lives not as easy as they might seem.

Your Way

Venture Prose • 199 implied HN points • 14 Jan 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Successful companies often build on the strongest aspects of their industry and work backwards. This approach can lead to innovative solutions that address user needs in unique ways.
  2. When evaluating a team for investment, consider their vision (people), timing (time to market), and long-term commitment (built to last). These factors are crucial for sustainable success.
  3. Companies can excel by focusing on building innovative products, strong infrastructure, and effective distribution strategies. It's essential to adapt and evolve these elements while keeping clarity of vision.
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How DTC razor brand Billie built a $310M brand by showing body hair and bucking gender norms

the case for brand 💼 • 21 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Billie is changing the shaving game by showing that body hair is normal and celebrating women's choices. They make it clear that shaving should be a personal choice, not something women are pressured to do.
  2. Their success comes from offering products at fair prices without the 'pink tax'. They provide quality razors that don't charge more just because they are made for women.
  3. Billie uses clever marketing that connects with women, like campaigns that challenge beauty standards. They've built a strong brand that stands out from traditional competitors.

Useful skepticism

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Being skeptical is common because it's easier to see what could go wrong than what could go right. However, just being critical isn't enough; you also need to find solutions and create value.
  2. Instead of only questioning ideas, it's helpful to ask how they could succeed. This positive approach can lead to discovering new possibilities and innovations.
  3. While skepticism is a valuable tool, it can also lead to biases. It's important to balance it with open-mindedness and exploration to avoid closing off good opportunities.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 24 - a series of unfortunate events

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a business can be tough, especially when facing constant challenges. It's important to stay focused and adapt to changing situations as they arise.
  2. Making mistakes is part of the learning process in business. Recognizing and addressing them helps avoid repeating the same errors.
  3. Building good relationships with banks and financial partners is crucial for success. Gaining their trust can help secure the necessary funding to grow the business.

A Note to Founders as We Head into 2023: Become the Leader Your Team Needs

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Great companies require great leaders, who are developed through feedback and support from those around them.
  2. In 2023, founders need to focus on fundamentals like unit economics, maintain a steady hand amid market turbulence, and have patience for the long-term success of their companies.
  3. Founders should be decisive on talent, transparent about challenges, and ensure their own needs are met to be effective leaders for their teams.

Hanging up the jetpack. Planting a flag.

The Jungle Gym • 83 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The decision to fully commit to Exec was driven by an energizing problem, a receptive market, and a stellar team.
  2. Exec aims to help companies design customized talent development programs, work with a network of vetted coaches, and provide flexible payment options.
  3. Having the right team and shared values is crucial for the success of startups like Exec.

Alumis: Race to a Best-In-Class TYK2 Inhibitor

Axial • 22 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Investors are focused on early-stage life sciences companies with strong potential. They look for companies that are often just ideas at first.
  2. The goal is to support inventors who are passionate about creating lasting companies. There’s a strong emphasis on innovation and dedication.
  3. The race is on to develop a leading TYK2 inhibitor, highlighting competition in the biopharmaceutical field. This specific drug target is gaining interest for its potential benefits.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 33 - corporations are not for me

The ZIPster • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a business can be tough, especially after facing failure. It's essential to learn and keep going, even when times are hard.
  2. CitNOW grew from a small team to a successful company that was recognized in the market. Hard work and determination can pay off.
  3. Working in a corporate environment can feel limited, and many find more fulfillment in creating and running their own businesses. It's about finding your own way.

#167 – Turn Every Page

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 9 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Always be ready to seize opportunities. As Warren Buffett says, 'turn every page' means you should work hard and be thorough, even when the door seems closed.
  2. Patience is key in investing. Instead of rushing to invest, wait for the right opportunity and be prepared to act quickly when it comes.
  3. Surround yourself with positive, trustworthy people. The people you work with can influence your habits and outcomes, so choose wisely.

Seven Powers in Life Sciences

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Axial helps new inventors in life sciences by investing in their early ideas. They look for unique founders who are determined to create lasting solutions.
  2. They collaborate with different companies, like Appia Bio and Seranova Bio, to turn ideas into reality. It's about supporting innovations that can change lives.
  3. The goal is to empower inventors to build strong and enduring companies within the life sciences industry. They focus on potential and passion for development.

Founder-led life sciences companies

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Founders who are passionate and innovative can create great life sciences companies. Support for these founders can lead to exciting new ideas in healthcare.
  2. Investing early in life sciences companies can make a big difference. Companies like Appia Bio and Seranova Bio show the potential of starting with just an idea.
  3. Helping unique inventors is important, as they often create lasting businesses that can change the industry. Their strong drive to build is key to their success.

Funding models in life sciences

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Funding support is crucial for early-stage life sciences companies. It's important to back inventors with strong ideas.
  2. Investors like to partner with passionate founders. They focus on helping inventors turn their ideas into reality.
  3. The right funding model can make a big difference. It helps companies grow from just an idea to a successful business.

Value investing in life sciences

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Investing in early-stage life sciences companies can lead to exciting opportunities. These companies often start with just an idea and have the potential to grow into something great.
  2. Partnering with skilled founders and inventors is crucial for success. Their passion and creativity are key drivers in building successful companies.
  3. Value investing is about helping inventors create lasting impacts in their fields. Supporting these innovators can lead to both financial returns and significant advancements in life sciences.

The Superinvestors of Life Sciences

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Axial invests in early-stage companies in life sciences, helping inventors turn their ideas into reality.
  2. They focus on partnering with unique founders who are passionate about creating lasting impact.
  3. The goal is to support rare inventors in building successful and enduring companies.

Business Model Matrix

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Axial invests in early-stage life sciences companies, often starting when they are just ideas. They focus on partnering with unique founders and inventors.
  2. The agency aims to support inventors who are deeply passionate about building lasting businesses. They look for those special innovators in their early stages.
  3. Being involved with start-ups like Appia Bio and Seranova Bio shows their commitment to nurturing new ideas in life sciences. They want to help create enduring solutions.

Substitutes and complements in life sciences

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Axial works with early-stage life sciences companies, investing in ideas that could grow into something big.
  2. They focus on supporting inventors who are passionate about building lasting solutions in the field.
  3. Collaboration and partnership are key parts of their approach to nurturing innovative ideas and inventions.

What Martha Stewart can teach us about reinvention and career pivots.

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 23 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Martha Stewart shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself after a big setback. Her journey teaches us that you can bounce back and create something new, no matter the challenges.
  2. It's important to be true to yourself and let your passions guide you. Martha followed her curiosity and constantly sought new opportunities, which helped her build a successful brand.
  3. Being bold and ignoring criticism is key to achieving your goals. Martha had a strong vision for her life and career, and she didn't let negative opinions stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Is your product a vitamin, pain killer, narcotic, or a religion?

Rob Leclerc • 119 implied HN points • 24 Feb 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Investors prefer painkiller products over vitamin products as they cater to immediate needs and have low churn rates.
  2. Narcotic products are addictive and their use tends to increase over time, leading to high customer loyalty and retention.
  3. Products that become like religions appeal to emotional needs, have a strong following, and can be incredibly durable but also risky as they require maintaining high standards.

What is agile?

everything is agile • 2 HN points • 04 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Agile is a framework for building processes to create good software but can be applied to personal and professional life for fulfilling work.
  2. Agile is about intention, balance, being a tool that can be molded, and being experimental and personal.
  3. Agile is not a system but a mindset, not a magical solution, needs real testing, can't be bought, and there's no one true definition - it's adaptable and individual.

a good MVP is a scrappy MVP

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. It's better to launch your product early to get feedback. Waiting too long can mean wasting time and not understanding what people really want.
  2. Your first product doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to show your vision and allow you to listen to customer feedback.
  3. Iterate on your product based on feedback. Keep shipping new versions to get better and connect with what the market wants.

Five Years of Bootstrapping: Reflections on Building Interview Query

Jay's Data Stream • 17 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a business can be challenging, filled with unexpected highs and lows. Success often takes longer than you think, requiring persistence and adaptability.
  2. Managing a startup is a balance between chasing growth and ensuring stability. It's important to reflect on your goals and adjust them as your situation changes.
  3. Finding joy in your work matters. Detaching personal happiness from business outcomes can help maintain motivation and clarity as you grow your company.

Regressions

Venture Prose • 179 implied HN points • 03 Jan 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Regressions happen when services fall below our standards or expectations. It's important to address and prevent them.
  2. As organizations grow, handling regressions becomes more challenging. It's crucial to manage engineering complexities and customer expectations.
  3. Preventing regressions requires setting high standards, holding people accountable, and remaining true to values. Prevention is key to maintaining a trustworthy product and service.

Introducing the Equal Ventures Talent Network

Equal Ventures • 79 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Startup founders can leverage VCs to determine which startups are promising to join, as VCs have access to valuable information.
  2. Equal Ventures has launched the Talent Network to help startup operators connect with opportunities and roles in a more organized and scalable manner.
  3. The Talent Network portal assists individuals in exploring roles in venture-backed companies and also helps in finding executives and founding team members for incubations.

Afridigest Intelligence: The era of E2E expansion is here

Afridigest • 15 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  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.

Attention To Details

Fish Food for Thought • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Paying attention to small details is really important for success in any area. It's like sharpening a tool—you get better results when you focus on the little things.
  2. Using checklists and working with others can help catch mistakes you might miss. Teamwork and good habits make a big difference.
  3. Balancing big ideas with detailed execution is key. Great leaders not only dream big but also make sure the small steps are done right.

Mistakes from my Failed Startup in Scalping Concert Tickets

Jay's Data Stream • 23 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The concert ticket market is built on false pricing, where tickets are sold for lower than their actual value. This means people often pay much more on resale markets.
  2. Making money by reselling tickets is much harder than it seems. Success requires understanding a lot about the market and using technology to navigate tough ticketing systems.
  3. Creating a startup in this space is complicated and needs more than just good ideas. It's about having the right infrastructure to turn those ideas into profitable actions.

America's New Business Boom

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Americans have been forming new businesses at record rates.
  2. The surge in business formations has led to increased entrepreneurship and self-employment.
  3. Despite a recent slowdown, the increase in corporate formation during the pandemic may lead to higher economic growth.

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

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 7 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  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.

Big TAM Founders, Small TAM Startups

Working Theorys • 58 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Consider being a big TAM founder working on a smaller TAM startup for increased chance of success.
  2. Choosing a smaller market and outcome might actually reduce risks and give you more control over success.
  3. Examples like starting a newsletter as a big TAM founder on a small TAM startup show how this strategy can work.