The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

A $113M seed round is a death sentence

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. A big seed round of $113M can be a problem for a new startup if they don't yet have a product. This huge amount of money can create pressure to perform, making it harder to focus on what really matters.
  2. When a startup gives away nearly half of its company for funding, the founders might lose control over their vision. They could end up following orders from investors instead of pursuing their own ideas.
  3. It's a myth that having a lot of money leads to creativity. Successful companies usually start with a strong idea and a small amount of funding, not a huge pot of cash.

Where are the Female Founders in Generative AI?

Sarah’s Substack • 1 HN point • 12 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Women are less likely to take risks when choosing career paths, which affects their representation in fields like generative AI.
  2. The generative AI industry is rapidly evolving, making it harder for anyone to find a clear path to success, especially for women.
  3. With generative AI expected to create significant wealth, the lack of female founders could lead to a future without diverse perspectives in this important sector.

On Focus

Austin's Analects • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jun 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Focus on one thing early in your career to get noticed and excel.
  2. Specialize in a specific area to become known as an expert and gain leverage.
  3. Identify what you want to focus on, go all-in, and forget about the distractions.

Buffett's Blueprint

Neckar’s Notes • 15 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Warren Buffett combined reading with building strong relationships to grow his wealth. Both his knowledge and connections helped him succeed.
  2. Buffett pursued wealth in a way that was meaningful and enjoyable to him, focusing on personal growth and independence.
  3. The next Buffett will be proactive in seeking knowledge and crafting their own path, rather than just copying what others did.

In melancholy for craftsmanship

Oleksii Sidorov • 72 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Finding fulfillment in entrepreneurship can be challenging due to the continuous stream of problems and challenges.
  2. Traditional skill-based crafts offer a feedback loop that can bring satisfaction and fulfillment in gradual improvement.
  3. Entrepreneurship focuses on breadth of skills, while craftsmanship emphasizes depth and mastery in a single task.
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Fastest Growing Neo Startups

Golden Pineapple • 63 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Neo, a startup accelerator, competes with Y Combinator with better terms for founders.
  2. Replit, Bubble, and Deel are among the fastest growing companies in Neo's portfolio.
  3. Companies like Deel, Moment, and Yuzu Health are growing rapidly in terms of employee headcount.

Your husband/wife is the co-founder of your life

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Your partner plays a crucial role in your life journey, just like a co-founder in a business. They support you and help you make tough decisions.
  2. Having a good partner can make a big difference during challenging times. They can lift your spirits and give you the space to focus on your goals.
  3. Choosing the right person to be by your side is essential. The right partner can encourage you, while the wrong one can hold you back.

Now 5 years later on...

The ZIPster • 44 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Selling a business can bring positive changes and open up new opportunities for simpler, more fulfilling pursuits.
  2. Lessons learned from past entrepreneurial failures can pave the way for eventual success.
  3. Retirement can offer the chance to explore new hobbies, learn new skills, and enjoy leisure time with loved ones.

How I got a Referal by getting Strangled [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 24 Apr 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having a strong LinkedIn profile can make recruiters reach out to you, increasing your chances of getting past initial screens during job applications.
  2. Engaging online with the right people, like industry experts, can help you build a network and get referrals to top firms.
  3. Meeting people in person can be a direct and effective way to form strong connections for referrals and other support in your career.

Multilevel marketing mayhem

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Be cautious of 'online businesses' that prompt you to set up websites with identical language and testimonials, often part of multilevel marketing schemes.
  2. Identical sales pitches on multiple websites can be easily found through internet searches, revealing potential interconnectedness.
  3. Participating in these schemes may lead to continuous spam emails, financial losses, and the risk of personal information being compromised.

AI Is About To Transform The Economy - How To Thrive In The Post-Singularity World

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. AI is making it easier to predict which stocks will do well, helping investors find the best opportunities. This will lead to more wealth and faster changes in the market.
  2. The workforce will shift towards jobs that involve working with AI, like entrepreneurs and prompt artists, while some people may still prefer handmade goods. This means more people will be managing machines instead of doing manual work.
  3. To succeed in an economy driven by AI, focus on being creative and adaptable. It's also smart to invest in a variety of places and stay updated on new trends and technologies.

How Elon's Plans for Twitter affect your wallet[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 16 Apr 22
💰 Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. Understanding the difference between public and private companies is essential, as it affects stock markets and individual salaries.
  2. Equity-based compensation can be a risky but rewarding strategy for startups and employees.
  3. Elon Musk's plan to buy Twitter and take it private highlights the importance of knowing how equity and stock markets work.

Building CAUSL - Episode 10: Going Solo and Building a Product

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The founder is rethinking his business after losing a co-founder, which has made it hard to focus on growth and delivery at the same time.
  2. He plans to rebuild his income through consulting while also developing a new product called Analytics Powerpack, aimed at helping teams analyze data easily.
  3. Starting something new has ups and downs, and he's learning to adapt and adjust his plans based on market needs and personal limits.

#31: Alternative sociality

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 159 implied HN points • 03 Jun 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Uncertainty can push people to explore new ways of collaborating that they wouldn't consider in normal times. This can lead to creative solutions and innovations.
  2. Amorphous organizations have flexible memberships and allow diverse types of participants. This inclusivity can enable them to adapt better to changing conditions.
  3. It's important for organizations to maintain some level of inefficiency and diversity to stay adaptable for future changes, even if it seems counterproductive now.

The Covid-19 Guide To Profiting From Boredom

Day One • 139 implied HN points • 21 Apr 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. During times of boredom, focus on feeding your mind with productive inputs to harness the power of your brain.
  2. In the midst of challenges, find opportunities to create and profit, just like individuals who launched successful initiatives during the pandemic.
  3. Use periods of hibernation or slowdowns to study, learn, and enhance your skills for future success.

Too much money is a problem

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 28 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having too much money can distract startups from their main goals, like building a great product and serving customers. It often leads to unnecessary spending and shortens focus.
  2. Starting with less money can force a company to be more focused and efficient. It encourages smart spending and careful planning.
  3. While raising money can be helpful for growth, it's important to raise just enough to reach goals without losing control or focus. Too much money can lead to problems.

One-Round Wonder

Working Theorys • 50 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Startup can find a balance between bootstrapped and venture-funded paths
  2. One-round wonder is about using a strategic, single round of funding with intention
  3. Ideal range for 'one round' funding: $100,000 to $5,000,000

The Art of The Impossible

Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The newsletter shares inspiring content for founders, including podcasts, interviews, quotes, books, and videos.
  2. Founders can benefit from learning about what investors look for, pitfalls to avoid in fundraising, and the importance of building a network.
  3. The book 'Super Founders' reveals surprising insights about billion-dollar startups, such as the lack of industry experience among unicorn founders and the role of competition.

10 Trend Predictions for Coaches, Consultants & Experts in 2025

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. More professionals will work part-time or freelance while running their businesses, allowing for more flexibility and varied income streams. This change is reshaping what commitment looks like in the workplace.
  2. In 2025, service providers will focus on creating one standout offer instead of many products, making it easier for both them and their customers. This means simplifying what they sell helps avoid overwhelming buyers.
  3. Successful deals will often happen quietly behind the scenes, showing that the best service providers may not always be the loudest on social media. It's becoming more common to have valuable exchanges out of the public eye.

What comes first: Your business model or your niche?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Your business model and niche are very important choices. They shape who you serve and how you earn money.
  2. Different niches require different business models, which can affect how much time you work and the money you take home.
  3. It's crucial to align your business model with your personal preferences and your clients' needs, as every path has trade-offs.

Footwork at Year 2

next big thing • 76 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Footwork is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on making a handful of new investments each year.
  2. Their portfolio includes companies like Table22, Via, and Cradlewise, with a focus on diversity and close partnerships with founders.
  3. Despite market fluctuations, Footwork remains excited about new investments, with a specific interest in AI, climate tech, and education models.

Interesting things about robots...

Robots & Startups • 19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. ROSCon 2023 will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 18th-20th 2023
  2. The deadline for IERA Award applications, focusing on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics and Automation, is February 28th
  3. Subscribing to Robots & Startups gives access to the full post archives with a 7-day free trial

How to turn those Big Ideas of yours into reality

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. First, be clear about your ideas. Take time to visualize what you really want to achieve. Use your imagination to paint a detailed picture of your goals and dreams for your business.
  2. Next, don’t aim for perfection. Expect challenges and be flexible with your plans. Accept that things might not go as perfectly as you hoped, and that's okay; it can lead to new opportunities.
  3. Lastly, stay committed to your vision. Keep pushing through obstacles, reflect on your progress regularly, and seek support from others. Remember, it's important to adapt and keep moving forward, even if it's just a little bit at a time.

Josh Spector Chats with Ellen: All things content-led growth

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 5 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Content should support your real goals. It's not just about growing your audience or followers, but about what you actually want to achieve.
  2. Your business model needs to match your content strategy. If they don't align, it could hurt your results.
  3. Choosing a pricing strategy and business model should be based on what excites you, not just what seems safe or easy.

Three effective negotiation tactics

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having good fallback options is crucial when negotiating. If you know what your best alternative is, you'll feel more confident and likely to get better results.
  2. Setting a strong anchor at the beginning of a negotiation helps guide the discussion. The first number mentioned sets the tone for how the talks will go.
  3. Presenting multiple offers at once makes it easier for the other party to agree. It shows flexibility and helps reveal what they value the most.

Thoughts for the Second Half of 2025

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Being 'in-the-pocket' feels safe and comfortable, like following the crowd. But sometimes, taking risks and stepping 'out-of-the-pocket' is necessary for growth.
  2. Mornings can be super productive for many people, while afternoons often lead to distractions. Finding the right routine can help you get a lot done.
  3. It's important to prioritize your time wisely. Too often, we focus too much on small issues instead of what truly matters in our lives.

Salary of a Early-Stage Startup CEO

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. When starting a business, pay yourself just enough to live on. This way, you can focus on building the company without financial stress.
  2. Try to keep your living costs low before launching. This can help you manage funds better and prepare for the long journey ahead.
  3. As a startup CEO, it's important not to pay yourself too much. This helps keep resources for growth and shows you value your team's contributions.

Pub Landlord

Net Interest • 16 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Buying a pub can be a great opportunity if you have the right team and concept. In this case, a popular chef and manager helped attract more customers.
  2. It’s important to adapt to market demands, like adding lodging to increase profits. This idea allowed them to earn more money alongside the pub's main offerings.
  3. Running a pub can lead to highs and lows, especially in the hospitality business. Success can come with great rewards, but challenges are always around the corner.

A gift guide for your internet friends

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Consider giving gifts that support big-picture thinkers and business owners. These gifts can offer new perspectives and help them grow.
  2. Look for gifts that inspire creators, such as courses and tools that help them express their ideas and build their projects.
  3. Gift tools that assist planners and dreamers in organizing their thoughts and achieving their goals for the upcoming year.

Replicating Buffett

Net Interest • 13 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Warren Buffett took control of a struggling company, Berkshire Hathaway, after realizing its potential value despite its problems. He initially bought shares to gain influence.
  2. Buffett's experience with Berkshire taught him important lessons about organizational structure and the value of permanent capital for investments.
  3. Now, investors like Bill Ackman are trying to create companies similar to Berkshire Hathaway, but it's hard to replicate its successful model because it takes time and patience.

Have a Board Meeting, Even Without a Board

Tippets by Taps • 4 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Quarterly 'Not a Board Meetings' are useful for early-stage founders to plan and reflect. They help create clarity and accountability about the business's progress.
  2. These meetings align stakeholders by providing a shared understanding among investors, preventing miscommunications. It's key for everyone to be on the same page.
  3. Running these meetings can improve communication skills and problem-solving abilities. They set up a good groundwork for when formal boards are created later.

Building CAUSL - Episode 8: The Growth Conundrum

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The team has learned a lot about managing projects by working closely on them, even though it's just two people. This hands-on experience has been valuable and helped them understand client needs better.
  2. Finding ways to grow is a major concern for the team since they are still small. They realize the need to adapt and look for new opportunities for their business.
  3. With new team members joining who bring different skills, they are expanding their services. This helps them to not only grow but also offer more value to their clients in areas like product leadership.

Why I am starting a hardcore tech company in my 50s

I Am Not a Robot • 55 HN points • 26 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Started a tech company in 50s due to interest in AI and experience in information retrieval and coding.
  2. Focused on building stable and reliable AI systems, despite current trend of fast-paced development fueled by VC money.
  3. Plans to start as a service provider in AI to build resilient systems and eventually create a product, prioritizing problem-solving and teamwork over money.