The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Funding Mr Bates

Net Interest • 36 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. A TV series sparked public attention in the UK by shedding light on the Post Office scandal and the struggle of subpostmasters for justice.
  2. Litigation finance, as seen in the case of Mr. Alan Bates, is an important avenue for funding legal battles when individuals lack resources.
  3. Specialist funders, like Therium, provide financial support for legal cases in exchange for a share of the compensation if the case is won, creating a growing industry of litigation financing.

Building CAUSL - Episode 6: Revenue Targets

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Startups should set three types of revenue targets: a basic goal, a stretch goal, and a survival target. Each one helps guide your progress in different ways.
  2. Survival targets are crucial; they tell you the minimum income needed to keep the business going. It's more about what you need than what you want.
  3. Always keep an eye on your financial goals, because they shape the decisions you make today. Hitting your basic target is vital, but don't forget to aim higher!

Finding a more profitable business within your existing business.

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 12 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Focusing on one specific area of your business can lead to greater success. By concentrating on Emceeing, it's possible to streamline efforts and see better results.
  2. Accepting discomfort is part of the growth process in business. It takes time to adjust to changes and trust your own instincts.
  3. Saying no to some income opportunities can actually open doors for better financial stability and free time for other important aspects of life.

A conversation with Harry Stebbings, The Twenty Minute VC

next big thing • 48 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The post is a conversation with Harry Stebbings about venture capital, investing, AI-first companies, and more.
  2. The discussion covers topics like small funds outperforming large funds, the importance of product-market fit, and the hype cycle in AI.
  3. The post highlights the personal connection between the author and Harry Stebbings, spanning over 7 years.
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Building CAUSL - Episode 5: Long Term Goals

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. It's important to define who you are and what you want. Knowing your identity helps you stay true to your goals.
  2. Setting long-term goals gives you clarity and direction. This helps in making decisions aligned with where you want to be in the future.
  3. Scaling your impact is key. Aiming to help many people or companies rather than just a few can lead to bigger success.

Tax and Regulatory Breaks for Startups

Japan Economy Watch • 19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. LLCs in the US and many OECD countries allow profits to pass through to owners without double taxation, promoting new firm creation and growth.
  2. Open Innovation Tax Incentive aims to encourage large corporations to invest in startups, but its effectiveness and expansion remain uncertain.
  3. Five-Year Plan proposes measures to simplify stock options for employees in Japanese startups, but their success is yet to be determined.

Clouded Judgement 6.6.25 - How to Spot ERR

Clouded Judgement • 6 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. It's important for companies to know the difference between ARR (annual recurring revenue) and ERR (experimental run rate revenue). ARR is more stable while ERR can fluctuate a lot, which can affect business decisions.
  2. Some signs of ERR include using products on a trial basis or having fuzzy ROI expectations. Companies should look out for these signs to understand if their revenue is dependable.
  3. Businesses should pay attention to where budgets come from and how contracts are structured. Knowing these details can help avoid unexpected revenue drops.

Building CAUSL - Episode 4: Building Publicly

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building publicly can be risky because it exposes you to failure, but it can also be a powerful way to share your journey. People love to follow stories, especially ones that show growth and struggle.
  2. Authenticity matters a lot when sharing your story. By being honest and open about what you're experiencing, you build trust with your audience.
  3. Sharing your journey could inspire others to take risks too. Even if the outcome isn't perfect, the hope is that others will find motivation and encouragement in your story.

Building CAUSL - Episode 3: Ideal Customer Profiles

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Finding your ideal customer is important but not easy. You need to identify who can truly benefit from your product and has the budget to spend on it.
  2. It's crucial to consider factors like location, job title, and company size when defining your ideal customer. This helps you focus your efforts on the right leads.
  3. Don't limit yourself to specific industries; every problem can have a solution. Keep an open mind about potential customers to avoid missing out on opportunities.

This is how I start working with a client

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  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.

AgFunder's reading list for new VC analysts & associates

Rob Leclerc • 79 implied HN points • 05 Feb 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Venture capital can be challenging to understand and may take new analysts 6-18 months to fully grasp.
  2. Books, essays, interviews, videos, podcasts, websites, and blogs are great resources for new VC analysts to learn about the industry.
  3. Understanding the history, culture, and frameworks of venture capital is crucial for new VC analysts and associates.

Building CAUSL - Episode 2: Overcoming Fear

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Facing fears is a normal part of starting something new. It’s important to acknowledge those fears and know that you're not alone in feeling them.
  2. The fear of regret can be stronger than the fear of failure. You might worry about failing, but often the bigger fear is not trying at all.
  3. Having support from loved ones can make a huge difference. You don’t have to face your fears by yourself; encouragement from others can help you take the leap.

On financial freedom

Austin's Analects • 59 implied HN points • 12 May 21
💰 Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. Financial independence is about having enough income to pay for your living expenses without being employed or dependent on others. It's a goal that allows you to work on your own projects and time.
  2. To achieve financial independence, focus on building a diverse income stream, maximizing investments like a 401k and Roth IRA, starting a side business, and exploring opportunities like self-storage facilities and crypto.
  3. Learning from books, starting businesses, getting a good job, and continually seeking ways to increase income are steps on the journey to financial independence. Share your struggles and seek motivation from like-minded individuals.

Why more clients aren't buying from you (yet)

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Show your expertise in action. Document your thought processes and how you solve problems to help potential clients see your value.
  2. Position yourself as an authority by clearly sharing your unique mission and message. This attracts clients who resonate with your vision.
  3. Build relationships instead of just relying on cold leads. Most clients come from referrals and connections within your network.

5 reasons why you shouldn’t grow your business

Tiny Empires • 49 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The purpose of a business is to make money consistently, not just to focus on growth.
  2. Avoid the constant stress and demands of big business by aiming for a solid income and free time with a Tiny Empire approach.
  3. To build a successful business, find a model that suits you, test your idea before investing fully, and optimize your processes for efficiency.

Growth vs Scaling

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Growth means increasing output by adding more resources, like hiring more staff or spending more money, but it can lead to higher costs too.
  2. Scaling is about growing efficiently without raising costs much. It focuses on making processes better and using technology wisely.
  3. Companies need to know when to grow and when to scale. Successful ones keep checking and adjusting their approach to keep things running smoothly.

Building CAUSL - Episode 1: The Woes of Admin Work

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a company involves a lot of administrative work. It might seem boring, but it's essential to get things off the ground properly.
  2. It's important to consider using professionals, like accountants and lawyers, to handle complicated tasks. They can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
  3. Having a website and creating a business plan are important steps. They can make your business look more professional and help you plan your goals.

Simplifying your product strategy is a competitive advantage

amivora • 11 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Keeping your product simple can help you stand out in a crowded market. People appreciate products that are easy to understand and use.
  2. It's important to focus on what makes your product essential, instead of trying to add too many features. This helps users quickly see the value.
  3. Prioritizing what to keep and what to cut is key. If you're not willing to cut things that seem valuable, you might not be prioritizing deeply enough.

How to Sell Your Tiny Empire

Tiny Empires • 12 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Selling a business can be straightforward and profitable. Just agree on a price, create a contract, and transfer the assets to the buyer.
  2. Understanding your business's value is key. Most online companies sell for 4-4.5 times their annual revenue, but this can vary based on several factors.
  3. When you sell, you can choose between an asset sale and a share sale. Share sales are often better for you tax-wise, but they're harder to arrange.

Startup Spotlight: Charcoal

Startup Strategies • 57 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Charcoal is a startup creating a smart desk for mindful users.
  2. Their desk offers a clean design, intuitive controls, and reminders for healthy habits.
  3. Charcoal's founders are based in Dubai and are catering to a more discerning audience of keyboard users.

Looking at Initials Again

The Security Industry • 10 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The letter 'S' stands out in the security industry, followed closely by 'C' for 'Cyber.' This shows that more companies are focusing on these areas.
  2. Choosing a company name is important and can be tricky. It's smart to look at existing names in the industry to avoid confusion.
  3. There are a lot of companies with similar names, especially with the word 'Cyber' in them. A new tool could help find unique names for startups.

Money does not make a great product

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Money alone doesn't guarantee a great product. Instead, you need skilled experts and a dedicated team who really care about the work.
  2. A smaller, focused team can often create better outcomes than a large group. Quality and commitment are more important than throwing money at a problem.
  3. Dedication matters more than expertise. Strong work ethic is key, and having a passionate team can lead to innovative solutions and success.

Change your newsletter... Change your life?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 12 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Launching a new newsletter can boost your career and connect you with important topics like entrepreneurship. It's a great way to explore changes in the workforce.
  2. Returning to a platform like Substack can offer a supportive community that aligns better with your creative goals. It helps in building a business outside the usual 9-5 job.
  3. Personal and professional changes can feel invigorating and essential. Keeping up with clients' successes can motivate your own evolution in business.

Clear Eyes , Full Heart

Venture Prose • 2 HN points • 14 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Launching a fund entails building a functional partnership, and realizing when it's not working is important.
  2. Committing to doing the right thing by stakeholders, even in difficult situations, is crucial.
  3. Maintaining optimism and dedication, and sharing the journey with like-minded individuals, is fulfilling despite challenges.

Signals

Venture Prose • 99 implied HN points • 16 Dec 19
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Detecting signals of success or failure from founders is crucial for making investment decisions.
  2. Introverted nature can be an asset in quickly spotting subtle signals and making informed choices.
  3. Simple observations can reveal important clues about founders and their potential for success, such as behaviors or communication styles.

#4: Strategic uncertainty

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 27 Nov 19
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Recognizing and managing uncertainty is becoming a rare and valuable skill, both for individuals and organizations. Those who develop this 'uncertainty mindset' can gain a strategic advantage.
  2. To improve adaptability in uncertain environments, organizations should rethink job roles to allow for improvisation and flexibility. This means creating expectations for employees to explore and adapt their responsibilities.
  3. Real learning about managing uncertainty happens through real experiences, rather than traditional corporate training. Leaders need to create work cultures that encourage exploration to build the uncertainty mindset among employees.

The Story of Bayard Bay

The Daily Bud • 12 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The idea for Bayard Bay started with a genuine desire to improve golf apparel, focusing on what real female golfers need, rather than just starting a business for profit.
  2. The process of creating the product involved a lot of trial and error, especially with manufacturing, to ensure features like the back pocket for yardage books were just right.
  3. As Bayard Bay launches, it relies on word of mouth and team deals to grow, aiming to meet the needs of female golfers through functional and stylish designs.

Underwhelmed

coreygarvey • 1 HN point • 08 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Struggling with feelings of underachievement in career despite a fulfilling personal life
  2. Reflecting on past choices and recognizing the impact they have had on career progression
  3. Realizing the importance of focus, consistency, and building relationships to pave the way for a more fulfilling career

The best of The Green Techpreneur

The Green Techpreneur • 28 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The Green Techpreneur platform achieved significant milestones in 2023, such as winning awards and helping startups secure funding.
  2. For 2024, the platform acquired Climate Marketplace to connect startups with a network of 2,000 climate investors.
  3. The newsletter also featured updates on innovative climate tech startups and insights from industry leaders to help readers succeed.

The Difference Between Success & Failure: Good Hiring

The Green Techpreneur • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having the right team is crucial for a company's success. It's not just about skills; it's about finding people who fit well together and share a common passion.
  2. Hiring based on experience alone can be misleading. It's more important to look for motivation and energy, as these qualities can drive real success.
  3. Every employee matters, no matter their role. When building a business, listen to everyone's input, as everyone contributes to the company's success.

The Biggest Challenges Ahead for Our Startup Ecosystem

Midwest Humble • 9 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. There is a need for more startup capital in Michigan. Founders and investors want to see faster progress, and having more options for funding can help.
  2. Building a strong community and culture is important for startups. Events and collaboration can help people connect and create new opportunities.
  3. Storytelling is essential for success. Sharing local achievements can improve recognition and support, helping to brand Michigan's startup ecosystem better.

Fantastic Builders and Where to Find Them, 2nd Installment

Building the Builders • 12 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Esther Crawford made bold choices in her career, like using her own savings to fund her startup. She felt confident doing this because she knew she could always find another job if it didn't work out.
  2. Her honesty with investors about tough decisions helped build trust and support. This showed that being truthful can strengthen relationships in business.
  3. Esther's journey highlights the importance of following your own path and interests rather than just fitting into societal expectations. Her choices were driven by personal goals and values.

How to Do Business School Right

Working Theorys • 29 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Consider starting a business in business school for the resources and support available.
  2. View business school as a time to take risks with ample backing.
  3. Starting a business in business school can help you explore entrepreneurship without a long-term commitment.

Guide #8: Best practices for choosing your marketing channels

Tiny Empires • 36 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Focus on marketing channels that give you the best return on investment for your time as a solo-founder.
  2. Be very targeted in your marketing efforts and ask yourself how much it costs to acquire a customer for each channel.
  3. Choose 2-3 marketing channels to focus on, consider direct sales outreach, and think creatively about where your ideal customers are.

What Founders Teach Us

Perspectives • 3 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Founders are fearless and willing to take risks. They believe in their ideas and work hard to solve problems, even when the odds are against them.
  2. Having a learning mindset is important for founders. They seek different opinions and adapt quickly to new information to strengthen their leadership.
  3. Great founders know how to attract and build strong teams. They focus on recruiting top talent, as the right people can significantly change a company's success.