The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Mr. Haltiwanger and the Austrians

Economic Forces • 6 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the economy by discovering better ways to use resources. They find price differences and opportunities, which helps move resources to where they can create more value.
  2. Measuring how well resources are being reallocated can show if markets are functioning efficiently. When more productive firms gain market share, it indicates that resources are being used better.
  3. There’s a connection between entrepreneurship and market dynamics. By focusing on how entrepreneurs impact resource use, we can better understand economic growth and competition.

How (Not) to Become an Entrepreneur

Lucky Maverick • 2 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. It's important to keep trying new ideas and to learn from mistakes. If something isn't working, it's okay to quit and focus on what does work.
  2. Combining your skills and interests can lead to unique business ideas. Finding a niche where you can excel makes it easier to stand out.
  3. Building publicly by sharing your work and learning experiences helps attract interest and support. It makes it easier to connect with others who can help you succeed.

From Software Engineer to Watchmaker, This Entrepreneur Is Diving Into Horology

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneurship
  1. FOLIOT is a watch brand founded by a software engineer who transitioned into watchmaking, blending technical expertise with a passion for horology.
  2. The Scubanaut collection by FOLIOT offers high-quality, affordable dive watches designed for modern adventurers, with unique features like independently adjustable hour hands and full GMT functions.
  3. FOLIOT's founder emphasizes delivering well-made watches at an unbeatable price and hints at future releases inspired by exploration and adventure.

Fantastic Builders and Where to Find Them, 5th Installment

Building the Builders • 6 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Success looks different for everyone. What may seem like a failure to one person can be a stepping stone to success for another.
  2. It's important to define what success means to you personally, rather than just following society's expectations.
  3. Living your life authentically, without pressure from others, is key to finding happiness and fulfillment in what you do.
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Finding our initial customers

A Bit Gamey • 27 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Founders should spend time on sales and marketing for startup success.
  2. Engaging with customers directly helps in improving the product.
  3. Sales process involves prospecting, prioritizing, qualification, sales call, and tracking metrics.

5050 Applications are Open

Fifty Years News • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. 5050 program helps scientists and engineers launch groundbreaking companies that can shape the future of human civilization.
  2. 50Y has expertise in deep tech and has supported numerous companies in making significant advancements like carbon-negative factories and internet connectivity via satellite.
  3. 5050 program provides a structured approach with Explore and Build phases to guide scientists and engineers in transitioning their breakthroughs into successful tech startups.

Five tips to turn startup toys into essential tools

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Disruptive technologies often start off looking weak or like toys, but they can evolve into essential tools. It’s important to recognize their potential early on.
  2. Startups should design products with long-term improvements in mind and focus on how they will get better as they are used. This approach can help them meet user needs more effectively.
  3. Ignoring criticism from established companies might mean a startup is onto something important. Founders should understand the difference between sustaining and disruptive technologies to guide their strategies.

Walking On a Tightrope

Superfluid • 13 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. In the startup world, founders must balance irrationality and rationality for success. It's about believing in big ideas but also making data-driven decisions.
  2. As a startup evolves, founders need to shift from irrationality to rationality, showing a clear path to profitability.
  3. Recognizing when to embrace irrationality and when to be rational is key for successful founders. It's a valuable skill that can build trust and credibility.

Profits by product version 3

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Develop products that people want and are willing to pay for.
  2. Iterate on your product to reach profitability: focus on product/market fit, unit economics, and finally a profitable business.
  3. Understand the stages of product adoption and aim to cross the chasm from early adopters to early majority to achieve product/market fit.

Unbundling Cash & Equity

Working Theorys • 19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Consider unbundling cash and equity to seek them from different opportunities.
  2. There is a tradeoff between cash and equity in compensation offers.
  3. Cash-plus-equity may offer the allure of high equity value, but most startups fail.

Competing against incumbents: Flank them

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having competitors in the market can actually benefit your business by establishing a need for your product and setting a budget.
  2. Providing a better customer experience and transparent pricing are common tactics, but they may not be effective strategies against incumbents.
  3. To compete successfully against larger competitors, consider flanking them by offering unique attributes and advantages that they cannot provide.

Shaina Anderson Chats with Ellen: All things scaling your expertise

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 2 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Generalists can successfully find contract work and build freelance careers. It's all about believing in your skills and pushing past doubts.
  2. Having clear structure and storytelling in your business helps avoid burnout and leads to greater opportunities. It’s okay to start without a perfect plan.
  3. You can create multiple income streams from just a couple of strong skills. Focus on what you do best and find ways to package that for different clients.

Networking in the Real World

Perspectives • 6 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Networking is really important before you need it. If you start connecting with people early, they'll be more likely to help you when you need a job or advice later.
  2. It's helpful to focus on quality over quantity in networking. Building close relationships within trusted communities will make it easier to ask for help in tough times.
  3. If you haven't built your network yet and need help, don't be afraid to reach out. Even acquaintances can connect you with others who might help, so just ask!

How to prepare your business for a new year ahead

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 5 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Set high expectations for yourself, your business, and the world. This mindset helps drive personal and professional growth.
  2. Identify and overcome personal limitations like fear and knowledge gaps. Clarity is the first step toward overcoming these challenges.
  3. Use a tailored planning tool that aligns with your goals. This will help you track progress and make adjustments throughout the year.

Are we losers?

My Home Office Hacks • 12 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made humorous comments about remote workers being 'losers,' sparking a debate and humor online.
  2. Working from home has its perks, such as saving time on commuting, needing a smaller work wardrobe, and avoiding bad office coffee.
  3. The discussion around being a 'loser' for working from home has led to a special offer for readers related to copywriting.

#43: A new market of ideas

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 26 Aug 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Publishing needs to focus on the uncertain aspects like finding authors and creating new types of content. This can help produce unique and diverse books that appeal to different audiences.
  2. Instead of concentrating just on the final book, authors should think about making money from the process of getting there. This means finding ways to earn from workshops, articles, or other interim work.
  3. The publishing industry should consider breaking down its functions, like finding authors and marketing books, instead of trying to do everything at once. This could lead to fresh ideas and better results.

How to handle top customer objections, create powerful case studies & measure product-market fit.

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 17 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Create a concern-handling template with objections, responses, and additional resources segmented by buyer journey.
  2. Develop powerful case studies by analyzing existing clients, conducting interviews, and creating various types of social proof.
  3. Measure product-market fit with the Sean Ellis Test by asking users how disappointed they would be without the product.

How to get your first 1000 users

A Generalist newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Getting your first 1000 users is crucial for a startup's success. It can set the foundation for growth and sustainability.
  2. Telling a story in your design portfolio can help you engage with interviewers and make your work memorable.
  3. Rest is important for creativity and sustainability. Consuming less noisy information can lead to a more productive and fulfilling life.

10: On making $40k/month and how to climb the corporate ladder faster than your coworkers

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Make $40k/month by efficiently working only 4 hours per week. Tim Ferris shared his journey from $40k/yr to $40k/month in his book The 4-Hour Work Week.
  2. To climb the corporate ladder quickly, focus on building strong relationships and acquiring valuable skills. It's not just about what you know, but also about who knows you in the company.
  3. Prioritize community growth by sharing helpful content with friends and colleagues. Engaging with like-minded individuals can enhance personal and professional development.

We launched a podcast 🎤

Grant & Co • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 21
🎙 Podcasts Entrepreneurship
  1. Grantco launched a podcast where they interview grantors to help applicants understand what they are looking for and common mistakes to avoid.
  2. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between grantors and entrepreneurs by providing a platform for connection and understanding beyond just signing contracts.
  3. Listeners are encouraged to give ratings, ask questions, and suggest other grantors to be interviewed on the podcast.

30-plus years of working from home—together

My Home Office Hacks • 22 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Michael and Judy Yublosky have successfully worked from home together for over 30 years
  2. Setting up signals and communicating effectively are key to maintaining a work-life balance while working from home as a couple
  3. Recognizing each other's strengths and weaknesses and finding a formula that separates duties contributes to successful collaboration in a work-from-home setup

Consumer Solo

Consumer Solo • 3 HN points • 15 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a consumer startup as a one-person team can be rewarding and profitable.
  2. Choosing to focus on B2C over B2B can be more fun and impactful.
  3. For solo indie developers, emphasizing consumer focus, patience, and ambitious ideas can lead to sustainable success.

“There’s hidden treasure all over the world”

Building the Builders • 4 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Jesse Genet's journey shows the power of following your own ambitions despite societal pressures. She made tough choices to prioritize what felt right for her life.
  2. Self-honesty has been key for Jesse in her career and personal life. She regularly questions what she truly wants and believes, which helps her make important decisions.
  3. Jesse's experience emphasizes that embracing roles often seen as less ambitious, like motherhood, can be fulfilling and valuable. It's about finding meaning in whatever choice you make.

#36: Ready for the unexpected

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 08 Jul 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Thinking about the future as uncertain helps organizations adapt better to surprises. They can adjust their plans quickly when things change unexpectedly.
  2. A risk mindset focuses on specific expected outcomes and can lead to scrambling when things don't go as planned. This creates stress and confusion in uncertain situations.
  3. Being prepared for the unexpected allows organizations and people to continue functioning normally, even when faced with surprises. This kind of mindset is especially useful in today's unpredictable world.

Garuda Ventures' New $31M Fund

Tippets by Taps • 14 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Garuda Ventures raised a $31 million fund to support exceptional founders at an early stage.
  2. They focus on four core themes in their investments: Intelligent Applications, Commerce Infrastructure, The New Perimeter, and Climate 2.0.
  3. Garuda Ventures emphasizes the importance of empathy, candor, and operating excellence when supporting founders.

5 guides that improve my life

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🚌 Education Entrepreneurship
  1. Reflect on and live up to the expectations of your 18-year-old self.
  2. Avoid consuming news and focus on intentional activities like reading or listening to podcasts.
  3. Show respect and appreciation for manual workers and prioritize having 'skin in the game' by taking risks

A Christmas Special: What Founders Say About Building, Luck, and Staying Grounded

The Green Techpreneur • 4 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a startup takes a lot of hard work and perseverance, especially in the early stages. Founders often face tough challenges and must stay motivated even when things get difficult.
  2. Having a strong team is really important for success. Surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded people can make a big difference in overcoming obstacles.
  3. Patience and learning from failures are key in entrepreneurship. Each setback can teach valuable lessons and help build resilience for future challenges.

2: On getting what you want

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 19 May 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Save your work frequently to avoid losing valuable content.
  2. To get what you want, follow steps like figuring out your goals, learning how to achieve them, committing to the steps, and staying focused.
  3. Starting a business doesn't always require reinventing the wheel; focus on in-demand services, learn to perform them, find clients, and provide great service.