The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Charlotte Stavrou: Influencers and Entrepreneurship

Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Entrepreneurship
  1. Charlotte Stavrou shares how her childhood shaped her determination and drive as an entrepreneur. She believes that personal experiences can greatly influence one's work ethic.
  2. She discusses her recent dyslexia diagnosis and how it helped her feel more complete, as the education system made her feel inadequate before.
  3. Many founders are starting to become influencers now, partly due to the changes brought by COVID-19. Charlotte's agency provides insights on how influencers can better price their services.

Hello (New) World!

Nova Terra News • 738 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Nova Terra Inc. is focused on creating a sustainable future through innovative building materials like EcoBlox made from lime-stabilized compressed earth blocks.
  2. The founder, Lisa Morey, has a background in earthen masonry and is passionate about infusing technological innovation into traditional building methods.
  3. Acceleration in business growth, pitching to major projects like the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, and receiving positive feedback have energized Lisa Morey and Nova Terra Inc. for a promising future.

Calif

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 2596 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Plan and prepare for the future, even if it takes longer than expected.
  2. Consider taking on new challenges and opportunities instead of settling for what's comfortable.
  3. Building a strong team from talented individuals is crucial for business growth and success.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #176

Creative Destruction • 34 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Entrepreneurship
  1. Our future is sliding into a ‘Homogenocene’ where profit-driven standardization and global platforms flatten cultural and biological diversity, making systems less innovative and resilient.
  2. AI is shifting the business model from an attention economy to an attachment economy, where chatbots exploit human bonding and loneliness at scale, creating new psychological harms.
  3. The real paperclip problem isn’t a rogue AI but our own race to scale AI: we’re pouring huge resources into marginal gains for winner-take-all rewards, consuming energy and social capital in the process.

On 40 Hours: A Book For A Time Like This

Day One • 938 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Time is the most valuable asset as it cannot be created or bought back. Focus on utilizing your time effectively to reach your goals.
  2. Distractions such as social media, excess entertainment, and procrastination can hinder progress. Identify them and work towards eliminating them to achieve success.
  3. Prioritize learning from helpful resources and taking action. Choose a few key lessons to implement, banishing distractions until they become part of your daily routine.
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State of Pre-Seed🌱, Gulf money is flooding into European startups🌏, Looking for AI use-cases🧐

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Gulf countries are investing a lot of money into startups in Europe right now. This means European startups have more funding opportunities to grow.
  2. There's a strong interest in finding use-cases for artificial intelligence. Companies are looking for new ways to apply AI technology effectively.
  3. The pre-seed funding stage is important for new businesses to get started. This is when they first seek money to develop their ideas and products.

Ambition, fun and not

benn.substack • 1252 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting a startup sounds great because you can choose your projects and team, but it comes with a lot of hard work and stress. Many founders regret getting into it despite the glamorous idea of freedom.
  2. Once startups grow into businesses, they lose some of their initial fun and freedom. The excitement of being a creator changes to dealing with corporate responsibilities and customer demands.
  3. Even if a startup has bold ideas, like Cluely's innovative concept, they often end up focusing on practical business solutions. This shift can make their original ambitious vision seem smaller than intended.

Meditations on Founder Mode

The Engineering Leader • 79 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Founder Mode allows leaders to be more hands-on and in touch with their company. This helps them make quick decisions that align with their original vision.
  2. While Founder Mode can be effective in early stages, it doesn't scale well in larger companies because one person can't manage everything.
  3. Great leaders know when to switch between being hands-on and delegating tasks. This flexibility is key to adapting to a company's growth and changing needs.

How I Grew My Substack Newsletter Views by 511% in 30 Days🤯

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 819 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Experimenting can lead to big results in growing your newsletter. Trying new things is important for success.
  2. You might be surprised by how much more traffic your newsletter can get. It's possible to improve your visibility and engagement.
  3. Joining supportive communities and learning resources can really help you grow. Connecting with others can provide valuable insights and motivation.

Letters to a Young Founder: Immad Akhund of Mercury

The Generalist • 1160 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Shipping products with clear intention is crucial for success. It helps in creating items that truly meet customer needs.
  2. Being open to innovative and unconventional ideas can lead to unique products. This can set your company apart in a crowded market.
  3. Growth as a leader involves constant learning and adapting. It's important to reflect on your experiences and make improvements over time.

Mailbag: 25 year old "winner" on the default path: should I quit?

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 84 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Don’t worry about being “too early” to change paths; instead ask whether your next job or project will keep your energy and skills steady or growing and pick moves that challenge you.
  2. Quitting without a plan can be scary but it can also quickly improve your well‑being by forcing self‑knowledge and clarifying tradeoffs, and feeling content can be a real form of success.
  3. Make changes in ways that reduce risk: check finances, emotional costs, relationships, and whether the move is reversible, and consider part‑time, gig, or creative experiments (your “leap capital”) instead of a 9–5 return.

Where Did TikTok Come From?

The Honest Broker • 7879 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. TikTok's success can be attributed to a strategic focus on teens as the main users of the platform, creating a significant legal and social impact.
  2. Zhang Yiming, founder of TikTok, capitalized on the algorithm's power over user control to pave the way for the platform's global success.
  3. TikTok's uniqueness lies in its outsider status in China, where a similar app exists, showcasing its worldwide appeal and massive user base.

From $5 to $200,000 Writing on Fiverr — Interview with Maya Sayvanova

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 679 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Freelance writers need to prioritize marketing themselves. It helps build their reputation and success in platforms like Fiverr.
  2. Quitting a regular job can offer freedom and opportunities, but it requires dedication. Choosing the right clients can lead to better pay and work-life balance.
  3. To succeed as a writer, commit fully and be resourceful. It's important to overcome excuses like lack of time or money to pursue your goals.

How To Earn Foreign Currency in 2024

Day One • 1118 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. You can earn foreign currency by offering your current skills or business to a global market.
  2. Become good at what you do and start sharing your work from day one to build your audience.
  3. Learning the business side of your skill is crucial to monetizing it, alongside targeting the foreign market for potential growth.

“The Hardest Coordination Problem on Earth”

The Generalist • 1060 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Focus on velocity, not just speed. It's important for your team to move quickly but also in the same direction towards the same goals.
  2. Use clear decision rights to maintain order. Make sure everyone knows who is responsible for what decisions to avoid confusion and internal politics.
  3. Don’t try to change everything at once. Some old practices may still be effective, and it's better to identify which parts need innovation rather than reinventing the entire process.

The case against living in the Bay Area, for ambitious tech people

Cloud Irregular • 3548 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Living in the Bay Area might not be necessary for tech success. There are many ways to build a successful career outside of that bubble.
  2. The traditional SaaS business model may not be as effective anymore. Companies should focus on creating value in other ways beyond just software.
  3. A balanced team is better than one dominated by technical skills. Recognizing the importance of marketing, sales, and other roles can lead to better business outcomes.

Don't build a platform... unless?

lcamtuf’s thing • 2856 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a platform is hard and often not worth the effort. It's usually better to focus on creating a good product first.
  2. To make a successful platform, you need to either find a unique idea, have a strong personal following, or get backing from big companies.
  3. Having good code isn’t enough to make a platform thrive; you need visibility and support from the right people to attract users.

Leave the "Casino": You don't need to play silly games as an indie entrepreneur | Q&A with Jessica Lackey | #320

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 98 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Don’t gamble on quick fixes, viral hacks, or pricey masterminds — those are the “casino” tactics where the house usually wins. Focus on real business models and the trade-offs that make them sustainable.
  2. Building a profitable solo business takes time and clear choices, often years of work; prioritize frameworks, consistent long-form content, and relationship-driven sales instead of chasing follower counts.
  3. Operational thinking and repeatable rhythms matter: use frameworks and processes to run your business, and treat products (like books) as leverage that still require years of work and ongoing maintenance alongside active client work.

Is Solopreneurship Right For You?

Elena's Growth Scoop • 2063 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting as a solopreneur is like starting any other business, using skills from your job to help grow yourself.
  2. For solopreneurs, differentiation comes from specificity in knowledge, focusing on specific industries or business models.
  3. As a solopreneur, build a portfolio of monetizable services and explore advising opportunities for a flexible and potentially more rewarding path.

Antler's Framework for Finding the Right Problem to Solve | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 319 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Great companies focus on solving heartfelt problems to create successful and lasting businesses.
  2. Identifying a heartfelt problem involves looking beyond surface-level solutions and understanding the emotional, functional, frequent, urgent, and unavoidable aspects of the problem.
  3. To determine if a heartfelt problem is worth solving, conduct market research, speak with target customers, and focus on building relationships within the industry by understanding the core customer problem.

Forbes Asia, Asia Times Reviews of My New Book

Japan Economy Watch • 1078 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Japan has a significant opportunity for economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation, with potential for a tectonic shift in civil society.
  2. Richard Katz's new book highlights the importance of Japan seizing the chance to revitalize its economy by generating innovative companies and above-par growth.
  3. Key megatrends like generational shifts, technological advancements, and political stresses are identified as factors that could reshape Japan's economic future according to Katz.

How I'm Building My Business To Run Without Me

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 179 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Many business owners think their business can't run without them due to fear of losing quality. But with the right systems, it can thrive even in their absence.
  2. Bottlenecks come from controlling client communication and deliverables too tightly. Letting go and empowering others can free up time and improve efficiency.
  3. Creating clear processes and hiring help allows business owners to focus on growth. Shifting to scalable models can also help in generating consistent income.

Unlocking the Open Innovation Toolbox

The VC Corner • 299 implied HN points • 31 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Open innovation helps companies grow by using ideas and skills from both inside and outside their organization. This makes them quicker and more competitive in their market.
  2. It's important for corporates, startups, and investors to connect with others in the open innovation network. These connections can lead to funding, mentorship, and new business opportunities.
  3. There are many service providers that support open innovation, like innovation centers and corporate hubs. These places help businesses develop new ideas and technologies.

You Can Meet 6-Figure Fiverr Writer Maya Sayvanova Who Got Featured in Business Insider LIVE

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Maya Sayvanova is a successful freelancer on Fiverr who has earned over $200,000. She went from making just $5 to becoming a top-rated writer, showing how hard work pays off.
  2. Despite her success, she faced challenges and failures along the way. It's important to keep pushing through tough times and not let setbacks define you.
  3. There's a live event where you can learn from Maya's experience and ask her questions. It's a great chance to get inspired and improve your writing skills.

Reflecting on 2025 + Reader Survey | #318

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 115 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Prioritized family and creative projects over chasing business growth; spending lots of time with a young child was the year's highlight and brought real joy.
  2. Betting on a premium hardcover and direct-to-reader sales paid off—about 325 copies sold and the launch covered much of the upfront cost, making future sales mostly cash flow positive; expanding store bundles and collectibles looks promising.
  3. The business kept operating but felt like treading water with lower income year-over-year, so the plan is to simplify, experiment with formats and the community, and take a mini-sabbatical to regain focus and momentum in 2026.

Resetting expectations for VC investing in health tech

Second Opinion • 1729 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Not every startup in health tech needs to be backed by venture capital.
  2. Health tech industry may not yield many billion-dollar exits, but there are numerous smaller exits ranging from $40 to $500 million.
  3. Venture capitalists should consider alternative sources of capital like private equity, government grants, family offices, and angel investors for health tech startups.

Why don't media outlets personalize their homepages?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Most major news outlets haven't personalized their homepages like social media has, which feels surprising given the tech advancements. Publishers often think their audiences prefer a curated experience instead of individualized content.
  2. Patreon is focusing on content discovery outside big tech companies, promoting quality over sensationalism. This could help creators earn more money without relying on engagement-driven algorithms.
  3. The Guardian has gained a strong membership base in the U.S. by directly confronting right-wing extremism, which sets it apart from many American news outlets that shy away from such stances.

First do it, then do it right, then do it better.

Elevate • 1153 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Entrepreneurship
  1. Just start somewhere - Begin with a simple step to kick off the journey towards success
  2. The Power of Starting - Taking the first step energizes and motivates us, leading to progress and eventual success
  3. First, Do It, Do It Right, Do It Better - Embrace the MVP mindset, refine and correct, and strive for continuous improvement on your journey

The Renaissance of Media

Growth Croissant • 963 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a media business as an individual is challenging and requires hard work and consistency.
  2. As a media business grows, managing growth, monetization, and tech can become distracting from the core creative efforts.
  3. To bridge the resource gap between large media companies and individual creators, providing hands-on support for tech and growth can be beneficial.

How I Productized A Service Business And Earn Recurring Income

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. To turn your service into a product, pick a specific service to offer and make it easy for clients to understand what they're getting. This helps people know exactly what to expect.
  2. Identify your ideal clients to better tailor your services to their needs. Knowing who your customers are makes it easier to attract and keep them.
  3. Create a clear system for how you deliver your service, and hire help early on. This frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business instead of just doing all the tasks yourself.

Introducing Substack Study Hall: Advice from top creators on getting started, going paid, and more

Substack • 1088 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Being consistent is more important than being perfect. Just share your thoughts regularly, and you'll connect with your community better than waiting for everything to be flawless.
  2. When you start charging for your content, keep it simple. You don’t need to overwhelm people with perks; focus on delivering one valuable thing that you can promise consistently.
  3. Using social media is a great way to show a bit of your content and invite people to check out your main platform. Share interesting snippets to draw them in instead of just posting links.

Bad first experiences

Kenny’s Sub • 139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Many people's first attempts at something new often go poorly, and that’s a common experience. Expecting failure can help you handle it better.
  2. Most businesses face a high chance of not succeeding, especially in their early years, so it's important to stay realistic about challenges.
  3. After a bad experience, it’s crucial to not give up on your dreams. Keep trying new things, as you might discover you enjoy or succeed at them later.

How to get funding from deluded, self-congratulatory investors

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Having a male co-founder can improve a female founder's odds of raising funding due to biases in the investment industry.
  2. Focusing on showcasing a reckless passion and working long hours can help female founders combat gender biases when pitching to investors.
  3. Building a network of male connections can be essential for female founders in navigating the challenges of the venture capital landscape.

Sometimes, marketing comes down to a personal decision

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Marketing works better when you follow your own unique path instead of just copying others. Making personal choices can help your strategy stand out.
  2. There’s too much focus on marketing 'best practices,' which can make everything look the same. Doing something different can become your competitive edge.
  3. Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing, focus on being authentic and sharing your true story. People connect better with real emotions and experiences.

2024

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1139 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The author's account on Stripe was under scrutiny, affecting content production
  2. The issue was resolved after the author communicated directly with Stripe
  3. The author plans to expand to a new platform while continuing to post on Substack

From his brother's couch to $300/hour on Upwork

Kenny’s Sub • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Starting as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork can lead to great success, as experienced by those who raised their rates significantly while building a solid reputation.
  2. Building a strong profile on Upwork is important because positive reviews and job history can make you more visible to clients, even if it costs you some fees.
  3. Handling difficult clients is part of freelancing; offering refunds quickly can help maintain your reputation when problems arise.