The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

3 - unobvious - things I learned serving entrepreneurs

Venture Prose • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 13
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Establishing leadership is crucial for building a strong team and pitching investors successfully.
  2. Encouraging personal initiatives in the workplace fosters innovation and helps identify diverse talents and skills within the team.
  3. Maintaining corporate culture and cohesion is essential for the longevity and success of a company, preventing decline and promoting teamwork.

3: On 401ks, Asset Allocation, and the Google Sheet that will get you Financial Freedom

Austin's Analects • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 21
💰 Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. 401k is important for financial freedom, but questions like how much to invest and what to invest in can be confusing. It's crucial to understand how to leverage your 401k to achieve financial goals.
  2. Diversification in stock portfolio asset allocation is essential for reducing risk. Researching and adjusting your investment allocation based on personal finance blogs and books can be beneficial.
  3. Developing a comprehensive financial model can help with personal finance management and achieving financial freedom. Utilizing tools like Google Sheets can provide valuable insights into budgeting, investments, and taxes.

How to convince technical people to join as a co-founder?

The Tech Bubble • 0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Finding a technical co-founder for a startup is challenging because technical expertise is rare and those who have it are often already employed.
  2. To convince technical people to join as a co-founder, don't just be an 'idea person', bring substantial value to the partnership through industry knowledge, validation, and commitment to the project.
  3. When bringing a technical co-founder onboard, respect their expertise and autonomy in technical decisions, ensuring they are joining because they believe in the idea and not just to experiment with new technologies.

How I failed with SpamLabs even before it even started

The Tech Bubble • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. The initial idea behind SpamLabs was to offer an API for email address validation, but the lack of competition indicated a small market demand.
  2. The pivot to combat email unsolicited cold emailing faced challenges as traditional email validation methods did not work effectively.
  3. Exploring the problem space and validating ideas with potential users before investing heavily in coding can help prevent wasting time on unfeasible projects.
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Common misconceptions about startups (and pony startups)

The Tech Bubble • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Startups don't have to be massive Silicon Valley unicorns - they can be more localized or target smaller markets.
  2. Differentiation doesn't always mean being completely unique - simplicity can often be a key selling point over big players with complex offerings.
  3. Not every startup needs to aim for unicorn status - it's okay to start small, grow gradually, and make a meaningful impact without chasing unrealistic expectations.

My first startup attempt

The Tech Bubble • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. When starting a business, focus on solving a real problem for clients instead of letting technology dictate the solution.
  2. Validate your business idea by engaging with potential customers and seeking their feedback early on to avoid wasting time and resources.
  3. Learn from early failures and pivot to new ideas based on real-world feedback to increase chances of success in future startup attempts.

Open letter to Boston University business school students

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Entrepreneurship requires a certain level of 'craziness' due to its challenging nature with low success rates.
  2. Market research for business ideas should involve practical testing rather than just theoretical surveys, like setting up a pop-up business.
  3. Observing real-life needs and gaps in services can lead to innovative business ideas, like the need for more dog training services in Boston.

The best career coaches use pattern recognition

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The best career coaches use pattern recognition to guide individuals in discovering their best career paths by recognizing their motivating factors.
  2. Great careers involve continuous learning and challenges, often requiring changes in companies to maintain growth and development.
  3. Many glamorous careers require a significant financial investment as they can be akin to a form of money laundering, using wealth to build a certain image.

I quit my job!

Ashly’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The author quit their job to take control of their future, despite not having another job lined up.
  2. The decision to quit was supported by savings and multiple revenue streams developed over 4 years of hard work.
  3. The author encourages taking action to change what makes you unhappy in life, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Life is sales…and (nearly) no one teaches it

Grant & Co • 0 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Sales is an essential skill in various aspects of life and isn't taught widely, including in areas like fundraising, hiring, and even dating.
  2. Asking questions is crucial in sales as it helps understand the client's needs, control the conversation, and show genuine interest in solving their problems.
  3. Managing one's own psychology is key in sales to deal with fluctuating success levels, maintain motivation, and implement self-care activities to stay productive.

Allyn Ueland: The MLM Project Log 4

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. MLM participants often join ventures seeking to escape traditional employment and be their own boss.
  2. MLMs rely on leveraging personal relationships for sales, potentially straining social bonds.
  3. The MLM model can lead to financial and emotional turmoil, with promises of wealth often unfounded and legal consequences possible.

Jak Ritger: The MLM Project Log 1: What is Multi-level Marketing?

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Multi-level Marketing (MLM) relies on a non-salaried workforce to sell products and often results in financial troubles for participants.
  2. Studying MLMs can help critique capitalist structures and push for anti-capitalist actions beyond elitist perspectives.
  3. The aim is to create an off-ramp from MLMs and work towards abolishing this pyramid-shaped industry.

Adieu, EnVsion

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. EnVsion failed because they built a product that didn't have enough demand or interest.
  2. They should have targeted a larger market with more purchasing power instead of sticking to a niche with low demand.
  3. Investing in marketing early and consistently is crucial for startup success, along with choosing the right tech stack for fast iteration.

When to quit?

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Reflect on business growth and success to know when to consider quitting or pivoting.
  2. Consider the impact of team changes, like a co-founder leaving, on the future of the startup.
  3. Evaluate the financial aspects, like high cloud costs, and the opportunity cost of continuing with a stagnating startup.

Reflecting on 2022

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Reflecting on 2022: The year had challenges, but also growth and progress. Acknowledging setbacks is important for personal growth.
  2. Focus on SEO and UX Research: Investing in SEO helped improve search rankings, while learning about UX Research expanded knowledge but lacked experience.
  3. Bootstrapping a startup is tough: Building a startup alongside a full-time job is challenging. Despite progress, achieving Product Market Fit remains a goal.

Why should you be CEO?

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building rapport and presenting your authentic self is crucial in leadership discussions.
  2. Effective self-marketing is essential in showcasing leadership capabilities for roles like CEO.
  3. Being driven by a deep desire to win and being willing to fight hard is a key quality for a CEO.

How I'm trying to be more lucky with my startup

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Luck can be categorized into different types, such as blind luck, luck created by motion, luck created by skill, and luck created by reputation. Each type requires different approaches to increase the likelihood of experiencing luck.
  2. Fortune favors the bold - taking action and moving towards your goals can increase your chances of creating your own luck. Being in the right place at the right time can lead to fortunate outcomes.
  3. Building on skills and reputation can attract luck. By honing your craft and becoming well-known for your expertise, you can open doors to exciting opportunities that bring success and fulfillment.

We're live with pricing plans 🎉

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jul 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. EnVsion started with a vision for customer-centric tools and focused on UX Research as a critical use case.
  2. The journey of building EnVsion has been challenging, facing funding issues and near bankruptcy, but the team persists with a strong belief in the product's potential.
  3. EnVsion aims to empower companies by transforming video recordings of customer conversations into valuable insights, ultimately improving customer experience.

We're going to charge for our product

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The company is transitioning to charging for its product to focus on customer needs and accelerate learning.
  2. They realized the need to move past perfectionism and the 'one more feature' mindset to progress.
  3. Charging for the product is seen as a step towards establishing a business, understanding customer preferences, and improving product-market fit.

Learning to ask better questions when talking to users

Eddie's startup voyage • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Asking better questions in user interviews is crucial for uncovering deeper insights and making informed decisions.
  2. Avoid closed and hypothetical questions that lead to yes/no answers or opinions based on unfamiliar situations.
  3. Using discussion guides in user interviews can significantly enhance the quality of insights obtained and improve problem discovery and decision-making processes.

99% of AI Startups Hit First Bubble Trap

AI Disruption • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Choosing the right strategy is crucial in AI startups, with some pushing for further tech advancements while others emphasize caution.
  2. Entrepreneurs should consider following the lead of successful AI groups like OpenAI, but be wary of directly replicating their approach to avoid being overshadowed.
  3. It's important for AI startups to balance innovation with a prudent approach to navigating the competitive landscape.

One Year In...

The Flawed Yogi Report • 0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The author faced challenges in keeping their business running during the pandemic, struggling to predict when they could reopen.
  2. Adapting to changes, staying optimistic, and learning new skills helped the author navigate through the difficult times.
  3. Despite the uncertainties, the author highlights the importance of human connection and community, expressing hope for a return to a sense of normalcy in the future.

It’s Group Buying, Jim, but not as we know it

Tech Buzz China Insider • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The group store model in China has evolved into a unique form of community group buying where group leaders act as platform franchisees, attracting residents through low prices and generating revenues via a gross margin on goods sold.
  2. Group store chains are expanding rapidly across China, with varying store sizes and monthly sales figures, aiming to attract customers to physical stores with limited SKUs and low prices.
  3. To ensure sustainability and profitability, group store companies are diversifying their offerings by adding higher-margin products and services like fresh food, entertainment vouchers, and local services, aiming to create a comprehensive platform for community businesses.

"Open Innovation"

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 17
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Collaboration is key in the digital era for innovation; notable examples include Pfizer, BioNTech, Google, and Amazon.
  2. Many Japanese companies still hold onto a traditional 'Not Invented Here' mindset, hindering their ability to adapt to open innovation practices.
  3. Efforts are being made by some Japanese giants to shift towards open innovation, but success levels vary.

Nurturing Entrepreneurs

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 16
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Revitalizing Japan's economy requires nurturing a new generation of young, innovative firms.
  2. Japan needs to embrace 'creative destruction' seen in North America and Europe, where dynamic newer companies replace old ones for economic growth.
  3. Policymakers must support shifts in civil society, technology, and attitudes to address Japan's economic challenges.

How a Car Salesman Became a Community Banking Pioneer

The Small Business Corner • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Dave Fishwick's journey from a school dropout to a successful entrepreneur is inspiring. He focused on giving back and supporting his community.
  2. Fishwick started out selling cars and gradually grew his business to become one of Britain's largest minivan and bus suppliers.
  3. In response to the financial crisis, Fishwick obtained a banking license to help his community by providing small loans to those in need, putting the community's well-being first.

Where are we going in 2022?

Robots & Startups • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Product development is like an adventure into the wilderness, forging a path towards a world-changing vision.
  2. The journey may be unclear and hidden in fog, but the goal remains clear and impactful.
  3. Consider mapping the unknowns in product development to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties.

Đếm

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 12 Sep 15
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. It is important to quantify and highlight achievements when introducing individuals, whether they are programmers, entrepreneurs, or cybersecurity experts.
  2. When introducing a programmer, emphasize details like the lines of code written and where they are published, to showcase their experience and skills.
  3. For entrepreneurs, highlight their innovative ideas, successful ventures, and social media following to demonstrate their accomplishments and potential.

We suck at meetings

realkinetic • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 20
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Meetings are often poorly run and not very productive, even though they are important for collaboration and decision-making.
  2. There is a lack of structured approach to meetings and they can be a significant expense for businesses, despite not being taught formally in schools.
  3. Assigning different roles in meetings can help improve their effectiveness, but many struggle to extract and deliver value in meetings due to their scattered nature.

The Tyranny of Venture Capital Math

Rob Leclerc • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 21
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. In venture capital, it's crucial to focus on the potential size of outcomes, not just the product or service utility.
  2. To succeed in venture capital, aim for investments with the potential for very large outcomes to make up for inevitable losses.
  3. The "tyranny of venture capital math" highlights that not every good idea is a viable venture capital investment, as each investment must have the potential for significant growth.

Quantum Formalism Batch I

Deep-Tech Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. The 12-week online course Quantum Formalism offers two tracks: one for those new to quantum computing and the other for professionals seeking advanced math topics.
  2. Upskilling in quantum software engineering can boost startups' access to talented engineers and counter the recruitment dominance of big tech companies like Google and IBM.
  3. The program emphasizes diversity and plans to expand student numbers to admit more women and people of color, while also seeking partnerships with incubators and quantum startups.