The hottest Entrepreneurship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The path to your first advising contract.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 1139 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Don't quit your full-time job to start advising, aim to close your first advising contract while still working full-time.
  2. Shift the narrative by creating your first advising opportunity instead of waiting for one to come to you.
  3. Focus on learning and experience in your first advisory contract, not just money. Iterate and analyze patterns to decide your future in advising.

What Is a Brand?

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. A brand is more than just a logo or a website; it's how a company is perceived by customers. It includes everything about the company, inside and out.
  2. Building a brand involves creating trust and relationships with people. It's about how customers feel when they interact with your business.
  3. Your brand is shaped by how others see you over time. It's important to stand out and leave a memorable impression, as that perception affects your success.

What The Freemium!?

Elena's Growth Scoop • 1061 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Freemium is an intentional business strategy that must be carefully constructed.
  2. Freemium is about offering a limited version of a product for free while charging for additional features.
  3. The goal of freemium is to attract users and build an engaged base that can convert to paid customers.
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Putting the (Insta)cart before the Grocery (horse): A COVID Favorite's Reality Check!

Musings on Markets • 1059 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Instacart's upcoming IPO shows that its value has dropped significantly since the peak days of the pandemic. What was once thought to be worth over $50 billion is now expected to be valued around $9 to $10 billion.
  2. The grocery business is generally slow-growing and has very low margins. This affects how much Instacart can charge for its services and makes it tough for them to grow dramatically.
  3. Instacart now faces tough competition from grocery stores that have started their own online services. This competition is likely to limit Instacart's market share and growth in the future.

Dishoom's $400m Restaurant Playbook

SatPost by Trung Phan • 148 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Dishoom's unique marketing strategy involves gamifying the dining experience, like letting customers roll dice for a chance to win a free meal. This adds excitement and encourages more people to visit during peak times.
  2. The restaurant blends rich cultural influences from Bombay's Irani cafés with modern dining, making it a middle ground between casual curry houses and high-end Michelin-star restaurants. This allows Dishoom to appeal to a broad range of customers.
  3. Dishoom's approach to expanding includes maintaining quality and the dining experience as core priorities, showing that focus on customer satisfaction can lead to significant growth in sales and popularity.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

Under-the-hood of writing on Substack

Sustainability by numbers • 658 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building an audience takes time, and almost no one starts with one. Consistently publishing interesting content helps attract more readers over time.
  2. You can potentially make money on platforms like Substack, but it often depends on how engaged your audience is. Even a small, dedicated group can lead to a good income.
  3. Long-form writing is valuable because it allows for deeper exploration of topics. There's always room for new voices, and sharing your insights helps improve public discussions.

If you’re laid off

Alex Ewerlöf Notes • 609 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. It's okay to feel a range of emotions after a job loss, but getting back up quickly helps you grow.
  2. Don't take job loss personally - it's often a systemic issue within companies.
  3. Job security is not guaranteed, so reskilling and adapting to market trends is crucial.

10 SEO Myths Killing Your Business

Nail It and Scale It • 99 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. SEO takes time and money to see real results. If you're looking for quick fixes, SEO might not be the best choice for your business.
  2. AI can help with some parts of SEO, like on-page optimization, but it can't do everything. Good content and backlinks still require a lot of manual effort.
  3. SEO isn’t a one-time task; it's an ongoing process. You need to keep optimizing and updating your site regularly to maintain good search rankings.

Are kids compatible with running a business?

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Running a business while parenting is tough. It can be hard to find time to focus on work when taking care of kids.
  2. It's important to balance motherhood and work. Many moms need to realize they can't do everything at once, and that's okay.
  3. Challenges will always arise in both motherhood and entrepreneurship. Learning to adapt and stay resilient is key to managing those tough times.

Why I Left Norway

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1553 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. High taxes in Norway, including a new unrealized gains tax, made it hard for entrepreneurs to keep their businesses profitable and maintain ownership. They struggled to balance their income with the need to pay these taxes.
  2. Many successful Norwegian entrepreneurs are leaving the country to escape burdensome taxes, and this trend is affecting the wealth distribution in Norway. A significant number of top taxpayers have relocated to protect their wealth.
  3. The situation in Norway reflects a troubling pattern where government policies may stifle innovation and entrepreneurship. This has created an environment where those who want to build businesses feel they have no choice but to move elsewhere.

Paramount's math doesn't add up

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Bari Weiss is seeking over $200 million for her media startup, but it might not be worth that much due to culture clashes with traditional newsrooms.
  2. Independent podcasters can earn significant money, suggesting that larger companies like Paramount need to better monetize their content, especially on social media.
  3. Generative AI may affect production more than screenwriting in Hollywood, as it struggles with creating good long-form stories.

The Tech Founder & The Narcissistic Parent

Design is Love • 3 HN points • 25 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Narcissistic people can really bring you down and make you doubt your dreams. It's important to ignore their negative words and believe in yourself.
  2. Success often comes from hard work and resilience, not just connections. Keep pushing toward your goals even if others don’t support you.
  3. Finding your own worth is key to overcoming challenges. You should define your success, not let others tell you what it means.

65 successful media entrepreneurs share their top growth hacks

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Many media entrepreneurs are sharing their success stories to help others learn how to build and grow their businesses. These stories often include practical tips that can be applied to different media projects.
  2. Building a strong online presence is crucial, whether through newsletters, podcasts, or social media. Engaging an audience consistently can lead to loyal subscribers and increased revenue.
  3. Finding a specific niche can be a great strategy for media startups. Focusing on a particular topic or audience allows entrepreneurs to create content that truly resonates and stands out in a crowded market.

What we would’ve done differently in the first year of bootstrapping our company

Founders Confidential • 51 HN points • 28 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Start content marketing early because it takes a long time to build an audience. This way, you can also learn what your users really need.
  2. Target specific keywords in your SEO content. This helps your articles show up in search results and reach the right audience.
  3. Understand your users' experiences more deeply. Talking to them can give you valuable insights to improve your product.

The Family

Venture Prose • 1058 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The Family organization had a lot of ambitious individuals and a strong sense of community, but struggled to find a sustainable business model.
  2. Despite the energy and enthusiasm within The Family, they faced challenges with loose processes, lack of focus, and poor accountability.
  3. Individuals within The Family, like Oussama, played significant roles in both the success and failure of the organization, showcasing the importance of leadership and responsibility.

Fred Smith Built a Great American Company. What Made Him Tick?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Fred Smith came up with the idea for FedEx while at Yale, despite not doing well in school. He didn't let that grade stop him from building a huge company.
  2. FedEx changed how people expect deliveries with its promise of overnight shipping. Smith had to navigate many rules to make this vision a reality.
  3. As the internet grew, Smith adapted by expanding into ground shipping, helping FedEx stay strong against competitors like UPS and Amazon.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

The Generalist • 1080 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Be customer-obsessed, going above and beyond to meet their needs can lead to long-term benefits, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
  2. Always be willing to innovate and don't fear failure; it’s a crucial part of success in business.
  3. Sometimes, it's smart to work with your competitors for mutual benefit, as this can set you up for future advantages against them.

Reflections on Palantir

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 1678 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Palantir focuses on solving tough problems in important industries like healthcare and manufacturing. The company aims to tackle complex issues that others often ignore, offering a unique opportunity for engineers who want to make a real impact.
  2. The role of forward deployed engineers (FDEs) is key at Palantir. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and integrate data effectively, helping to create software solutions that solve real business problems.
  3. The culture at Palantir is intense and promotes open communication, where criticism and debate are welcomed. This environment encourages employees to think deeply and cultivate a unique set of skills that can lead to successful startups.

You need to neglect mostly everything to win big

Play Permissionless • 319 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. To win big, you only need to get a small number of things right and can afford to mess up everything else. This applies to both companies and individuals.
  2. Winning big often requires unlearning traditional schooling strategies and focusing on doing a great job at a few key aspects while neglecting the rest.
  3. Removing non-essential tasks and focusing solely on what helps deliver better and faster results can lead to significant improvements and ultimately winning big.

#1 Question You Need to Crush Your Niche

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 99 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Success takes time and effort; it doesn't happen overnight. Jim Carrey's journey shows that hard work is key to reaching your goals.
  2. Understanding your audience is crucial. Asking 'What do they want?' can help you create something they truly value.
  3. Don't just settle for the surface; dig deeper to find unique insights. This can set you apart in a crowded market.

🚀💥 Time to worry about SpaceX and Starship?

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. There are concerns that frequent explosions during SpaceX launches could delay their plans to reach the Moon and Mars. This might affect the timeline for these ambitious projects.
  2. Elon Musk aims to make space travel accessible to more people, moving beyond just government use. His vision includes transporting settlers to Mars and making intercontinental travel faster.
  3. If Musk's plans succeed, SpaceX could become one of the most significant companies ever, helping humanity expand across the Solar System.

Irresistible Insights

Venture Prose • 299 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Founders can stand out when they combine genius with the obvious in their industry or approach.
  2. Sometimes unique and brilliant ideas may seem natural to founders, requiring help to highlight these insights for investors.
  3. Investors seek out founders with irresistible qualities and ideas, often discovering hidden gems in unexpected places.

Progress is not automatic

Play Permissionless • 239 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Progress is not automatic, you can't expect different outcomes by doing the same thing over and over.
  2. Sticking to what you know can lead to stagnation; sometimes a radical change in approach is needed to see significant growth.
  3. To achieve a 10x improvement, you often have to stop doing most of the things you're currently doing and embrace new strategies.

how to be extremely focused

Tiny Empires • 85 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Focus is more about your environment and energy than just willpower. Create a clean, dedicated workspace to help your mind concentrate better.
  2. Plan your day ahead by choosing your main task the night before. It makes starting your work in the morning much smoother.
  3. Take breaks while working. Follow a cycle of 60-90 minutes of focused work followed by short breaks to keep your brain fresh and clear.

Who I Am and Why I Started This Newsletter

Nail It and Scale It • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. The author has over 10 years of experience in advertising, tech, and startups. This gives him a unique view on problems and solutions.
  2. He has worked with both big companies and startups, helping them grow and succeed. Some of his clients have achieved significant milestones like IPOs and acquisitions.
  3. The newsletter will offer practical advice for entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses. It will cover various topics like marketing tactics, budgeting, and using AI for efficiency.

🚀 Propel Your Space Startup Journey with Space Ambition's Fellowship Program 🌌

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. There is a fellowship program for people interested in starting space-related businesses. It offers guidance and support to help turn your ideas into reality.
  2. Participants will receive personalized feedback and insights on how to attract investors. This can help make your startup idea more appealing.
  3. The program includes online classes, individual coaching, and access to a network of resources. This structure is designed to assist you every step of the way in launching your space venture.

The inside story of why this once high-flying digital health startup failed

Second Opinion • 589 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Entrepreneurs should not avoid discussing failure, as it is part of the journey.
  2. Founders should be cautious of taking on too much at once, especially in terms of lobbying for policy changes while building a business model.
  3. When fundraising, founders should carefully consider investor relationships, future funding needs, and the value placed on patient experience.

Inside the SaaS efficiency gap

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 449 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Early-stage SaaS startups are getting smaller, now averaging just 7 employees compared to 13 in previous years. They are managing to achieve higher revenue per employee as they focus on efficiency.
  2. Bigger SaaS companies are facing challenges like team bloat and slower growth. Their revenue per employee is decreasing, meaning they need to find ways to improve efficiency.
  3. The trend is shifting toward lean teams that prioritize generalists and AI fluency. Startups are adapting by hiring fewer people who can handle multiple roles and leverage AI effectively.

Modern Meditations: Kirsten Green

The Generalist • 3462 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Consumer investing requires a blend of talents including market understanding, marketing, psychology, and anthropology.
  2. Success can be redefined to focus on internal qualities like peace of mind rather than external achievements.
  3. Patience is key in making better decisions, both in investments and personal conflicts.

How I Hit 1,000 Substack Subs in 5 Months & How You Can Too!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1458 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a Substack newsletter can be very rewarding, and it's possible to grow your subscriber count quickly. It took just five months to reach 1,000 subscribers.
  2. Consistent and engaging content is key to attracting and retaining subscribers. People want to feel connected through what you share.
  3. Promotion and networking are important. Sharing your newsletter in the right communities can help you gain more visibility and reach potential readers.

Netflix will never catch up to YouTube

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. YouTube has a big advantage over Netflix because it offers free content and allows users to create their own videos. This makes YouTube more popular and flexible for different types of audiences.
  2. Local news meteorologists are starting their own digital channels, showing how traditional media is changing. They're adapting to the creator economy by leveraging their expertise online.
  3. The Daily Show has grown in popularity again by embracing modern platforms like YouTube and having rotating hosts. Its mix of comedy and political content helps attract a wider audience.

Top Links 796 The sanctification of small business. How gold is displacing coca. A German drought and the first lawnmower.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship
  1. Small businesses are being viewed as really important in America right now. This change may need more discussion to understand its impact.
  2. Gold is becoming a substitute for coca in some areas. This transition could have significant effects on local economies and social structures.
  3. A drought in Germany is impacting daily life, even influencing things like lawn care. Understanding such environmental changes is crucial.