The hottest Finance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Unscalable *and* effective ⛰

The SaaS Baton • 98 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Not everything needs to be scalable, doing unscalable things can still be effective in startups
  2. Hiring a finance executive early on can bring valuable insights and help with key financial tasks
  3. Monetizing an open-source product through SaaS can present challenges but also lead to product maturity for different use cases

DirectorMoves

DirectorMoves • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Recent appointments to various company Boards and CEO changes.
  2. Increase in female Board members across companies with market cap over $5 billion since January 1, 2023.
  3. Changes in CFO and General Counsel positions in different organizations.

Beach Delay

The Lund Loop • 98 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. The author is attending a conference in Huntington Beach today and tomorrow.
  2. The author plans to share a 'Daily Update' video later in the afternoon.
  3. The Lund Loop publication is reader-supported, and readers can subscribe to receive new posts and support the author's work.
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The Unholy Trinity of Venture Capital

Investing 101 • 161 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Venture capital is changing a lot because of three main players: agglomerators, allocators, and absorbers. These groups shape what venture capital looks like today.
  2. Agglomerators raise huge amounts of money and focus on making profits from fees. They often manage many investments at once and aim to control more resources.
  3. Large funds often attract institutional investors looking for steady returns, but this can lead to competition for fewer investment opportunities, making it tough for smaller funds to succeed.

Admist uncertain merger with Woz's Privateer Space, Orbital Insight CEO Kevin O'Brien bails to cryptocurrency surveillance firm Chainalysis

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 366 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Orbital Insight CEO Kevin O'Brien moved to the cryptocurrency surveillance firm Chainalysis, leaving behind the collapse and financial struggles of Orbital.
  2. Orbital Insight faced challenges leading to financial decline, including defaulting on rent, a nonfunctional main phone line, and failed attempts at a merger with Privateer Space.
  3. Despite substantial funding and strategic partnerships, Orbital's downfall was partially attributed to market changes, such as Apple's privacy measures affecting their commercial data analysis business.

Alchemix Overview - Part 1 of 2

DeFi Education • 679 implied HN points • 06 Oct 21
🔮 Crypto Finance
  1. You can deposit DAI to create alUSD, which is a type of stablecoin. This helps you use your assets in a more flexible way.
  2. The yield from your collateral goes to pay off your advance automatically, making the process easier for you. You don't have to worry about repayment.
  3. Alchemix is a smaller market cap project compared to others, but it has interesting features that may appeal to users looking for innovative DeFi solutions.

Optimise for Change when Pressured for Features

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Businesses with low outcomes for big budgets may get stuck in a negative feedback cycle due to perceived ineffectiveness, leading to frugality and pressure.
  2. When pressured for features, it's important for teams to optimize for change to adapt to evolving demands and challenges.
  3. Optimizing for change in high-pressure situations can help businesses break free from stagnant cycles and drive better outcomes for their investments.

Perpetual Swaps / Intro to Derivatives

DeFi Education • 639 implied HN points • 31 Oct 21
🔮 Crypto Finance
  1. Derivatives are financial contracts that get their value from underlying assets, like futures and swaps. They help traders in risking less money for potentially larger rewards, but also come with increased risks.
  2. Perpetual swaps are a popular type of derivative in crypto because they allow traders to hold positions indefinitely. This means you can bet on price movements of cryptocurrencies without actually having to own them.
  3. Using futures allows for predictable costs and known risks, while perpetual swaps offer more flexibility but with variable costs. Traders can choose based on whether they prefer stability or flexibility in their trades.

Console #195 -- Top open source projects of the week 🎉

Console • 354 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Finance
  1. This post features top open source projects of the week on search engines, finance, and AI tools.
  2. Highlighted projects include Stract - a web search engine, Rye - offering a Hassle-Free Python Experience, and Maybe - an OS for personal finances.
  3. Additional projects like Pkl, Fabric, and WhisperKit are also showcased with their unique features.

Maker Financials + Aave GHO

DeFi Education • 379 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🔮 Crypto Finance
  1. MakerDAO is known for creating DAI, a popular stablecoin in the DeFi space. It's a big player in decentralized finance and is being closely watched by investors.
  2. Aave has introduced a new stablecoin called GHO. This is part of the ongoing trend of stablecoin development in the decentralized finance market.
  3. The discussion around Maker and Aave highlights the evolving nature of DeFi, where new products and updates can quickly shift how users engage with these financial systems.

Exclusive: Google-backed intelligence contractor is avoiding bankruptcy by attempting to merge with Steve Wozniak's satellite company

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 467 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Orbital Insight, a Google-backed intelligence contractor, is avoiding bankruptcy by planning a merger with Steve Wozniak's satellite company Privateer.
  2. Orbital Insight faced financial troubles including downgrading its value and emergency loans, with its main client being the Indonesian military.
  3. Orbital's expansion plans included military and intelligence contracts worldwide, efforts to court international militaries like the IDF, Saudis, and Emiratis, and possible NATO collaborations.

AI, Financial Crime, and the Dilemma of Responsibility

False Positive • 39 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Finance
  1. In the world of AI and finance, the question of responsibility for AI committing financial crimes is a complex legal and ethical dilemma.
  2. AI technology like deep learning and reinforcement learning is being used in hedge funds to maximize returns and manage risks in financial markets, but this raises concerns about potential market manipulation and ethical implications.
  3. Regulators are starting to address the risks posed by AI in financial markets, but challenges such as establishing intent in AI programs and ensuring accountability without hindering innovation remain.

Problems at Symbotic (SYM)

The Bear Cave • 676 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Symbotic faces issues like executive departures and a high valuation
  2. The company relies heavily on a few key customers like Walmart
  3. Investors have high hopes for Symbotic's growth potential despite concerns

Old Beethoven Had A Farm

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 27 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Finance
  1. Beethoven X is a new platform in the DeFi world that is based on an existing project called Balancer v2. It's designed to help users easily trade cryptocurrencies.
  2. The name 'Beethoven' connects to both the famous composer and the concept of farming, playing on the words to create a fun twist.
  3. Users can enjoy features like automated trading and earning opportunities on this platform, making it a useful tool for DeFi enthusiasts.

Happy Thanksgiving Semicap & Semiconductors

Mule’s Musings • 141 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Export controls in the semiconductor industry can create good buying opportunities. It's a chance for investors to think strategically.
  2. The semiconductor market is influenced by various factors, and understanding these can help in making informed decisions.
  3. Staying updated on industry news is essential for anyone interested in semiconductors, especially during significant events like Thanksgiving.

*Pro-Market and Pro-Business*: The Keith Knight Interview

Bet On It • 55 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Finance
  1. Supporting market growth is important for businesses. It helps create jobs and increases the economy.
  2. Talking openly about ideas can lead to better understanding and discussions. It's good to share different perspectives.
  3. Meetups can help connect people who share similar interests. It's a great way to make new friends and learn from each other.

Inside The UFC's New $7.7 Billion Media Rights Deal With Paramount

Huddle Up • 35 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Finance
  1. UFC signed a huge $7.7 billion deal with Paramount for media rights over seven years. This means fans will get to watch all UFC events just by subscribing to Paramount+.
  2. The deal is significant because it eliminates the expensive pay-per-view model. Instead of paying $80 for each event, fans will only need the monthly fee for Paramount+ to access every fight.
  3. This new partnership is expected to change how UFC operates financially and potentially affect what fighters get paid. It's a big shift in the sports broadcasting landscape.

Instagram wants Gen-Z. Advertisers wants budget. You want less ads on streaming &...

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Finance
  1. Instagram is trying hard to attract younger users like Gen-Z. This is important for keeping the platform fresh and popular.
  2. Advertisers are looking for budget-friendly options as they adjust their spending. This means they want effective ways to reach their audience without overspending.
  3. There's been a rise in ads on platforms like Amazon and YouTube, which might make the user experience feel more crowded. People are hoping for fewer ads on streaming services instead.

Back Live! Academy

DeFi Education • 259 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Finance
  1. The academy is back live and ready for business again.
  2. If you have payment issues, you can reach out to the contact provided.
  3. The information shared is not legal or financial advice; it comes from a group of anonymous cartoon animals.

GTM Foundation: How SaaS Founders grow from €0 to €1M ARR (Part 2)

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 51 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Finance
  1. Building a Go-To-Market (GTM) foundation is essential for growing a SaaS company from zero to one million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). This involves understanding your target market and developing proper strategies.
  2. GTM collaterals, like an effective homepage and sales deck, are vital tools for converting visitors into customers. They help communicate your value and guide potential buyers through their decision-making process.
  3. Choosing the right channels to reach your customers is crucial. Focus on a few primary channels first and gradually explore secondary options as you gain traction.

Perpetual Protocol (Part 1 of 2)

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 06 Nov 21
🔮 Crypto Finance
  1. Perpetual Protocol is a decentralized exchange where users can trade derivatives. This means you can buy and sell contracts that represent an underlying asset's value without owning the asset itself.
  2. Users can leverage their trades by up to 10 times. This allows traders to potentially make more money, but it also increases the risk of losing more.
  3. The protocol uses a specific token called PERP. This token is important for conducting trades and participating in the platform's governance.

How To Restore Japan As A Startup Nation

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 27 May 22
💼 Business Finance
  1. The number of high-growth enterprises is essential for economic growth and innovation.
  2. The importance of supporting startups with policies like tax incentives and easier access to financing.
  3. The need for strategic investments in human capital, such as digital skills education, to drive growth in modern industries.

The Ugly Duckling

The Last Bear Standing • 38 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💼 Business Finance
  1. The company has faced serious challenges and its stock price dropped significantly, but it has started to show signs of recovery. It's important to see the potential for growth despite the risks involved.
  2. Recent changes in legislation and financial support are set to help the company and its industry grow even more. This could lead to more opportunities and better results in the future.
  3. Investing in this company is not for the faint of heart, but if things go well, it could turn from an 'ugly duckling' into a successful business that catches everyone's attention.

Series B Activity: January 2024

Magid and Co • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Series B deal volume increased significantly in January compared to December, which is positive news for founders seeking funding.
  2. Data focused on Series B deals globally (excluding China) with amounts raised over $5M and companies not centered on therapeutics.
  3. The post provides insights into recent Series B activity, highlighting key statistics and trends in the sector.

Beautiful Things

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Finance
  1. Beauty is a positive value that signals achievement and civilization across people, art, and built environments.
  2. Much of beauty is the result of effort and craft—grooming, fashion, music, and workmanship require real work, and trying is a virtue.
  3. Ugliness often comes from aggression, decay, or bad politics, and outer appearance commonly reflects inner character.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Nvidia's Goldilocks Quarter

Mule’s Musings • 295 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Nvidia's quarterly results exceeded expectations, with significant revenue growth in the Datacenter segment despite challenges like China's revenue dropping to almost zero.
  2. Nvidia achieved its highest gross margin ever, despite expectations that it would decrease in the future, hinting at potential pricing strategies for new products like B100.
  3. Nvidia is facing supply constraints but anticipates strong demand for upcoming products like B100, suggesting promising revenue growth opportunities and potential bottlenecks in the networking industry.

Top Questions ahead of Neudata’s New York Winter Data Summit

The Data Score • 59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. The questions asked at Neudata's New York Winter Data Summit cover themes like alternative data in investing, AI applications in financial analysis, and insights from recent data trends.
  2. Speakers will discuss the evolving role of alternative data and its impact on investment strategies, the use of AI in financial analysis, and the real-world implications of data trends on the economy and key sectors.
  3. Attendees will gain insights on the impact of alternative data on decision-making, the potential of AI in financial analysis, and the practical applications of recent data trends in the finance industry.

Threats Without Borders - Issue 168

Threats Without Borders • 39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Finance
  1. The New York State Attorney General is taking legal action against Citibank regarding fraud and cybersecurity issues.
  2. Financial institutions might be required to reimburse customers for funds lost to electronic fraud under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.
  3. There are concerns about the use of deepfake technology in cybercrime, highlighting the importance of security controls and validation procedures.

An Amazon Sr. Manager's Guide to Managing AI Teams effectively [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Managing AI teams can be uniquely challenging due to the multi-disciplinary and opaque nature of the field, requiring robust systems to tackle.
  2. Gaining insights from experienced managers like Christopher Walton, who shares tips on effective AI team management, can help you stay ahead in the AI race.
  3. Learning from the experiences of others in areas like Leadership, Productivity, and Personal/Professional Development through stories can provide valuable lessons for your own growth.

Buffett's big lesson after 80 years of investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Making a few great investment decisions can have a huge impact over time. It's better to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to investing.
  2. Staying calm and focusing on long-term goals is crucial. Short-term market noise shouldn't distract investors from their main objectives.
  3. It's important to be flexible and willing to change your approach as circumstances evolve. Adapting to new ideas can lead to better investment opportunities.

Dominant Assurance Contract Experiment #2: Berkeley House Dinners

Arjun Panickssery • 78 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. The writer experimented with a Dominant Assurance Contract, but didn't reach the required number of funders and lost money.
  2. The writer is trying a real-world Dominant Assurance Contract for hosting weekly dinners, where participants can pay to attend.
  3. Participants in the dinner contract can pay at least $20, with the writer hosting the dinners if $700 is raised, or providing a partial refund if the target is not met.