The hottest Finance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
East Wind 29 implied HN points 17 Sep 24
  1. Venture capital involves finding, evaluating, and supporting startups, but picking the right ones is often overlooked. This 'picking' can greatly affect the overall returns.
  2. Investing in non-consensus startups, or those that most investors avoid, can yield high rewards, but it requires confidence and willingness to take risks.
  3. Markets that are growing fast, or those with less competition like certain consumer sectors, could be good places to find unique investment opportunities. However, these come with their own risks.
Net Interest 9 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. JPMorgan's Chase app used traditional advertising instead of trendy methods, showing off its benefits like 1% cashback to attract customers.
  2. Despite initial success with a large number of customers and deposits, acquiring new customers is getting more expensive for Chase compared to smaller banks like Monzo.
  3. JPMorgan views its UK expansion as a long-term plan, using this venture as a model for potential growth in other markets if it proves successful.
Net Interest 17 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. The demand for data centers is skyrocketing due to growth in AI and cloud services. Companies and investors are putting big money into building these facilities to meet future needs.
  2. Major tech companies like Meta and Microsoft are planning to invest heavily in AI infrastructure this year. This indicates that there's a big race to develop the necessary resources for AI technology.
  3. Recent developments suggest that new AI models can be produced with less infrastructure than before. This raises questions about the future profitability of data center companies, as they might not be as essential to AI advancements.
Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz 9 implied HN points 01 Jun 25
  1. Always be ready to seize opportunities. As Warren Buffett says, 'turn every page' means you should work hard and be thorough, even when the door seems closed.
  2. Patience is key in investing. Instead of rushing to invest, wait for the right opportunity and be prepared to act quickly when it comes.
  3. Surround yourself with positive, trustworthy people. The people you work with can influence your habits and outcomes, so choose wisely.
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Of All Trades 9 implied HN points 27 May 25
  1. Starbucks makes a lot of money, earning about $36 billion in revenue in 2024. This shows that their business is not just about coffee, but also a serious finance player.
  2. By allowing customers to load money onto their app for purchases, Starbucks essentially acts like a bank. They hold this money without needing to give customers cash back, making it a profitable system for them.
  3. Starbucks holds more customer deposits than about 80% of U.S. banks, even though it's primarily a coffee company. This highlights how big their banking-like system has become in the consumer market.
Logos 19 implied HN points 24 May 23
  1. There are different types of subscription models, like 'pay to access' or 'pay to save.' Each type has different strategies for companies.
  2. Companies should know their goal for subscriptions — either to make money directly or encourage customers to spend more on other products.
  3. Offering upfront annual payments may not be the best idea. Many users who pay upfront are less likely to cancel anyway, so the discount might not be worth it.
Tech Ramblings 19 implied HN points 18 Jun 23
  1. A big seed round of $113M can be a problem for a new startup if they don't yet have a product. This huge amount of money can create pressure to perform, making it harder to focus on what really matters.
  2. When a startup gives away nearly half of its company for funding, the founders might lose control over their vision. They could end up following orders from investors instead of pursuing their own ideas.
  3. It's a myth that having a lot of money leads to creativity. Successful companies usually start with a strong idea and a small amount of funding, not a huge pot of cash.
Ben’s Newsletter 39 implied HN points 28 Sep 22
  1. Consumers are changing their shopping habits due to rising prices. Many people are looking for discounts, shopping less, or sticking to essential purchases.
  2. Despite the pressure, people are still spending but are choosing cheaper options or smaller amounts. It's all about making trade-offs with their money.
  3. Retailers are facing challenges with excess stock and returns. They need new ways to sell off inventory without heavily discounting, which can hurt their profits.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 219 implied HN points 14 Oct 19
  1. Risk and uncertainty are not the same. We often confuse the two, but dealing with true uncertainty needs a different approach than just managing risks.
  2. Businesses need to adapt to unexpected changes. Having a flexible mindset can help companies navigate uncertain situations more effectively.
  3. Understanding uncertainty can improve personal and professional growth. Embracing uncertainty helps with better decision-making and can lead to new discoveries.
Huddle Up 16 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. Live sports have become a key factor in Netflix’s success, contributing to a significant increase in its stock price. It seems that people love watching sports, and that keeps them subscribed to streaming services.
  2. The involvement of high-profile investors, like Bill Ackman, in companies can also impact market trends and stock prices. When a big name invests, it often grabs attention.
  3. Streaming platforms are adapting to include live events to attract and retain viewers. This shift highlights the importance of diverse content to engage audiences.
Technology Made Simple 39 implied HN points 06 May 22
  1. Maximizing the area of a container with water involves maximizing both its width and height, which leads to utilizing a technique like Two Pointers for an optimized solution.
  2. For the container problem discussed, starting with two pointers at the ends and progressively moving them towards each other to increase width helps in filtering out low width and height combinations.
  3. A key optimization technique known as 'Artem's Rule' states that if a > b, then a > all numbers lesser than b, which can be a foundational concept for various interview problem optimizations.
Neckar’s Notes 15 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. Warren Buffett combined reading with building strong relationships to grow his wealth. Both his knowledge and connections helped him succeed.
  2. Buffett pursued wealth in a way that was meaningful and enjoyable to him, focusing on personal growth and independence.
  3. The next Buffett will be proactive in seeking knowledge and crafting their own path, rather than just copying what others did.
Diane Francis 119 implied HN points 08 Jan 21
  1. Diane Francis is a veteran columnist who focuses on important topics like power and corruption.
  2. She writes about money issues and ethics in technology, making it easier for people to understand complex subjects.
  3. Her work aims to expose wrongdoing in business and public life, helping readers stay informed.
Huddle Up 19 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. Yasir Al-Rumayyan has become a key figure in sports, connecting with major players like FIFA's president and Tiger Woods. His influence helps him shape decisions in various sports leagues.
  2. Saudi Arabia is using its wealth to expand into sports, with its state-controlled oil company making huge profits. This financial power supports the country's long-term growth strategy.
  3. Al-Rumayyan's rise shows how money and relationships can create significant influence in global sports, impacting leagues like UFC, Formula 1, and soccer.
Soaring Twenties 46 implied HN points 19 Jan 24
  1. Innovation requires risk management for success and to achieve desired futures.
  2. Collaboration between innovators and risk managers is crucial for overall success.
  3. Balancing daring and diligence is key to navigating the inherent risks of innovative technologies.
The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly 5 implied HN points 30 Jul 25
  1. Your business model and niche are very important choices. They shape who you serve and how you earn money.
  2. Different niches require different business models, which can affect how much time you work and the money you take home.
  3. It's crucial to align your business model with your personal preferences and your clients' needs, as every path has trade-offs.
Technology Made Simple 39 implied HN points 19 Mar 22
  1. Zynga's acquisition by Take-Two for 12.7 Billion USD shows the big-money moves in the tech industry, especially gaming.
  2. A trend of consolidation in the gaming market is evident with acquisitions like Microsoft buying Activision, indicating companies trying to secure larger market shares.
  3. As leisure activities become increasingly popular, there's a growing opportunity for content creators to profit by mastering relevant skills like AI/ML, system design, and Math.
My Home Office Hacks 5 implied HN points 28 Jul 25
  1. Don't be afraid to question your bills. You might get a better deal just by asking for one.
  2. Self-advocating can save you money. Sometimes, just asking nicely can reduce your costs significantly.
  3. If your webcam isn't clear, consider upgrading to a better portable webcam for video calls. It can make a big difference!
The Future of Life 19 implied HN points 03 Apr 23
  1. The future job market may only need entrepreneurs and prompt artists. These roles will handle creative tasks and develop new products using AI.
  2. Blue-collar jobs are safe for now, but AI will likely start to automate many of these roles in the future, creating new job categories for workers managing advanced robots.
  3. AI could dramatically change finance by making better predictions for investments. This means more money could go to the best ideas, boosting economic growth.
Equal Ventures 59 implied HN points 09 Aug 21
  1. Equal Ventures is hiring MBA Research Interns to work on specific verticals like Care Economies, Climate / Energy, Insurance, Retail, and Supply Chain / Logistics.
  2. The role focuses on developing investment themes and a research database, providing a ground-level view at a high-growth VC fund.
  3. Ideal candidates for the internship are professional, intellectually curious, self-directed, and friendly, with experience in market research.
Technology Made Simple 39 implied HN points 13 Mar 22
  1. The newsletter is now going daily, offering a comprehensive schedule for coding interview preparation.
  2. The schedule includes themed days like Math Monday and Technique Tuesday, covering important aspects of coding interviews.
  3. Premium subscribers gain access to in-depth solutions, stories, and system design discussions, enhancing their interview preparation.
More Than Moore 70 implied HN points 11 May 23
  1. Intel's financial quarter showcased significant drop in revenue and margins.
  2. Changes in reporting structures for different business units, like CGFX, AXG, Silicon Photonics, and Automotive Foundry.
  3. Intel provided guidance for Q2, including lower revenue and gross margins compared to the previous year.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 179 implied HN points 06 Nov 19
  1. There are different types of unknown situations we can face. It's important to recognize these differences because they affect how we make decisions.
  2. A common mistake is treating real uncertainty like risk, thinking we can predict outcomes when we really can't. Understanding this can help us better navigate complex situations.
  3. We need to find new ways to plan and react when faced with unknown outcomes, since these scenarios are becoming more common. Simply applying a risk mindset isn't enough.
Tech Ramblings 19 implied HN points 23 Apr 23
  1. When starting a business, pay yourself just enough to live on. This way, you can focus on building the company without financial stress.
  2. Try to keep your living costs low before launching. This can help you manage funds better and prepare for the long journey ahead.
  3. As a startup CEO, it's important not to pay yourself too much. This helps keep resources for growth and shows you value your team's contributions.
Net Interest 16 implied HN points 29 Nov 24
  1. Buying a pub can be a great opportunity if you have the right team and concept. In this case, a popular chef and manager helped attract more customers.
  2. It’s important to adapt to market demands, like adding lodging to increase profits. This idea allowed them to earn more money alongside the pub's main offerings.
  3. Running a pub can lead to highs and lows, especially in the hospitality business. Success can come with great rewards, but challenges are always around the corner.
Gad’s Newsletter 50 implied HN points 02 Oct 23
  1. MasterClass offers high-priced edutainment with celebrity instructors, blurring the lines between entertainment and education.
  2. Evaluating scalability involves factors like growth potential, constraints, alignment, leadership, and efficiency.
  3. High production costs might challenge MasterClass's path to profitability, impacting its ability to balance growth and maintain quality.
Clouded Judgement 6 implied HN points 20 Jun 25
  1. The cost of technology like AI is dropping rapidly, making it much cheaper to create and use intelligence. This could change how businesses operate.
  2. While some worry that AI will take jobs away, others believe it will create new job opportunities that we can't even imagine yet.
  3. The fast pace of technological change might create challenges for workers who need to adjust, but the overall economic growth could be significant.
Net Interest 36 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. A TV series sparked public attention in the UK by shedding light on the Post Office scandal and the struggle of subpostmasters for justice.
  2. Litigation finance, as seen in the case of Mr. Alan Bates, is an important avenue for funding legal battles when individuals lack resources.
  3. Specialist funders, like Therium, provide financial support for legal cases in exchange for a share of the compensation if the case is won, creating a growing industry of litigation financing.
The Security Industry 13 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. In 2024, there were 362 cyber acquisitions, which is a significant increase from the previous years. This shows how fast the cybersecurity industry is changing.
  2. The total value of disclosed acquisitions reached nearly $49.9 billion. Many deals were notable, including big companies like HPE and IBM making major purchases.
  3. Out of all the acquisitions, a majority were strategic, while a smaller portion involved private equity firms. This highlights different approaches companies are using to grow in the cybersecurity space.
do clouds feel vertigo? 19 implied HN points 12 Mar 23
  1. Today brings a lot of risks and distractions due to the rapid changes in AI, making it harder to keep up. People often feel lost or overwhelmed by all the new possibilities.
  2. Having clear intentions and the ability to ask the right questions is becoming very important with AI tools. It's not just about using them, but knowing how to make the most of them.
  3. The future of creativity may involve more collaboration between people and AI. Instead of one-on-one interactions, we might see team-based conversations that bring ideas together in new ways.
The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly 12 implied HN points 22 Jan 25
  1. Focusing on one specific area of your business can lead to greater success. By concentrating on Emceeing, it's possible to streamline efforts and see better results.
  2. Accepting discomfort is part of the growth process in business. It takes time to adjust to changes and trust your own instincts.
  3. Saying no to some income opportunities can actually open doors for better financial stability and free time for other important aspects of life.
Clouded Judgement 6 implied HN points 06 Jun 25
  1. It's important for companies to know the difference between ARR (annual recurring revenue) and ERR (experimental run rate revenue). ARR is more stable while ERR can fluctuate a lot, which can affect business decisions.
  2. Some signs of ERR include using products on a trial basis or having fuzzy ROI expectations. Companies should look out for these signs to understand if their revenue is dependable.
  3. Businesses should pay attention to where budgets come from and how contracts are structured. Knowing these details can help avoid unexpected revenue drops.