The hottest Finance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

💥Chennai Express

Turnaround • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 20
💼 Business Finance
  1. The author shares about reading 'Zorba The Greek' and interesting themes of temptations within the book.
  2. The author discusses the SaaSBhoomi conference happening in Chennai and plans for a podcast on Indian SaaS.
  3. Exclusive content for paying subscribers includes in-depth analysis of Resso, the music streaming app, by Chinese tech giant Bytedance.

[P] LW: Seeing Possibilities in Activism

Nongaap Investing • 2 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance
  1. The article focuses on the effectiveness of activist campaigns, specifically discussing how Jana approaches them.
  2. It highlights the idea of using 'carrot and stick' incentives in activism, which means offering rewards for positive behavior while also applying pressure when needed.
  3. Overall, the piece encourages readers to see potential in activism and how it can lead to meaningful changes.

Corporate site visits are a win-win

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 28 May 25
💼 Business Finance
  1. Corporate site visits help investors understand how a company works and improve trust. They can lead to more accurate forecasts and stable share prices.
  2. Aligning the company's information with investor concerns during these visits is really important. If the answers match the questions, it makes the visit more effective.
  3. Investors should take the chance to attend site visits. Even if the company can't share all the details, learning about the people and processes can help them make better investment decisions.

Tomorrow's Premium AMA

Bet On It • 5 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Tomorrow's Premium AMA by Bryan Caplan is on March 1, 2024, at 10:30 PM ET.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. To access the post or subscribe for future updates, visit www.betonit.ai.
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[P] HSY: Kiss-and-Tell Governance

Nongaap Investing • 2 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Hershey is showing signs of potential mergers and acquisitions. This might mean they are looking to grow through buying other companies.
  2. The governance style at Hershey focuses on transparency and communication. This can help build trust with investors and stakeholders.
  3. Investors should pay attention to any signals from Hershey about their future plans. These signals can give clues about the company's direction and strategy.

The Tesla Mafia - $40bn raised, 10 countries

Golden Pineapple • 5 HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. The 'Tesla Mafia' comprises former Tesla executives who have gone on to found their own successful ventures, collectively raising over $40 billion.
  2. Clean energy and e-mobility are the top sectors for the Tesla Mafia startups, followed closely by software development.
  3. Stanford University has been the top choice for alma maters of founders in the Tesla Mafia, highlighting the strong educational background of these entrepreneurs.

How to make a compelling pitch deck

Venture Prose • 19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 19
💼 Business Finance
  1. Pitch decks can be helpful to reflect on your venture, explain it clearly, and convince others with strong arguments.
  2. When addressing a problem or opportunity, start by engaging with customers/users and then explain the reasons why the problem persists before talking about your solution.
  3. In a pitch deck, focus on the product/service first, demonstrate its value proposition, and show its benefits from the customer's perspective before diving into the target market and competitive landscape.

Briefing: AI Capabilities in SaaS

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. AI is now being used in many areas of businesses, not just for creating content. Companies are finding various ways to utilize AI across different teams like product, customer support, and engineering.
  2. Most companies that offer AI features are making money from them, especially in content generation and editing. Many also earn from capabilities related to data analysis and customer interactions.
  3. The payment willingness for these AI capabilities is growing. Although some features seem common and cheap, if they can significantly save time or replace human tasks, their value might increase quickly.

The Case Against Corporate Stock Buybacks

Fish Food for Thought • 7 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Companies use excess cash for stock buybacks when they lack better investment opportunities within the company.
  2. Stock-based compensation dilutes shares held by investors, impacting the company's stock value.
  3. Excessive stock buybacks show a belief that there are limited internal investment prospects, potentially thwarting company growth.

Why You Should Join Loop

Why You Should Join • 5 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Logistics and freight payments can be complex and challenging due to the intricate flow of goods and the variety of payment-related documents involved.
  2. Loop has developed a platform to centralize and structure freight payment data, enabling automation of invoice audits, dispute resolution, scenario planning, and more, resulting in significant cost savings and increased productivity for customers.
  3. Loop's unique data layer, automation capabilities, and focus on customer value creation give them a competitive edge in the market, setting them apart from traditional freight audit firms and software solutions.

Klarna delights in AI cutting 40% of its marketing spend

Fund Marketer • 3 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Klarna has cut its marketing spending significantly, with AI helping reduce costs by about 37%. This shows how technology can make businesses more efficient.
  2. The company's focus has shifted to creating high-quality, personalized content instead of relying on a lot of medium-quality output. They believe fewer workers can achieve more with the right tools.
  3. Despite cost cuts, companies like Klarna still rely on paid media for reaching their audiences. Traditional media channels are struggling to keep up with changing consumer habits.

These oil shareholders are not for the turning

Fund Marketer • 3 implied HN points • 29 May 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Many oil shareholders are not changing their views on climate proposals, even amidst protests. They tend to vote for management's put forth resolutions rather than the more aggressive ones suggested by other investors.
  2. The 'silent majority' of shareholders may not actively voice their opinions, but their votes can heavily influence outcomes at shareholder meetings. This often leads to management proposals winning significantly.
  3. Recent studies suggest that 'nudging' people toward certain decisions might not work as well as thought. Those nudged may not stick with their choices as much as those who decide independently.

Clients want to see you go back to your office

Fund Marketer • 3 implied HN points • 22 May 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Clients prefer meeting face-to-face rather than just digital communication. They find personal connections make a big difference in their experience.
  2. There is a growing concern about the quality of online content due to AI. People are worried that much of what they see is just generic and not engaging.
  3. In the world of crypto investments, people care more about seeing prices go up than deep storytelling. Investors are often just looking for quick gains.

How embedded finance works: Square Banking Case; Google aims to bulk up wallet; Key Drivers behind the rise of Asian super apps;

Fintech Wrap Up • 1 HN point • 07 Jun 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. MENAP fintech market defying global trends with strong economic fundamentals and continued growth in the banking sector.
  2. Rise of Asian super apps driven by mobile-first internet users, cost-efficient mobile phones, and building trust through offering multiple services on a single platform.
  3. Stripe introduces charge card program to provide businesses easier access to credit and generate revenue through interest on deposits, interchange fees, and financing revenues.

AirAsia - from an airline to a super-app | #59

Atomic Learnings • 6 implied HN points • 18 May 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. AirAsia transformed from a traditional airline to a travel super-app by offering multiple travel services in one app.
  2. Tony Fernandes played a key role in AirAsia's success by acquiring the struggling airline for a nominal amount and implementing the low-cost carrier model.
  3. AirAsia's super-app includes pillars for travel and accommodation, local services like ride-hailing and food delivery, and payment options with rewards.

A quiet week sheds light on the value of 'thought leadership'

Fund Marketer • 3 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Media coverage is really important for investment firms. Good press can lead to more money coming in, especially for smaller funds.
  2. Having a strong 'thought leader' in the media can boost a company's image and stock price. For example, Jamie Dimon's influence seems to have helped JP Morgan's stock rise significantly.
  3. Companies like Robinhood are starting their own media outlets to control their press coverage. This trend shows how important it is to own the narrative in finance.

Afridigest Fintech Review: On boldness, Brass, and Binance

Afridigest • 3 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. One fintech financing transaction and two fintech M&A deals were announced, showcasing growth and activity in the African fintech space.
  2. Significant news of the week included M-Pesa celebrating 17 years, Binance stopping Naira services, Lemfi's move to China, and Flutterwave streamlining its product offerings, indicating shifts and changes in the industry.
  3. Key companies and executives highlighted in this Fintech Review include Binance, M-Pesa, Brass, Flutterwave, Interswitch, Mastercard, and more, offering insights into the major players and leaders shaping the African fintech landscape.

Nhật ký cờ mờ 4.0 (phần ba)

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 18
💼 Business Finance
  1. Learning is important for personal growth and shared experiences can lead to laughter and joy.
  2. Humor can be subjective and cultural differences may affect what is considered funny, so it's important to be mindful of how we joke with others.
  3. Having a global mindset and embracing diversity in talent can lead to innovation and success, especially in the tech industry.

Who was the last cool billionaire?

Very Fine Day • 4 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. People are struggling to summarize and present global conflicts via social media.
  2. Media companies have a responsibility to cover conflicts like the one in the Gaza Strip.
  3. The concept of a 'cool billionaire' is being questioned.

#14 The Cost of Being the Default

Atomic Learnings • 6 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Google pays billions to stay as the default search engine on various platforms.
  2. Google pays Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla to be their default search provider.
  3. Having a 93% market share is not just about being the best, but also about being the default.

Afridigest Fintech Review: Mobile money milestones

Afridigest • 3 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Three fintech financing transactions and an M&A deal were announced this week.
  2. Mastercard is acquiring around a 4% stake in MTN's mobile money & fintech unit with a $200 million investment.
  3. Key companies like MTN, Paystack, LemFi, Jumo, Mira, Lesaka, were featured in this Fintech Review along with notable executives in the industry.

The Pitch Deck Template

Venture Prose • 19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 17
💼 Business Finance
  1. A pitch deck needs to be concise and to the point, with no more than 20 words and 3 main ideas per slide.
  2. The structure for an effective pitch deck includes sections like problem, product, market, data, story, and final.
  3. It's essential to tell a compelling story and showcase a clear business plan to engage your audience.

Narcissists vs. pushovers

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Narcissistic CFOs tend to manipulate equity analysts, especially those who are perceived as easily influenced.
  2. Narcissistic CFOs employ various persuasion tactics when meeting with analysts, focusing more on analysts deemed pushovers.
  3. Analysts are more likely to issue optimistic forecasts and better ratings for companies with narcissistic CFOs, potentially leading to less reliable information for investors.

Hook Me Up With Some Chicken

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 2 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. Sales of the book 'NO WORRIES: How To Live a Stress-Free Financial Life' have been strong, leading to Amazon running out of stock.
  2. Purchase a copy of the book from Barnes & Noble and consider leaving a review on Amazon to help promote it.
  3. The book aims to challenge traditional personal finance advice and start a revolution in financial thinking.

Clouded Judgement 1.19.24 - The Bar for Going Public

Clouded Judgement • 2 HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Finance
  1. The bar for going public is set very high, with companies needing impressive metrics like $200m ARR, 50% YoY growth, and over 120% net retention.
  2. New IPOs face challenges like concentrated ownership, lower liquidity, high stock dilution, and the need to build trust with public market investors.
  3. Startups aiming to go public should focus on metrics attractive to public market investors, including understanding stock compensation and equity dilution.

How to sell against free 💼

Good Better Best • 3 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
💼 Business Finance
  1. Uber's diversification into food and grocery delivery gives them pricing power within ride-sharing.
  2. When selling against free competitors, reframe the conversation to reveal the hidden costs of using free tools.
  3. Apple's services revenue, including subscriptions, surpasses that of major companies like Nike and McDonald's combined.