The hottest Industry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Far From Grüven

Doomberg • 7157 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Industry
  1. Germany's automotive industry is struggling due to poor energy policies and reliance on expensive energy sources. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.
  2. China is effectively using its energy resources to boost its production and economic strength, while European countries are facing the consequences of their energy choices.
  3. Volkswagen's recent financial troubles highlight the bigger issues facing Germany's heavy industry, and there are urgent changes needed to avoid further decline.

Panic Among the Streamers

The Honest Broker • 22673 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
💼 Business Industry
  1. Spotify's CEO sold $100 million in stock amidst the company's increasing losses, causing concern among investors.
  2. Streaming companies like Netflix and Disney are heavily investing in AI technology, potentially replacing human creativity with bots.
  3. Music streaming platforms like Spotify prioritize profit over user experience, creating a bland and generic listening environment.

No, I Don't Want To Come To Your Pity Party

Richard Lewis • 1906 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Industry
  1. The games and esports industry has experienced a significant number of layoffs due to unsustainable practices and behavior.
  2. Many individuals in the industry exhibit toxic behavior, including forming secret blacklists and engaging in power plays for personal gain.
  3. Esports industry executives have mismanaged funds and made poor decisions, leading to financial instability and a negative impact on the industry as a whole.

Revisiting the Pyramid of Inequality that is Streaming Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 173 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🎶 Music Industry
  1. Streaming payouts are massively concentrated, with a tiny share of tracks getting nearly all the money while most tracks earn nothing.
  2. Per-stream payments are extremely small — artists often receive only a fraction of a cent per play — so even millions of streams usually don’t produce a livable income.
  3. Systemic change is needed, like laws requiring platforms to pay musicians directly per stream, and that will take fans, music workers, and artists organizing and supporting reform.

March Newsletter

RSS DS+AI Section • 11 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. AI is spreading into many areas, but bias, safety and governance are still unresolved, so people are calling for stronger auditing and regulation.
  2. Research is moving fast — scaling laws, reasoning models, agentic systems and shifting LLM representations are driving progress, yet we still don’t fully understand model behavior or failure modes.
  3. Practitioners are focused on real-world use: there’s lots of practical guidance, on-device and open-source work, and community events and job opportunities to help teams deploy AI effectively.
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On change

Technically • 22 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. The newsletter has evolved from a solo project into a multi-writer, editor-led publication that delivers deeper technical stories.
  2. AI is reshaping the labor market in complicated ways: some firms are cutting large numbers of jobs, but new specialized roles are appearing and software job openings are actually up.
  3. The readership is shifting toward industrial companies curious about using software and AI at work, so they're running a short reader survey to find out which topics to cover.

Which CEO will be the last to see it?

Marcus on AI • 4624 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. Many people were skeptical about the hype around Generative AI during 2022 and 2023. Some experts believe that the truth about its capabilities will eventually become clear.
  2. Several tech leaders are starting to see and admit the limitations of current AI models. This signals a possible shift in how the industry views AI's effectiveness going forward.
  3. To achieve greater advancements, experts suggest integrating different methodologies, like neurosymbolic AI, which could help overcome current challenges in AI development.

Recent AI failures are cracks in the magic

The Intrinsic Perspective • 10335 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. Recent AI models like GPT-4 and Sora are showing concerning failures in understanding basic concepts like physics and object permanence
  2. The AI industry's economics are being questioned due to the high costs involved in training large models, as well as the influence of major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon in directing AI development
  3. The current AI industry landscape is seen as a flow of VC investment being funneled into a few major tech giants, raising fundamental questions about the industry's structure and sustainability

Does Elon Musk Actually Want To Buy OpenAI?

Big Technology • 3127 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. Elon Musk's recent offer to buy OpenAI for $97 billion may not be genuine; it could just be a strategy to disrupt the company. This move is raising a lot of attention and questions about his true intentions.
  2. Musk's actions seem aimed at blocking OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model, which might benefit his own AI ventures. By creating uncertainty around OpenAI's financial future, he could gain a competitive edge.
  3. The ongoing public disputes between Musk and OpenAI's leaders are creating distractions that may hinder OpenAI's progress. This drama is drawing attention away from their technological advancements and focusing it on personal feuds.

2,800 jobs to go...

Off to Lunch • 1356 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Industry
  1. Tata Steel is cutting 2,800 jobs in the UK by closing two blast furnaces to shift to electric arc furnaces.
  2. The job cuts are part of a plan to reduce carbon emissions and transform the Port Talbot facility into a center for green steelmaking.
  3. The UK faces a significant drop in retail sales, potentially signaling a risk of falling into a recession.

AI Won't Kill Us But It Will Take Our Souls

Discourse Blog • 1061 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. AI is being developed with a focus on maximizing profit and control rather than enhancing human life or creativity.
  2. There are concerns about AI replacing human jobs, especially in fields like content writing, where the quality of AI-generated work is still inferior.
  3. There is a fear that AI industry leaders prioritize profit and control over preserving aspects of the human experience that should be kept free from AI influence.

Masterpieces on the Cheap

Animation Obsessive • 7175 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Industry
  1. Animation masterpieces can be created on limited budgets, showcasing that money doesn't guarantee a great film.
  2. Artistry, vision, and talent are key to creating successful animated projects, sometimes taking risks can lead to unique and impactful films.
  3. Japanese anime industry often achieves expressive movement with small budgets, emphasizing creativity over financial resources.

DeepSeek isn't a victory for the AI sceptics

Odds and Ends of History • 2345 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. DeepSeek, a new AI model from China, is much more efficient than existing models, meaning it can do more with less resources. This could lead to more widespread use of AI technology.
  2. Even if this new model appears better, it doesn't mean demand for computing power will decrease. Instead, it might increase as more uses for AI are discovered.
  3. The release of DeepSeek highlights the growing competition in AI technology, especially between China and the West. This might push companies to invest more in developing even smarter models.

The grid part II - the golden age of the power industry

Construction Physics • 11274 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🔬 Science Industry
  1. In the 1930s, federal projects like the Hoover Dam increased electrification and capacity, but growth slowed due to the Great Depression.
  2. Post-World War II saw the Golden Age of the electric power industry with massive growth in electricity generation, consumption, and industry assets.
  3. The end of the Golden Age came in the late 1960s due to factors like environmental concerns, technical challenges, and the 1973 energy crisis, leading to rising costs and stagnation.

Making the Sausage

Freddie deBoer • 11633 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Industry
  1. The author received positive feedback for a piece about the 1990s and discusses the importance of conveying conflicting perspectives in writing.
  2. The author emphasizes the value of crafting well-written pieces that move and entertain readers.
  3. The author reflects on the challenges and rewards of maintaining individuality in writing while meeting reader expectations.

Every traditional media outlet is launching a creator division

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
💼 Business Industry
  1. Media companies are starting creator divisions to work with independent creators. This means more opportunities for people to share their content and ideas.
  2. TikTok influencers are becoming a new form of news anchor for younger audiences. They deliver news quickly in a way that fits with how younger people consume content.
  3. Creating a successful newsletter doesn't always require a strong personal brand. For example, some people focus on the quality of their content instead of promoting themselves.

Nick Wright and the Shameless Clown Industry

Freddie deBoer • 4857 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Industry
  1. Sports media can sometimes be toxic with aimless shouting and pointless provocations.
  2. Nick Wright exemplifies how sports media can corrupt individuals, where his persona often overshadows his potential thoughtful side.
  3. Wright's obsessive criticism and cruelty towards athletes, like Josh Allen and Nikola Jokic, stems from personal biases and a lack of accountability in the sports media industry.

Philip Morris International: More More More

Invariant • 511 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Industry
  1. Philip Morris International is focusing more on next-gen products like IQOS and its heated tobacco units, with efforts to transition users from traditional cigarettes - showing promise for future growth.
  2. Despite some challenges like higher costs and FX pressures, PMI is maintaining its position in the market by introducing innovative products and investing in its portfolio.
  3. ZYN, another product spreading rapidly, faces questions about its popularity among underaged consumers, but it still shows strong growth due to being a preferred choice over competitors.

Where Steve Jurvetson Sees Dead Companies

The Geek Way • 399 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
💼 Business Industry
  1. Software proficiency is crucial in modern business - companies need to adapt and iterate quickly to stay competitive.
  2. Legacy companies face challenges in transitioning to modern software practices and may struggle to keep up with agile competitors.
  3. The 'geek way' of upgrading a company involves more than just technology - it extends to decision-making, culture, and overall organizational strategy.

Bakeryland

Wordloaf • 589 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Industry
  1. The game 'Pillsbury Bakeryland' was created by Pillsbury in 1936 to teach kids about bread making and selling.
  2. The game features scripts that show how to sell bread in different settings like house-to-house, wholesale, and retail.
  3. The game was part of the baking industry's campaign to promote buying bread over baking it at home, reflecting changes in bread baking practices in America from 1929 to 1933.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Industry
  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.

Top Links 820 YKK the global zipper company. Hit over the head by scale. The global history of the Tortilla.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
💼 Business Industry
  1. YKK is a global leader in zippers and has perfected its supply chain over many years. This shows how important logistics is for big companies.
  2. The history of the tortilla highlights its cultural significance and how food shapes societies. It's interesting to see how something so simple has deep roots.
  3. The importance of scale is clear in business; larger companies often have advantages, but they also face unique challenges. Understanding this can help smaller businesses compete.

Don't Push AI Down Our Throats

Experiments with NLP and GPT-3 • 122 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. AI should not be forced upon us; it feels overwhelming and unwanted. Technology should be introduced slowly and thoughtfully.
  2. The rush to deploy AI is driven by profit motives, not by what users really need. We should only adopt AI that provides real benefits to our lives.
  3. There are many useful applications of AI, but we should focus on what works for us and not feel pressured by companies to use AI just for their financial gain.

Top Links 749 Tanning and the tariffs. How small boats are getting bigger. Liverpool and the unmaking of Britain.

Chartbook • 629 implied HN points • 25 May 25
💼 Business Industry
  1. The leather industry in the US is facing challenges due to tariffs, which can affect the prices of products made from leather.
  2. Small boats are getting bigger, which might change how we think about fishing and travel at sea.
  3. The history of Liverpool is highlighted as a key part of understanding the changes in Britain.

The Changing Role of Design

The Intersection • 732 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🪑 Design Industry
  1. The design industry is evolving, with a shift from traditional design agencies to transformation consultancies.
  2. Design thinking has democratized design, making it more accessible but may have overemphasized thinking over the act of making.
  3. The role of designers in digital products like Threads may not always be obvious, as factors like timing and innovation can play a key role in success.

Jobs, jobs, jobs

Off to Lunch • 511 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Industry
  1. There is evidence of a weakening job market with a drop in wage growth and job vacancies.
  2. Despite the decline, current job numbers are still stronger than pre-Covid times.
  3. Recruitment firms are noticing a decrease in demand for their services, indicating a shift in the job market.

Animating by Candlelight

Animation Obsessive • 3318 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Industry
  1. During the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union, animators faced challenges adapting to life under capitalism with reduced state funding and support.
  2. Some animators, like Yuri Norstein and Priit Pärn, expressed struggles and concerns about the impact of financial censorship in the capitalist system on their artistic work.
  3. Countries like Estonia benefited from renewed state support for artists, resulting in a thriving animation community that continues to produce award-winning films.

Top Links 782 America's largest firms employ fewer workers. Three housing crises not one. Less money for science and conscious walking.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Industry
  1. Big companies in America are hiring fewer workers than before. This trend can change the job market.
  2. There are actually three different housing crises happening at the same time, affecting people's living situations.
  3. Funding for science is decreasing, and people are becoming less aware of their surroundings while walking.

Reader Question – Weight Loss Industry Big Think Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Industry
  1. The weight loss industry is a for-profit industry that profits by labeling higher-weight individuals as diseased, creating harmful messaging and interventions.
  2. The industry has successfully infiltrated healthcare systems, promoting the idea that being in a higher-weight body is a lifelong, chronic disease.
  3. Industry tactics include promoting weight loss drugs as lifelong solutions, perpetuating weight stigma under the guise of helping higher-weight individuals, and making hundreds of billions of dollars through exploitative practices.

Music algorithms failed us

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎶 Music Industry
  1. Streaming made the whole world of music easy to access, but recommendation systems focus on keeping you listening rather than showing truly new or surprising music.
  2. Algorithms reduce taste to data and similarity, so they mostly suggest songs that sound like what you already listen to and create echo chambers instead of serendipitous discoveries.
  3. Human curation and chance encounters used to surface more meaningful, unexpected music, and moving discovery away from people to machines has made finding real gems harder and more effortful.

AI Roundup 149: Flash Forward

Artificial Ignorance • 71 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. Google’s new Gemini 3 Flash is a faster, much cheaper workhorse model that quickly became the default, fueling a furious release race as APIs handle enormous token volumes.
  2. The AI data‑center boom is hitting a reality check: construction delays, pulled funding, and plunging valuations expose thin margins and big interest costs, while surging power demand raises environmental and political concerns.
  3. A simple 'skills' format for AI assistants is catching on, letting teams share repeatable workflows across platforms and paving the way for interoperable, reusable agent components.

Meta Offering $100 Million Salaries to Top OpenAI Researchers Is Peak Silicon Valley Obscenity

The Algorithmic Bridge • 456 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Industry
  1. Meta is trying to catch up in the AI race by offering huge salaries to attract top researchers, signaling a desperate move amid its struggles.
  2. The $100 million salary offer highlights a big moral and strategic decline in Silicon Valley, where immense wealth is prioritized over community needs.
  3. Despite the money on the table, top researchers have largely turned down these offers, showing they are motivated by passion for their work, not just cash.

How to Save a $70B Business We Don't Know What To Do With

The Ankler • 353 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Industry
  1. The movie industry is facing challenges due to poor decision-making and leadership, which is threatening its survival.
  2. Hollywood should focus on creating hits to attract audiences and regain financial stability.
  3. Instead of blaming streamers, the film industry needs to adapt and overcome bad habits and thought patterns to thrive.