The hottest Investing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Crypto Cults: A Framework

DeFi Education • 1079 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. In crypto, the best projects often create intense loyalty like cults, not just regular communities. People connect on a deeper emotional level, making them highly devoted followers.
  2. Successful crypto projects usually have a strong leader who inspires and drives the movement. These leaders often embody the values of the brand and attract passionate supporters.
  3. A sense of exclusivity and belonging is crucial for cult brands in crypto. Members feel united against an 'enemy,' and they love showing they are part of something special with symbols, language, and shared goals.

Antler's Framework for Finding the Right Problem to Solve | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 319 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Investing
  1. Great companies focus on solving heartfelt problems to create successful and lasting businesses.
  2. Identifying a heartfelt problem involves looking beyond surface-level solutions and understanding the emotional, functional, frequent, urgent, and unavoidable aspects of the problem.
  3. To determine if a heartfelt problem is worth solving, conduct market research, speak with target customers, and focus on building relationships within the industry by understanding the core customer problem.

Is This Anything?

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Stock market technicals and economic indicators are both flashing bearish signals at the same time.
  2. New data since the prior update has strengthened the bearish case and drawn closer attention.
  3. That simultaneous bearishness is unusual, so it’s worth carefully analyzing what might happen next.
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The 10-Minute Investment Autopsy Series: A Guide for Thoughtful Investors

Behavioral Value Investor • 52 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. A weekly 10-minute series will analyze past investment decisions to help experienced investors improve their process quickly.
  2. Each autopsy reviews the original thesis, lays out the facts of what happened, explains why it unfolded that way, and extracts practical and behavioral lessons.
  3. Readers are encouraged to actively engage by pausing after the thesis, questioning assumptions and biases, and using the lessons to avoid mistakes or spot opportunities.

A little perspective...

A Havenstein Moment. • 963 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Mass delusions are not rare, they have happened throughout history.
  2. Valuations have not mattered in technology investments, past history has shown this.
  3. Investment decisions based purely on valuation may not always lead to profits.

Portfolio Update

Spilled Coffee • 24 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. He bought one of his three stock picks for 2026, specifically a software company.
  2. He shared a full breakdown of the trade, including what he bought and the price paid per share.
  3. The detailed write-up is behind a paywall and available only to paid subscribers.

How To Get Started In Crypto (And A Reference For The Rest Of Us)

DeFi Education • 1258 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. DeFi is a growing field that could become much bigger than traditional banking by using efficient software instead of slow, costly processes. Now is a good time to get involved because the technology works and it has government support.
  2. It's important to understand security and best practices in DeFi since there are many scams. Learning the basics can help you manage your funds safely and avoid losing money.
  3. Getting into crypto can lead to new career opportunities. You can gain valuable skills and knowledge that are helpful for roles in this fast-growing industry.

Ethena Drama

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. Ethena’s new stablecoin called sUSDe focuses on giving investors returns from off-chain trading, similar to how hedge funds operate.
  2. Ethena recently launched its token ENA, which has reached a total value of $15 billion when fully diluted.
  3. An airdrop of 5% from Ethena's total supply is worth about $750 million and makes up a significant part of its offering.

Don't Lose Your Hyperliquid Airdrop!

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. To qualify for the Hyperliquid airdrop, you must log in and accept the new Terms and Conditions by April 13.
  2. After accepting the new terms, it's wise to deposit funds and make a small trade to ensure your activity is on record.
  3. The potential value of the governance token and the $PURR memecoin could be significant, so don't miss out!

One ETF Up 13% This Year And Another I Like

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. I’m watching two non‑U.S. investments: one is up about 13% this year versus roughly 1% for the S&P, and the other was added to reduce concentration risk and sharpen the thesis.
  2. The core idea is that U.S. stocks trade at very high valuations (around 40x earnings) while the rest of the world is much cheaper, so relative valuation could start to matter again.
  3. If we see dollar weakness, Fed easing, and modest capital rotation away from U.S. concentration, these non‑U.S. ETFs should benefit, and it’s likely still early to own them.

A good analogy can sell boring

Creative Samba • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Investing
  1. ETFs can be a smarter way to invest than buying individual stocks. They let you own a piece of many companies without the hassle of picking each one.
  2. ETFs are cheaper and accessible for everyday people, unlike traditional investing options that often favor big investors. This means anyone can get involved in the market.
  3. Using good analogies in marketing can make dull products exciting. For iShares, a clever ad strategy helped them reach a new audience when they were losing market share.

Resetting expectations for VC investing in health tech

Second Opinion • 1729 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
💼 Business Investing
  1. Not every startup in health tech needs to be backed by venture capital.
  2. Health tech industry may not yield many billion-dollar exits, but there are numerous smaller exits ranging from $40 to $500 million.
  3. Venture capitalists should consider alternative sources of capital like private equity, government grants, family offices, and angel investors for health tech startups.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Investing in the stock market during election years is usually a good idea, as many years have shown positive returns regardless of who wins.
  2. Mark Cuban suggested that a Trump presidency could benefit Bitcoin and crypto businesses, mentioning that lower tax rates and business-friendly regulations could boost prices.
  3. Amazon's Prime program remains very popular, with many members sticking around for years, which supports the company’s strong sales during events like Prime Day.

Data Update 1 for 2024: The Data Speaks, but what is it saying?

Musings on Markets • 1099 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. All companies are included in data analysis to get a full picture, not just big ones. This helps avoid bias and shows a more accurate view of industries.
  2. The data covers many financial variables that help understand company decisions about investment, financing, and dividends. It also uses unique ways to calculate statistics for more accurate insights.
  3. The statistics are updated regularly to reflect the latest available information. Users should utilize the data wisely and be aware of any changes in accounting standards or currency issues.

🔍 Screen for Quality Stocks

Compounding Quality • 1788 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Screen for quality stocks by looking at criteria like revenue growth, earnings growth, FCF/earnings, ROIC, net debt/FCFF, and debt/equity ratios.
  2. Investing in companies with strong financials and good balance sheets is crucial for long-term success.
  3. Tools like Stratosphere can help you screen for quality stocks, even if you don't have access to Bloomberg.

The Ownership Class and Working Class

Satisologie: Systems//Creativity • 29 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. About 70% of people depend on wages while a small ownership class lives off assets and passive income, and mathematically only a tiny share of workers can move into ownership each year while a similar share fall out.
  2. Both capitalist and communist systems end up with large working classes: capitalism leaves a narrow path to ownership for a few, while communist-style systems often close that path entirely.
  3. Seeding every person with dividend-bearing stock or indexed accounts at birth could, through compound returns, make broad ownership possible within a generation, though programs like this risk mainly helping families who can afford additional contributions without strong financial education.

Issue #148: Visa Goes Shopping in Argentina, eBay Bets on Pay by Bank, And Mexico's Plata Beats Nubank to a Banking License

Fintech Radar • 12 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Visa buying Argentina’s Prisma and Newpay signals a major push to own payments infrastructure in Latin America, vertically integrating processing and wallets to capture fast digital growth. It also acts as a hedge against mounting regulatory pressure on its core card business.
  2. Large platforms are embedding financial services — X is building broad money-transmission capabilities and eBay invested in TrueLayer to roll out Pay by Bank — which could shift transactions away from cards toward bank-authenticated, account-to-account flows. These moves make platform-led payments a real competitive threat to traditional card networks.
  3. Fintech infrastructure and digital banks are maturing: Modern Treasury’s unified fiat-and-stablecoin payments API simplifies moving money across rails, while Mexico’s Plata winning a full banking licence ahead of bigger rivals shows regulators are enabling fast-growing digital banks. Together these trends lower barriers for startups to scale banking and payments products.

Dell Clown Fiesta

Irrational Analysis • 279 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Some investors exhibit group-think behavior, leading to irrational market actions.
  2. Investing in the semiconductor industry requires thorough research and understanding of the market dynamics.
  3. HBM/Micron presents a unique investment opportunity due to increased demand and supply constraints.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Nvidia's stock is seen as highly valued and risky by some investors. They believe more affordable competitors are rising, and the AI chip market isn't as profitable as thought.
  2. The stock market is split; while tech stocks soar, many other sectors seem stagnant. It's suggested to balance your portfolio by investing in more stable sectors like industrials and healthcare.
  3. Investing in Japan is gaining attention due to favorable economic changes and companies aiming to boost their values. This could provide good opportunities for diversification.

💥Lender on Lender Violence is Back! And on Steroids. Part III.💥

PETITION • 1002 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. The article discusses recent bankruptcy cases involving companies like Wesco Aircraft Holdings Inc. and Instant Brands Acquisition Holdings Inc.
  2. The bankruptcy cases highlighted the complex interactions between lenders and debtors, showcasing the challenges and strategies involved in negotiations.
  3. Key themes in the cases include asset stripping, liability management, regulatory approval challenges, and the role of different parties in bankruptcy proceedings.

Fear and self-loathing in Silicon Valley

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Investing
  1. Silicon Valley startups are focused on making money and simplifying processes, often putting profits over social concerns.
  2. The energy at Y Combinator's Demo Day felt optimistic and unburdened, as attendees seemed disconnected from the chaos outside in the world.
  3. Today's founders are very savvy about fundraising and business, treating startups as profitable ventures rather than passionate projects.

Quick D1 Update - BowTiedBrain

DeFi Education • 419 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. Show up on time to participate and maximize rewards. If you miss the first 30 minutes, you might lose out.
  2. Voting is crucial and must be done early; you can earn gems by taking clear screenshots of your votes.
  3. After the voting period, keep posting and engaging with images and likes to maintain momentum.

❄️ 💰 15,9 % : taux d'épargne des Français. Et vous ?

Snowball • 1650 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
💰 Finance Investing
  1. The savings rate of French citizens is 15.9%, consider your own savings.
  2. Understanding the basics of saving, the importance of putting savings to work in your budget, and determining the ideal amount to save.
  3. Tips for successful saving: set annual goals, make saving a habit, establish rules, track your savings, and create a balanced situation.

What to expect when you’re expecting (dilution)

The VC Corner • 339 implied HN points • 11 May 24
💼 Business Investing
  1. Founders should be careful with SAFEs as they can quickly lead to dilution. Stacking too many SAFEs can reduce the ownership percentage of founders significantly.
  2. When selling equity, it's important to know how much to give up in each round of fundraising. This impacts the long-term value and control of the company.
  3. Understanding deal terms is crucial in the fundraising process. They can greatly affect the level of dilution and overall impact on the company's future.

Retail Investors: The New Smart Money

Spilled Coffee • 48 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Retail investors are now a permanent market force, making up roughly 20–25% of trading volume and controlling a huge share of assets with over 100 million brokerage accounts.
  2. They’ve grown more sophisticated, increasingly using ETFs, options, and disciplined strategies like “buy the dip,” signaling more diversified portfolios and better risk management.
  3. Real-time data, social platforms, and crowd-sourced research have collapsed information gaps, letting retail coordinate and influence markets in ways institutions must track and respond to.

Coinbase Q4 2023 Earnings

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. Coinbase made a profit of $273 million in Q4 2023 after struggling for two years, thanks to cost-cutting and increased trading volume. This shows that the company has bounced back from a tough period.
  2. Many retail and institutional investors are returning to Coinbase, with retail transaction revenue jumping 79% from the previous quarter. Coinbase is gaining market share in the crypto trading space.
  3. Coinbase is on track for potential inclusion in the S&P 500, which could lead to even more attention and investment. This would be a big deal for the company and the crypto market.

[2025–2026] Week 19: Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction by Philip Tetlock

Behavioral Value Investor • 14 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Start building an investing checklist early and update it as your approach evolves so it becomes a reliable repository of your process and decision rules.
  2. Learn and practice forecasting skills by studying what makes superforecasters better than average and by making clear, probabilistic predictions to sharpen judgment.
  3. Share your answers in a single comment and engage with others' responses to learn through feedback and community discussion.

Founders over fifty.

The Common Reader • 1842 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💼 Business Investing
  1. Older founders often have more experience and valuable connections than younger ones. This helps them spot opportunities that others might miss.
  2. Studies show the average age of successful entrepreneurs is around 45. Older founders are more likely to make successful sales than younger founders.
  3. Experience from past failures can improve the chances of success in new ventures. Many middle-aged entrepreneurs have the financial stability to start their own businesses.

Buying This Luxury Empire

Compounding Quality • 904 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. Luxury goods have enduring appeal and never go out of fashion
  2. The company being highlighted is a strong player in the luxury industry with a diverse portfolio of brands and global presence
  3. The company has shown strong financial performance with consistent revenue and cash flow growth, making it an attractive investment option

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing
  1. AI is really changing the game for billionaires, with many seeing huge increases in their wealth this year. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, has gained $65 billion thanks to this trend.
  2. Investors are seeing big changes in the stock market due to AI. Companies tied to AI are outperforming others significantly, which hasn't been seen since the dot-com boom.
  3. Dividends are an important part of investing, and there are companies that have been paying them for over 100 years. These can be good long-term investments since they show a commitment to returning value to shareholders.

SVB

Market Sentiment • 1552 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Investing
  1. Understanding the different sides of risk is crucial - the likelihood of getting hit, the average impact, and the extreme consequences.
  2. Banks operate by lending out deposits at higher rates to make profits, but this system poses the risk of bank runs.
  3. SVB's rapid collapse was triggered by increased stress, a market sell-off, and a loss of customer confidence due to poor communication.

Introducing AIP-003 and Voting Delegation!

The Lunacian • 230 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🔮 Crypto Investing
  1. AIP-003 is a proposal to stake about 2,829.43 ETH from the Axie Treasury to generate extra income for the community. If it passes, it could earn around $200,000 per year.
  2. The new Voting Delegation feature lets users share their voting power with others easily. This helps more community members participate in decisions, even if they're unable to vote themselves.
  3. To pass AIP-003, a supermajority of 66% YES votes is needed, and each user is capped at 10% Voting Power. This ensures that all voices are considered in the decision-making process.

Dirty Secrets: Eight SMIDs

The Last Bear Standing • 47 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
💰 Finance Investing
  1. A transparent, live model portfolio of eight small- and mid-cap (SMID) stocks is being set up to track contrarian ideas with clear entry, exit, and allocation rules.
  2. Stock picks emphasize off-beat, idiosyncratic names expected to realize fundamental or sentiment inflections within 1–2 years, using both fundamentals and technical reversals, and allowing opportunistic leverage.
  3. The portfolio is concentrated and dynamic—anchored by four core long positions with four smaller tactical slots—prioritizing total return over liquidity and volatility and promising ongoing updates for accountability.