The hottest Investment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Top Links 614 Fining crypto. Peak Starbucks in China. Labour on screen. Looking glass war.

Chartbook • 200 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Regulation Investment Technology Market Trends Finance
  1. There are discussions about fining crypto activities and the potential impact of regulations on the market.
  2. The idea of peak Starbucks in China suggests changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions affecting global brands.
  3. The mention of 'labour on screen' hints at the evolving relationship between work and digital platforms in today's society.

Top Links 613 The surge in big tech capex. The shipbuilding boom. Litigating butter chicken. Are we entering post-literate society?

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Tech Investment Industry Trends
  1. Big tech companies are investing a lot in their capital, which is changing the economy in significant ways. It's interesting to see how this trend has developed over the last 15 years.
  2. There is a noticeable rise in shipbuilding, suggesting that the industry is picking up. This could mean more jobs and trade opportunities in the future.
  3. The concept of a post-literate society is being discussed, raising questions about how we communicate and share information today. It makes you think about the impact of technology on reading and writing.

加油比特币 Let's Go Bitcoin

Crypto Trader Digest • 2281 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Finance Economics Investment Market Trends
  1. Governments often inflate property bubbles to maintain public support, as owning property ties people's wealth to the state. If people feel secure about their homes, they're less likely to revolt.
  2. China is facing a property bubble crisis similar to those seen in other countries, and it might inject a lot of money into the economy to recover. This could lead to more yuan being traded for Bitcoin as people seek to protect their wealth.
  3. Even though the current stimulus might seem small, once people realize that money is being pumped into the economy, there could be a rush to buy Bitcoin. Historically, Bitcoin tends to rise sharply when significant money is printed.

Lou Jiwei on China's banking, PE/VC, IPOs, and Big Tech's role in lending

Pekingnology • 30 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Investment Regulation Technology Market
  1. Finance should support high-quality development by improving access to loans for private companies. This includes reducing risks for banks and treating all companies equally, whether state-owned or private.
  2. Government-backed venture capital funds need to focus more on market-driven models. This will help them foster innovation while allowing for some tolerance of failure among startups.
  3. It's important for internet platforms to share the risk in lending to small businesses. By co-lending a portion of the loans, they can help prevent systemic risks in the financial system.

The Future of Finance: Substack’s Market Forecast Summit

Substack Blog • 18 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Economics Market Trends Financial Independence
  1. Finance and business experts are increasingly sharing knowledge independently, as trust in traditional media decreases. This helps them build real connections with their audience.
  2. The Substack Market Forecast Summit will happen on January 31, where top finance minds will discuss investment strategies and economic trends for 2025.
  3. More finance professionals are using Substack to share their insights directly with subscribers, which offers investors better access to valuable information.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Economic Errors

David Friedman’s Substack • 583 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Wealth Trade Investment Tariffs
  1. Wealth isn't just cash; it can be land, stocks, or buildings. A person's gain in wealth doesn't mean someone else has to lose money.
  2. When countries trade, it’s not just about wages. The value of currencies affects trade costs, and tariffs can disrupt these complex economic balances.
  3. People often hold on to incorrect economic beliefs because they sound easier or support their self-image. Understanding the real logic behind economics can be complicated but helps us see the true picture.

It's power laws all the way down

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Economics Technology Investment Market Trends
  1. Venture capital in the U.S. is becoming more concentrated, with a few big firms controlling most of the funds. This trend means fewer opportunities for new investors and startups.
  2. The amount of money raised by new venture capital firms has dropped significantly, reaching lows not seen since 2015. This indicates a tough environment for emerging investors.
  3. The influence of large venture firms like a16z is growing, shaping what types of startups receive funding and driving the conversation in the tech industry.

Walking In Memphis

Behavioral Value Investor • 141 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investment Market Trends Personal Finance Behavioral Finance
  1. When people are in pain or facing difficulties, it's easy to think that things will never get better. It's important to remember that these tough times are usually temporary.
  2. Using past pains can help us grow and improve, especially in things like investing. Instead of giving up, we should learn from our experiences and stick to our tried-and-true methods.
  3. The future is often different from what we've recently experienced. Just like healing in life, financial markets also recover over time, so we should stay hopeful even when things seem bleak.

Top Links 597 Costless disinflation. The world's undersea cable system. South Sudan's calvary & Jarmush takes us on a permanent vacation.

Chartbook • 715 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Market Trends Investment Global Trade Policy Analysis
  1. Costless disinflation is interesting because it suggests ways to reduce inflation without any financial costs. This idea could really impact how economies manage price stability.
  2. Undersea cables are crucial for global internet connections, showing just how interconnected we all are. These cables help transmit information across the world quickly.
  3. South Sudan's cavalry highlights unique aspects of its culture and history. It also points to how different lifestyles and traditions exist around the globe.

Cement Wars

Net Interest • 8 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Industry Trends Market Analysis Advertising Investment Economics
  1. India is the second-largest cement producer in the world, making around 410 million tonnes in 2023. The growing demand for housing and infrastructure is leading to significant investments in cement production.
  2. Cement companies in India are consolidating due to low pricing power and increased competition. Major players like UltraTech and Adani are expanding their capacities through acquisitions and investments.
  3. Despite the cement industry's growth, they are spending more on advertising to capture market attention. With the industry's consolidation, advertising may shift to other sectors in the coming years.

CBW Fights FDIC's $20.5 Million Penalty That Could "Imperil" Its Existence

Fintech Business Weekly • 81 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Investment Fintech Risk management
  1. CBW is facing a huge $20.5 million fine from the FDIC, which could put its future at risk. This penalty is due to failures in its anti-money laundering practices.
  2. A small Kansas bank, CBW, has made a lot of money from international services but hasn't fixed issues raised by regulators in past reviews. They were supposed to improve but didn't make significant changes.
  3. The FDIC argues that the situation with CBW highlights serious compliance problems in the banking sector. They are trying to enforce rules to prevent money laundering, especially in high-risk areas.

Why I Left Norway

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1553 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Taxation Investment Startups Innovation
  1. High taxes in Norway, including a new unrealized gains tax, made it hard for entrepreneurs to keep their businesses profitable and maintain ownership. They struggled to balance their income with the need to pay these taxes.
  2. Many successful Norwegian entrepreneurs are leaving the country to escape burdensome taxes, and this trend is affecting the wealth distribution in Norway. A significant number of top taxpayers have relocated to protect their wealth.
  3. The situation in Norway reflects a troubling pattern where government policies may stifle innovation and entrepreneurship. This has created an environment where those who want to build businesses feel they have no choice but to move elsewhere.

The Transcript Editor's Commentary

The Transcript • 19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economics Investment Monetary Policy Consumer spending Elections
  1. The economy seems stable and strong, with good consumer spending and low delinquency rates. People are feeling positive about their finances.
  2. Optimism in businesses is growing, especially with recent changes in interest rates. However, for more demand, companies want more rate cuts and easier lending conditions.
  3. The upcoming presidential election is important for the economy. The new president will influence economic policies that could affect the markets for years to come.

Stupid Rules For Stupid People Struck Down

Points And Figures • 639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Regulation Investment Financial Markets Diversity
  1. NASDAQ's rule for corporate board diversity focused too much on identity instead of qualifications. It's more important to have people with varied experiences and perspectives on the board to help businesses succeed.
  2. The legal decision to revoke certain rules about private company disclosures is seen as positive. Regulations that infringe on privacy can deter companies from going public and create unnecessary barriers.
  3. Private markets should be free from excessive regulations. Investors need to keep the identities of their shareholders confidential, and government oversight can lead to more problems than it solves.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 31

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Tech History Silicon Valley Startups Internet Investment
  1. Cassie at Palm is excited about a new product called Touchdown but worries about funding for its launch. They found a partner to help manufacture it, which is a positive step.
  2. Len's career is taking a turn after Netscape's success, leading him to a possible job managing a new Internet-focused mutual fund. He’s starting to realize he enjoys this direction more than retirement.
  3. The bond between Len and his daughter Janet grows as they navigate their new potential successes together. Both are starting to embrace a more ambitious and wealthy future.

"We Once Again Need to Raise More Capital than We Had Imagined": Watching OpenAI Say It Needs a New Structure

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups Investment Innovation Economy
  1. OpenAI is looking for more money than they expected, which highlights how important funding is for their progress towards AGI. This means they need to attract investors willing to take risks.
  2. They plan to change their structure to a Public Benefit Corporation, balancing profit with broader social goals. This structure aims to raise capital more effectively while still focusing on their mission.
  3. OpenAI's current success is compared to how Netscape was for the internet. This suggests that OpenAI is leading a new wave of technology and investment in artificial intelligence.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 30

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Startups Investment Software Finance
  1. Netscape went public and became super successful, even though they weren't making profits yet. People were excited about the potential for growth instead of just focusing on profits.
  2. The IPO day was a big moment, with the stock price skyrocketing to $74. This was a huge deal for the people involved, changing their lives and how they viewed their work.
  3. There was a shift in the tech world where everyone suddenly wanted to invest in Internet companies. It became a trend to have '.com' in a company's name, showing how fast things were changing.

Announcing the 2025 Cyber 150

The Security Industry • 21 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Data security Investment Software Development Threat intelligence
  1. The 2025 Cyber 150 list highlights the fastest growing midsize cybersecurity companies, showcasing how many of them have expanded significantly over the last year.
  2. Dopple was the standout performer, increasing its headcount by 217%, which shows that some companies can grow rapidly even in a competitive market.
  3. Overall, these companies have raised a total of $8.6 billion in funding, and their success attracts even more investment, allowing them to grow and hire more employees.

Getting exec buy-in for developer productivity initiatives

Engineering Enablement • 13 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Productivity Investment Metrics Competition
  1. Focus on the specific needs of leaders. Show how your ideas can solve their biggest issues to get their support.
  2. Talk about money. Explain how improving developer productivity can directly impact profits and save costs.
  3. Create a sense of competition. Use benchmarks to show how the organization compares to others, making leaders want to improve.

Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-January 2025

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Housing Real Estate Market Trends Economic Indicators Investment
  1. House prices have been steadily increasing, showing a 3.6% rise year-over-year as of October and continued growth is expected.
  2. There has been a consistent upward trend in house prices, with a 0.35% monthly increase noted, marking the 21st month of growth.
  3. The outlook for house prices in 2025 remains uncertain, with various factors influencing future changes in the housing market.

The Software Rebel: How Innovaccer Defied Silicon Valley's Anti-Services Doctrine and Won

Day Zero: Always Learning • 426 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Software Entrepreneurship Technology Investment
  1. Businesses need to combine services with software to succeed. This mix can help them understand their customers better and create real value.
  2. Learning and adapting quickly is key to success. Companies should capture knowledge from each project to improve their services over time.
  3. The future of enterprise software lies in using AI and human expertise together. This way, businesses can create smarter solutions that really solve problems.

US: AWS to invest $11 billion in Georgia for data center expansion

philsiarri • 22 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Investment Technology Economy Employment Infrastructure
  1. AWS plans to spend $11 billion to expand data centers in Georgia. This will help support cloud computing and AI technologies.
  2. The investment is expected to create around 550 jobs. Georgia is popular for data centers because of its low electricity costs and tax incentives.
  3. Local people are concerned about the effects of new data centers on housing and electricity needs, leading to some restrictions on where they can be built.

Market Sizing 101

The VC Corner • 759 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Investment Market Analysis Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Understanding the size of your market is crucial for attracting investors and growing your business. A clear market size can make your pitch stand out.
  2. Market sizing involves knowing categories like Total Addressable Market (TAM) and Serviceable Available Market (SAM). These help you understand how big your market really is and how much of it you can reach.
  3. Many founders get stuck on the idea of a 'billion-dollar market'. It's important to look at market size more deeply, rather than just chasing big numbers. This helps avoid bad assumptions and discover real opportunities.

Behind $800M in Funding: 25+ Successful Startup Pitch Decks 💰

The VC Corner • 699 implied HN points • 24 Aug 24
💼 Business Startup Funding Pitching Entrepreneurship Investment
  1. A good pitch deck shows what your business is about and why it's valuable. It helps convince investors to trust your project and consider investing.
  2. Successful pitch decks make complicated ideas easy to understand. This is important so investors know what you're offering, even if they aren't experts in your field.
  3. To stand out, you need to show what makes your business special. Highlighting your unique approach helps attract interest in a competitive market.

Living beyond the edge

The Leap • 919 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Innovation
  1. Skill and luck both play important roles in success, and understanding their balance can help us navigate challenges better.
  2. Nate Silver's new book dives into how to make decisions when facing uncertainty, which is relevant in today's world.
  3. Historically significant moments in tech, like the founding of PayPal, highlight the importance of timing and opportunity in achieving greatness.

Bitcoin is worth $100,000. It still doesn't have a single legitimate use case

The Future, Now and Then • 515 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Speculation Investment Regulation Market Trends
  1. Bitcoin is currently priced at $100,000, but it doesn't have any real-world use that justifies that value. It's mainly driven by speculation.
  2. The recent price increase is largely due to wealthy investors betting on Bitcoin, rather than any fundamental economic demand or function.
  3. The cryptocurrency market is being influenced by big players and political backing, making it more about speculation rather than actual utility.

The influencer holy grail

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Marketing Influencers Investment Journalism
  1. Influencers want to create content that mixes cooking, fashion, and home decor. This mix attracts sponsors and gives a chance to sell lots of different products to followers.
  2. Local news is struggling, and a small yearly investment could help fix it. Just a bit of money could ensure every county in the US has a local news journalist.
  3. A newsletter called Sunday Long Read became popular by curating long-form articles. It shows how a focused idea can attract a loyal audience and even expand into new areas like podcasts.

Money is a Test (What Money Means)

Neckar’s Notes • 120 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Currency Economics Investment Wealth Management
  1. Money changes people's lives and values in big ways. For example, in post-Soviet society, people had to quickly learn what money meant, which turned traditional roles upside down.
  2. It's said that everyone believes in money, even if they don't share the same beliefs about religion or nationalism. Money is that powerful and universal.
  3. Our feelings about money often come from our past and family. It's not just about numbers; it's an emotional subject that many struggle with.

What Do You Invest in?

Pratyush’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💼 Business Investment Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Startup Founders
  1. Investors should look for unique founders who stand out with exceptional traits, like intelligence and grit. A well-rounded person often doesn't lead to great investments.
  2. Successful companies often become the top choice in their category and have strong characteristics that help them stay ahead. These can include tricky competition or special technology.
  3. Timing is crucial; it's better to invest in companies before they become popular in the market. If everyone's already paying attention, it might be too late to find a winner.

Recent AI failures are cracks in the magic

The Intrinsic Perspective • 10335 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Industry Investment Ethics
  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

⚡️ Top 10 news of the week

digitalhealthinsider • 39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Digital Health Healthcare Trends Health tech Data Privacy Investment
  1. Health tech investments are looking better in 2024, suggesting a recovery in the market. This may lead to more innovative solutions in healthcare.
  2. Companies like Oshi Health and Eleanor Health are raising significant funds to improve virtual care and substance use treatment. This shows a growing focus on essential health services.
  3. Google has launched an AI tool for healthcare that is now available for everyone. This could make it easier for people to find health information quickly.

Notes on Chapter 28

Life Since the Baby Boom • 230 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Startups Investment
  1. Len lands a new job as a Venture Capitalist Assistant, where he will help a company get more funding. He feels excited and valued in this role, especially after his TV appearance as an 'Internet investing wizard.'
  2. The company Len is working with, NetsForAll, is fictional, but it reflects the early days of Internet Service Providers. This shows how innovative ideas were emerging before the Internet became widely known.
  3. Len gets to meet important people in the Internet business and share stories from his past experiences, like solving a big embezzlement case. This mix of new opportunities and past accomplishments makes him feel fulfilled.

Term Sheets Demystified 📄🤝

The VC Corner • 659 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Fundraising Startups Venture Capital
  1. A term sheet is a non-binding agreement that lays out the basic terms of an investment. It's like a guide for both investors and founders to understand what's being offered.
  2. Key parts of a term sheet include the investment amount, valuation, and liquidation preferences. These details help both sides know what to expect if the company is sold or liquidated.
  3. Dividends can be part of a term sheet too, specifying how much investors might earn annually. It helps clarify when and how investors would get paid.

Top Links 555 Main St v. Wall St inflation. Poland and France to block Mercosur. Nigeria's demography & de Gaulle's last picture.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics Investment Policy Demographics Global Trade
  1. There's a battle between regular people and Wall Street over inflation issues. It's important to understand how this affects everyday life.
  2. Poland and France are planning to block a trade deal with Mercosur. This could impact trade relations in Europe and South America.
  3. Nigeria's growing population is a key topic to watch. It highlights important demographic changes happening today.

Escape the Silicon Valley Filter Bubble

Software Snack Bites • 21 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups Innovation Investment Trends
  1. Being in Silicon Valley is great for startups, but it can lead to many people copying each other instead of creating unique ideas. Founders need to ensure their products stand out to succeed.
  2. Investors often overlook competition, thinking certain companies are failing too soon. Recognizing how companies like Google and Adobe adapt can reveal their true potential.
  3. When there’s too much hype around a topic, it's wise to step back and think critically. Finding opportunities in less popular trends can lead to smart investments.

Fannie and Freddie: Single Family and Multi-Family Serious Delinquency Rates Increased in November

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💰 Finance Real Estate Housing Economics Investment Market Trends
  1. In November, both single-family and multi-family serious delinquency rates went up. This means more people are having trouble paying their housing bills.
  2. Freddie Mac reported that the single-family serious delinquency rate increased slightly to 0.56%. Even though it rose, it's still lower than pre-pandemic levels.
  3. The overall trend shows that while delinquency rates are increasing, they are still relatively low compared to before the pandemic hit.

"This Is a Hell of a Statement I'm About to Make—But He Superseded Miles"

The Honest Broker • 7846 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Streaming Jazz Culture Media Investment
  1. Spotify is facing challenges with fake artists, playlists, and financial losses, raising concerns about the music streaming service's business model.
  2. The shift from macroculture to microculture is evident in the media industry, with traditional legacy outlets experiencing layoffs while alternative platforms like Substack thrive.
  3. There is a trend towards investment firms buying song catalogs, the decline of live music reviews in mainstream media, and interest in the transformative power of sound highlighted through the work of Hans Jenny in 'Cymatics'.

Crypto Cannot Avoid The Iron Laws of Economics

Points And Figures • 506 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency Economics Blockchain Finance Investment
  1. Cryptocurrency operates under economic principles just like any other market. If costs to create or maintain it exceed profits, it won't succeed.
  2. A recent study highlights that cryptocurrencies may struggle to scale due to high security costs, making them potentially less efficient than traditional financial systems.
  3. While cryptocurrencies aimed to remove the need for legal systems and intermediaries, they still require a level of trust that can be expensive and complex to maintain.

Top Links 550 Buffett's cash pile. China's copper push. IKEA and GDR prison labor & the UK as "Butler to the World"

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investment Economics Market Trends Corporate Governance Global Trade
  1. Warren Buffett has a huge amount of cash saved up. This shows he is waiting for the right investment opportunities to come along.
  2. China is putting a lot of effort into boosting its copper industry. This could have big effects on global markets and trade.
  3. There are serious concerns about IKEA's involvement with past prison labor. This raises questions about ethical practices in big companies.

✨ What we know about AI and the economy ... so far, at least

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Economy Investment Technology Job Market
  1. AI investment is growing, especially in chip companies, and is expected to continue rising in the future.
  2. Only a small number of companies are currently using AI, but many are looking to invest more in it despite some concerns.
  3. AI is starting to influence the job market, with more openings in AI-related fields, but it's not a major cause of layoffs yet.