The hottest Investment Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Finance Topics

Median Round Sizes📈, YC's Latest Batch🤖, The Perfect Pitch Deck🎯

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Median round sizes in venture capital are important to track. They show how much money startups are raising on average.
  2. Y Combinator's latest batch is a great resource for new startups. It's helpful to look at what types of companies are being accepted.
  3. A perfect pitch deck can make or break a startup's chance of getting funded. It's key to present ideas clearly and attractively.

Scale Ruins Everything

Cold Water • 19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Venture capital funding has led to many startups chasing rapid growth, even if their ideas could harm society. This can create big problems as companies scale up without considering the impact.
  2. Most startups fail, but VCs invest in many hoping to find a few successful ones. This pressure for growth can push companies to make decisions that negatively affect their communities.
  3. Founders should think about how their ideas might lead to negative outcomes at scale. It's important to consider whether every idea needs to become a billion-dollar business and what that means for society.

“Build What’s Fundable”

Investing 101 • 950 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Y Combinator has shifted from focusing on meaningful problems to following what many investors think is trendy. This change can lead to less original thinking and more pressure to fit in.
  2. Startups are becoming more uniform and normal, as many founders come from similar backgrounds and experiences. This can limit creativity and make it harder to think independently.
  3. To change this trend, people need to chase their beliefs and find projects that truly matter, rather than just following what is popular or easy. This will encourage more unique ideas in tech.

I’m Losing All Trust in the AI Industry

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1911 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Investment Trends
  1. Many AI researchers are changing jobs, suggesting they don't really believe that powerful AI will be ready soon. If they thought it was near, they wouldn't leave their positions.
  2. A lot of AI development focuses on creating engaging products rather than useful ones, similar to social media strategies. The aim often seems to be keeping people addicted rather than truly helping them.
  3. The AI industry is running into financial problems and most companies are currently not profitable. This might lead them to prioritize making money over the responsible use of technology.

Megarounds make a comeback💰, The State of GenAI🤖, Doing Diligence Well🕵️

The VC Corner • 559 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Megarounds, which are large funding rounds for startups, are becoming popular again. This means investors are feeling more confident about investing in big projects.
  2. The state of Generative AI (GenAI) is evolving quickly. It shows a lot of potential for various applications in tech and business.
  3. Doing proper diligence is important for investors. It helps them make smart decisions before putting money into a startup.
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Is Canada Mending the Housing Market?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investment Trends
  1. Canada has been improving its housing construction policies, especially for apartments. Now, they're building apartments at a much higher rate than the U.S., which could help address their housing issues.
  2. Successful housing solutions in Canada and Australia focus more on building the right types of homes in urban areas instead of just increasing total construction. This could also be key for improving affordability.
  3. There are concerns about large investors buying up housing in Canada, but the scale is much smaller than in the U.S. It looks like Canada might be facing some similar challenges as the U.S. with rental market pressures.

The Rise of Multi-Club Ownership

The Swiss Ramble • 452 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Investment Trends
  1. The number of clubs involved in multi-club ownership has been rapidly increasing globally.
  2. Many cross-investment structures involve at least one club outside of Europe.
  3. Financial weaknesses and inequalities in football have led to opportunities for multi-club investments, attracting attention from US-based investors.

The VC Corner 📰 #11

The VC Corner • 279 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Gulf investment is increasing in European startups, which could help boost innovation and growth in the region.
  2. Venture capitalists are looking at the secondary market for discounted investment opportunities, which can provide advantages in a tough economy.
  3. Generative AI is becoming a key focus for CEOs, who need to understand how it can benefit their businesses and improve efficiency.

The VC Corner 📰 #9

The VC Corner • 259 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. 38% of venture capitalists have stopped making deals in 2023. This shows a big change in the investment landscape.
  2. Successful exits for startups can lead to mixed feelings among founders and investors. It's a success, but it can also feel like losing something they built.
  3. There is a push for better governance in the artificial intelligence sector through an AI Governance Alliance. This aims to make AI use safer and more responsible.

What Matters Most For Startup Growth? From VP of Growth at Facebook | 37% Of First-time VCs Might Not Able To Raise A Second Fund | VC Remote Jobs

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. For startup growth, focusing on retention is key. Many founders neglect retention in favor of customer acquisition, leading to business failure.
  2. Before pursuing growth tactics, startups should aim for product-market fit. Prioritize retention over growth hacking when the retention curve fails to flatten.
  3. Identifying the 'magic moment' for users, emphasizing tactics for virality, and aligning with the CEO as the north star for growth are essential strategies for sustained growth.

Vibe Check: MSFT & META Earnings: LRCX, MXL, WOLF, ASML, CLS, STM, ALGM, INTC

Mule’s Musings • 366 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Microsoft is seeing strong growth in its AI revenue, but its overall business is growing slowly. They have invested heavily in AI and plan to keep expanding their data center capacities.
  2. Meta is optimistic about the future of AI and has extended the lifespan of its servers. They expect to make significant advancements in AI coding and problem-solving capabilities in 2025.
  3. Both companies are focusing their spending on infrastructure, with Meta doubling down on AI and core business needs. They believe that investing in this area will give them a competitive edge.

Follow-Up to My Investor Ban Rant

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 295 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investment Trends
  1. Banning large investors from buying homes might make the housing crisis worse. We really need more homes for rent, and investors are key to that.
  2. Homeowners tend to outbid investors for homes, leading to fewer rentals available. This is driving up rents because there just aren't enough homes to go around.
  3. If lawmakers seriously limit investor ownership, they need to think about how that will affect renters. Fewer rental homes may mean higher rents for everyone.

Daily Chatbook #207

Daily Chartbook • 1467 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Case-Shiller Home Prices for March showed a slight decline year-over-year but beat estimates.
  2. FHFA House Prices in March saw a monthly increase exceeding expectations for three consecutive months.
  3. Debt ceiling deal reached only addresses a portion of the projected budget deficits over the next decade.

More funny charts

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Home inventory and homes for sale have shown confusing trends recently. While they usually move together, they've started to go in opposite directions, raising questions about the current housing market.
  2. Low interest rates don't always mean more homeownership. In fact, homeownership actually decreased during a period of very low rates, suggesting that other factors are more important.
  3. The idea that job opportunities are the only reason for high home prices in certain cities isn't entirely true. In fact, as some cities shrink, home prices in other areas can actually rise, showing a more complex relationship.

($) Oracle Cloud: the Largest "Chinese Cloud" in America?

Interconnected • 123 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, recently became one of the richest people in the world after Oracle's stock price surged due to strong earnings. This happened because of a positive outlook for Oracle's cloud computing growth, fueled by increased demand for AI infrastructure.
  2. Oracle is securing a lot of contracts from companies with ties to China, like Temu and TikTok, even as other American businesses shy away from China. This strategy is helping Oracle grow in a challenging market.
  3. The recent growth in Oracle's sales isn't just from AI; they are getting significant deals from various clients moving to their cloud services, which reflects a strong demand for their technology.

Top Links 603 How BATMMAAN stocks rule. Global coal keeps on rising & the US builds its first heavy ice breaker in half a century.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. There are now 8 stocks in America that are worth over $1 trillion, often called the BATMMAAN stocks. These companies are very influential in the market.
  2. Global coal production is increasing, which shows that the demand for coal is still strong despite environmental concerns.
  3. The U.S. is building its first heavy icebreaker in 50 years. This is significant as it enhances the country's capabilities in Arctic waters.

Decoding Liquidation Preference, Particiaption & Non-Participation Rights? | YC Startup Index Gives 176% Return | VC Funding Report | Weekend Readings & More

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Understanding terms like 1x participation and non-participation is crucial for founders and investors in startup financing to protect their investments.
  2. Having a 1x non-participation liquidation preference can be advantageous for founders during company liquidation to ensure returns.
  3. YC Startup Index shows a remarkable 176% average annual return, surpassing other asset classes and venture capital funds.

More ResiDay 2025

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Amherst's Sean Dobson believes that many good credit risks are being denied mortgages due to strict lending rules set after the 2008 crisis. He wants to see these rules loosened so that his renting customers can become homeowners.
  2. Parkland Communities is focusing on building modern, attached homes like townhomes, which can offer a good living experience while minimizing land costs and navigating zoning challenges. They aim to provide more affordable housing options in urban areas.
  3. The growth of single-family rentals is rising again, with many investors showing interest in this market. However, builders are facing challenges in meeting demand due to past economic and regulatory pressures.

The bright future of solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 119 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Investment Trends
  1. Solar energy is growing fast around the world, especially with China leading in solar panel installation. Countries like Australia and Germany still produce more solar energy per person.
  2. Investment in solar power is booming, with a significant chunk of renewable investments going into solar projects. This trend shows that people are serious about switching to cleaner energy.
  3. The future looks bright for solar installations, with expectations for rapid growth in capacity. However, challenges like grid limitations and dependence on imports from China could affect this growth.

Investing Update: All-Time Highs Here To Stay?

Spilled Coffee • 52 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. The stock market, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, has reached new all-time highs, marking significant growth since April. It's surprising how quickly things have improved.
  2. Many expected a tougher market, but predictions like identifying a bottom at the S&P 500’s 4,835 mark turned out to be correct. This shows how important it is to trust analysis.
  3. History suggests that if the S&P 500 performs well in May and June, it tends to continue rising through the rest of the year. July has been particularly strong over the last decade.

How much capital can startups profitably eat?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Startups seem to have a limit on how much money they can handle, known as being 'founder constrained'. This means that there are not enough strong ideas or founders to support the cash available.
  2. There has been a drop in the success rate of startups getting further funding after their initial rounds. This is particularly true for those that started during the funding boom in 2021.
  3. Venture capital returns from funds initiated in 2021 are underperforming, likely due to an excess of companies funded without sufficient quality ideas or founders backing them.

Predictions for AI in 2025

Generating Conversation • 46 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment Trends
  1. AI applications will become essential for businesses. Companies that don't adopt AI might struggle to keep up with competition.
  2. Investments in AI are expected to stay steady or increase. This means more money will flow into AI startups and technologies in the coming year.
  3. Foundation models will improve, but there may be fewer new releases. Companies will focus on enhancing existing models rather than just creating new ones.

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

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. The housing market shows an increase in home inventory, but sales are not growing much compared to last year. This can put pressure on home prices.
  2. House prices have recently increased year-over-year, but there is a decrease month-over-month for the first time since early 2023.
  3. There are different trends in housing across regions, which means some areas may experience changes in market conditions differently than others.

Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-December 2024

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. House prices have been rising, with a 3.9% increase over the last year. This trend looks set to continue based on recent data.
  2. The Case-Shiller National Index saw monthly gains for the 20th time in a row, indicating a strong upward movement in home values.
  3. Understanding past trends in the housing market helps predict future changes, which is crucial for buyers and sellers.

Fund Frontier Expeditions otherwise just buy the "Magnificent Seven"

State of the Future • 24 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Venture capital has changed a lot due to higher interest rates. This makes it harder for startups to get money and has led to a drop in their valuations.
  2. Startups are taking longer to go public now. This means investors are waiting longer to see their returns, which can make venture capital less appealing.
  3. Big tech companies are becoming dominant in AI because they have the money to invest heavily. This creates high barriers for new startups, making it tough for them to compete.

AI Eats Equity Research

Net Interest • 13 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. AI tools like OpenAI's Deep Research can now quickly gather and analyze financial information, making research much faster than before. This is changing how equity analysts do their jobs.
  2. Instead of relying on research assistants, analysts can use AI to find critical insights in real-time during meetings. This allows them to ask smarter questions based on the latest data.
  3. As AI technology improves, it could take over more of the research tasks that analysts do. This raises questions about the future roles of these analysts in the finance industry.

Oxford JPM Market Breakdown

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Oxford's market mostly focuses on research, making up over 80% of their business. This is different from Illumina, which has a bit more than 50% of its work in clinical areas.
  2. There seems to be some confusion about how much applied research is included, as it may come from a service provider.
  3. The information comes from a presentation at the JPM conference, which is aimed at understanding the different market sectors for these companies.

Four Blog Posts I Didn't Publish This Year

Venture Reflections • 8 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Not every idea needs to be shared. Keeping a drafts folder helps organize thoughts while deciding what’s worth publishing.
  2. Some topics are better discussed in personal conversations, as they can be sensitive or complex. It's okay to hold back rather than add to negativity.
  3. Investor updates are common now, but many are lacking in quality. Providing meaningful information is key to keeping investors informed.

Quantum computing: hype vs reality

More is Different • 7 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment Trends
  1. Quantum computers can do some tasks much faster than classical computers, but many claims about their abilities are exaggerated. For example, Google showcased a problem they created that doesn't have practical use.
  2. Currently, quantum computers mainly have three known useful algorithms, and none have been developed since 1996. This means their practical applications are very limited for now.
  3. Investing in quantum computing is risky because there is no clear winner among the different technologies. Many startups might fail, and it’s uncertain when quantum computers will become truly useful.

Tidal Waves in Venture Capital

East Wind • 20 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. Venture capital is facing challenges like the curse of scale and lower returns, making the industry more competitive.
  2. Data science and AI are reshaping VC investment processes, improving deal sourcing and evaluation.
  3. VC is becoming higher frequency, with firms leveraging AI to move faster and secure deals in a more competitive landscape.

Clouded Judgement 1.10.25 - Rising Rates

Clouded Judgement • 4 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. The 10-year Treasury yield is rising even as the Fed cuts rates. This is mainly due to people's expectations of ongoing inflation.
  2. Strong economic growth is encouraging investors to seek riskier assets, which pushes bond yields higher. With low unemployment and good consumer sentiment, the economy looks solid.
  3. Tariffs on imports are increasing costs for businesses, which leads to higher prices for consumers. This adds to inflation worries and drives investors to demand higher bond yields.

An economic puzzle of the Modi years : the hype is not followed by investment

Get Down and Shruti • 8 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investment Trends
  1. Despite the positive claims about India's economic growth, there's a mismatch between the hype and actual investment. Many business leaders are cautious and not investing as expected.
  2. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), which shows how much is being invested in long-lasting assets, has been low during Modi's years. This suggests businesses might not feel confident about the economy.
  3. Uncertainty from changes in policies and regulations makes businesses hesitant to invest long-term. A stable rule of law is crucial for encouraging investment and economic growth.

Fishing for AI Ideas: A Guide to the Modern (Artificial) Fishery

Day Zero: Always Learning • 0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. AI infrastructure is mainly dominated by big companies, so there's room for growth in areas like real-time systems and multimodal models. If you're looking to innovate, think outside the box and explore MLOps.
  2. To create useful AI solutions, focus on new workflows that disrupt traditional methods. Businesses need tools that drastically improve efficiency, especially in areas like risk assessment and new data modalities.
  3. Vertical AI, especially when combined with services, can be very profitable. Industries like restaurants can benefit from AI that enhances operations and customer experiences, leading to significant cost savings.

What's happening at OpenAI?

Jon’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Investment Trends
  1. Sam Altman was removed as CEO of OpenAI, causing a big shake-up in the company. The board was worried that OpenAI was moving too fast with its business plans.
  2. Greg Brockman, the President, quit in protest and many OpenAI staff members threatened to leave for Microsoft. They even asked for the board to resign.
  3. Microsoft quickly hired Altman and Brockman to lead an AI team, and has seen a big boost in its stock value since its investment in OpenAI.

Apple's Crown Jewel: Valuing the iPhone Franchise

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 29 Aug 12
💼 Business Investment Trends
  1. The iPhone makes a lot of money for Apple, generating $100 billion in sales and $21 billion in profits last year. It's a big part of why Apple is so valuable.
  2. Apple has a strong position in the growing smartphone market, selling about 20% of all smartphones while making 43% of the money in that market because of its higher prices.
  3. The iPhone has a short life cycle, meaning customers often wait for the next version. This puts pressure on Apple to keep improving and innovating to keep customers coming back.

The inaugural Africa Fintech Market Update: January 2024

Afridigest • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. The inaugural Africa Fintech Market Update report provides a monthly overview of key fintech developments across the continent, making it easier for followers to stay informed.
  2. In January 2024, eleven Africa-focused fintech startups collectively raised $25 million, showcasing continued investment trends in the sector.
  3. Notable highlights include Nigerian neobank Kuda's impressive customer base growth and South Africa's Ukheshe leveraging an acquisition to expand its market reach.

A Viral Market Update XII: The Resilience of Private Risk Capital

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jul 20
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. Private risk capital, like venture capital, has surprisingly remained strong during the crisis, unlike past downturns where such funding dried up.
  2. Growth companies and flexible businesses have thrived while traditional, capital-intensive companies struggled, showing a shift in market values.
  3. Investors are more willing to take risks now, leading to a rise in IPOs and high-yield bond issuances, unlike previous crises where these opportunities vanished.