The hottest Investment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Nexus Mutual (Part 2) - Valuation

DeFi Education • 459 implied HN points • 01 Oct 21
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Nexus Mutual is getting attention as more big investors start to enter the market. They might want insurance, which could help Nexus grow.
  2. Many regular investors might not see the need for insurance, but larger funds handling over $200 million will likely feel it's essential.
  3. The demand for insurance in the DeFi space is expected to rise, especially with institutional money looking for security in their investments.

Jared's Billions

Diane Francis • 299 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investment
  1. Jared Kushner received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential favoritism and ethical issues, especially given his past role in the Trump administration.
  2. The relationship between Kushner and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman involves complex political maneuvers, including attempts to alter U.S. foreign policy and discussions about nuclear technology in the region.
  3. Critics worry that Kushner's business dealings could undermine U.S. democracy and allow foreign interests to influence American politics, especially with close ties to controversial figures.

Get Ready For Big, Beautiful Inflation

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 32 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The expansion of the money supply leads to inflation, which makes it harder for regular people to save money and keep their purchasing power.
  2. Government spending that exceeds its income creates a cycle of borrowing and inflation, which ultimately hurts everyday Americans.
  3. Investing in gold and other real assets can be a good idea since they can protect against inflation and the devaluation of currency.

Don't give your investors common stock.

The Founder Memo • 19 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Investors should receive preferred stock, while those who contribute time and effort get common stock. This keeps things clear and avoids complications.
  2. Issuing common stock to investors can inflate the stock price and make it harder for employees to buy in. Using preferred stock keeps the value lower for common shares.
  3. Mixing stock types complicates corporate governance, making it tougher to manage rights and responsibilities. It's best to keep it simple with preferred for money and common for effort.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 53 - we've only gone and done it

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. CitNOW started at a kitchen table and grew into a successful company, showcasing how a small idea can turn into something big.
  2. After years of hard work, the founders sold the company in 2018, marking an important milestone in their journey.
  3. The experience of selling the company was surreal and emotional, reminding them of how far they had come together.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2024 (2/3)

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Many recent PhD papers are focused on innovation, covering a wide range of topics like technology policy and its impact on economic growth.
  2. Some studies show that environmental regulations can spur innovation among suppliers in industries like automotive, leading to more technological advancements.
  3. There is a growing recognition of how social media affects the spread of economic research, highlighting its importance in sharing knowledge.

20 years of Tesla

Jon’s Newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Elon Musk nearly went broke saving Tesla in 2008, but he managed to keep it alive by splitting his fortune between Tesla and SpaceX.
  2. In 2010, Tesla became the first car company to go public in the U.S. in over 50 years, which boosted its credibility and opened doors for growth.
  3. The launch of the Model 3 in 2017 was crucial for Tesla's success, making it the best-selling electric vehicle in the world and greatly increasing the company’s market value.

Should we tax realized gains?

The Pursuit of Happiness • 1 HN point • 03 Sep 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The tax system should focus on consumption instead of income. Taxing what people spend rather than what they earn could simplify things.
  2. A consumption tax could be fairer and encourage saving. It would tax money used for living expenses while allowing people to keep their investments untouched.
  3. Real-world issues with a consumption tax should be dealt with through thought-out adjustments. Instead of going back to an income tax when problems arise, we should refine the consumption tax system.

January 2024 Homebuilder Update

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The housing market is influenced by various factors like interest rates and supply shortages. These changes can affect home prices and availability for buyers.
  2. Homebuilder activity can indicate overall market health. A rise in new builds might suggest confidence in the economy.
  3. Monitoring trends in housing can help investors and buyers make better decisions. Staying informed about the market can lead to smarter choices.

Protege

next big thing • 23 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Protege is a new platform that connects data providers with companies needing data for AI training. This makes it easier for businesses to find and use important data.
  2. The company has grown rapidly, working with over 100 data providers in areas like healthcare and media. Their success has attracted major AI companies as customers.
  3. Protege's team has a strong background in data management, which helps them stay on top of their game. They are consistently innovating and expanding their services.

Series B Activity: July 2023

Magid and Co • 59 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Data on Series B deals done in July 2023 is available for download in PDF format
  2. The summary stats include data on Series B deals done worldwide (ex-China) with an amount raised greater than $5M, excluding companies focused on therapeutics
  3. Readers are encouraged to forward the information to anyone planning to raise an A or B round in the next six months

Robots for Morocco earthquake, sustainability, choreography, agriculture, investment and IPOs

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. Robots are being developed for various applications like earthquake response, sustainability, choreography, agriculture, investment, and IPOs.
  2. The robotics industry is exploring autonomous functions in trucking, driving, flying, bartending, education, fashion, and fast food.
  3. Key articles on interesting topics include one about Doosan and Bear Robotics, the NIST economic analysis of US manufacturing, and Madeline Gannon's robotic choreography installation in Miami.

How To Lose Customers & Alienate People

Build To Scale • 59 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Talk to customers and employees, but don't bother listening. Just talk about your vision and plans without engaging in meaningful conversations.
  2. Don't shy away from bad news and blame it on employees. Overreact publicly, especially to junior staff, to discourage them from sharing any negative news.
  3. Focus on competitors, raise money, surround yourself with yes-men, disregard customer needs, and prioritize optics over actual performance if you want to lose touch with your business and alienate people.

Manpower over Machines: The Calculated Gamble of BYD

Tech Buzz China Insider • 59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. BYD evolved from a struggling mobile lithium battery business to a top-selling passenger car brand in China, showcasing explosive growth within two years.
  2. The three main business segments of BYD are automotive, mobile components and assembly, and secondary rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics.
  3. Automotive sector is the primary revenue generator for BYD, contributing 100% to revenue growth and solidifying its position as the pillar industry.

Motor City Magic, investment starting to bounce back, and are female robots sinister?

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. SVR is hosting robotics events in the next few weeks, including Bots&Beer. The community is excited for the events, promising a silver lining.
  2. TokyoTV (Nikkei) is interested in filming/interviewing robotics startups. They'd like to capture stories potentially related to Silicon Valley Bank.
  3. Subscribe to Robots & Startups for access to full post archives and a 7-day free trial. Stay updated on the latest robotics news and trends.

Building Codiga: Choosing Advisors

Tech Ramblings • 59 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. When choosing advisors for your startup, make sure they can provide real value. Some people only want to collect equity without helping you.
  2. Look for advisors with different perspectives and experience than you. They should challenge your thinking and guide you in important decisions.
  3. Advisors should be motivated to help for the right reasons, not just for money. Choose those who are passionate about your mission and want to support your growth.

The Paradox of Finding Surprising Insights in Alternative Data

The Data Score • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Institutional investors need to find surprising insights in data but also be skeptical of them to ensure accuracy and avoid errors.
  2. When using alternative data to make predictions, it's crucial to verify if the insights answer the right questions and differ from the market consensus.
  3. Digging into the data through various methods like independent validation, error margin assessment, and data integrity checks is essential for investors to ensure the reliability of surprising insights.

Carro: Solving the Lemon Problem

Math Not Magic • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. The used automotive market faces challenges due to asymmetric information, leading to the 'lemon problem.'
  2. Carro, founded in 2015, uses data and machine learning to streamline the buying and selling of used cars.
  3. Carro's successful business model involves offering end-to-end solutions, financial services, and AI-powered inspections.

Trust as the Next Great Commodity

Kyla’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Trust is becoming really important and is now seen as a valuable resource. In a world where trust is low, it's crucial to find ways to invest in trust.
  2. There are different strategies for investing based on trust levels. You can focus on protection in uncertain times or on building a better system for the future.
  3. To succeed in this low-trust environment, we need to focus on realigning society by building trust, understanding truth, and reaching consensus to create a stable future.

Middleware Platform Solid To Wind Down, Lewis & Clark To Exit BaaS

Fintech Business Weekly • 66 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Evolve Bank & Trust has faced serious legal issues, including accusations of illegal discrimination and failing to meet fiduciary responsibilities. This has raised concerns about their trustworthiness.
  2. The middleware platform Solid is shutting down, and its bank partner, Lewis & Clark, is also exiting its banking-as-a-service business. This indicates a tough environment for fintech companies.
  3. Wise has reached a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for advertising inaccuracies and failing to disclose fees properly. This highlights ongoing scrutiny in the fintech sector regarding consumer protection.

The Big Development Project: How much should it cost?

Dev’s Substack • 13 HN points • 25 Apr 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Performing a double worst-case analysis can help determine a reasonable price for a software investment based on the project's business value.
  2. ROI (return on investment) calculation considers total benefits, total costs, and time horizon to assess project profitability.
  3. Setting a target cost for development budget based on the minimum acceptable ROI and apportioning costs between development and operational can guide budget planning.

The Bond Canary In The "Big Beautiful" Coal Mine

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 30 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The U.S. bond market is important to watch, especially after major fiscal changes like Trump's new infrastructure package. It can show signs of how the economy is doing.
  2. Fiscal stimulus packages, like the 'Big Beautiful Bill', can impact the bond market's performance and investor confidence.
  3. Keeping an eye on bond trends is useful for understanding economic health and potential future changes in the financial landscape.

Why Progress Seems Stalled

America in Crisis • 4 HN points • 12 Jul 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Faith in progress has declined due to recent advancements not meeting expectations, leading to public pessimism about the future.
  2. In the past, innovation created new categories of demand, opening up new economic sectors and creating jobs.
  3. Shareholder primacy business culture since 2000 has shifted focus from real productivity-enhancing investments to financial returns, hindering true progress.

Fannie and Freddie: Single Family Serious Delinquency Rates Decreased in June

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The serious delinquency rates for single-family loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remained stable in June. This means that fewer people are seriously behind on their mortgage payments compared to previous years.
  2. Freddie Mac's multi-family delinquency rates are at their highest since the housing market crash. This indicates some challenges in the multi-family housing sector.
  3. Historical data shows that delinquency rates peaked significantly during the housing bubble and the pandemic, but current rates are lower than those high points.

Freddie Mac House Price Index Declined in May; Up 2.2% Year-over-year

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 28 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The Freddie Mac House Price Index dropped by 0.23% in May but is still up 2.2% compared to last year. This shows that while prices are currently declining, there has been some growth over the past year.
  2. Florida and Texas are experiencing significant price declines, with 17 out of the 30 cities with the biggest drops located in these states. This trend indicates that real estate markets in these areas are facing challenges.
  3. Overall, 31 states and Washington D.C. have seen house prices fall since their peak. With inventory increasing and low sales, housing price growth may slow down even more in the future.

Building Codiga: Joining an Accelerator

Tech Ramblings • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Joining an accelerator can help you learn quickly and meet important people, but be ready to give up some ownership of your company. It's like a startup driving school to avoid crashing and get valuable lessons.
  2. While many resources are now available online for free, accelerators can still provide connections and credibility, especially for new entrepreneurs. Just remember, the support usually ends when the program does.
  3. Getting rejected from an accelerator isn’t the end; it doesn’t mean your idea is bad. Keep trying and consider other ways to grow your business—like bootstrapping or finding partners.

What's a half-trillion between friends?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. There is a big investment in AI happening, totaling $500 billion, which will help the U.S. stay ahead in technology. This money will be used to build infrastructure and create jobs.
  2. SoftBank's financial status is unclear, but it is involved in this major investment deal. The real challenge is making sure they can actually fund their part of the investment.
  3. While OpenAI is leading the project, there are other AI companies like Anthropic and Mistral that are doing well and can compete for market share. The AI market seems to have room for multiple big players.

The Unbundling of Retail

Equal Ventures • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Economic fundamentals in retail are shifting, highlighting the limitations of a direct-to-consumer-only strategy.
  2. Traditional principles like vertical integration may not always lead to better outcomes in the retail industry, as seen with several DTC brands.
  3. Outsourcing non-core functions and embracing the 'Great Unbundling' can help emerging brands achieve economies of scale and operational excellence in the retail sector.

Series A activity: Week of November 13, 2023

Magid and Co • 39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. The post provides data on Series A deals for the week of November 13, 2023.
  2. The focus is on Series A deals worldwide (excluding China) with funding over $5M and not for therapeutic companies.
  3. Readers can subscribe for free to receive more posts and support the author's work.

Can dissipating energy be profitable ?

GEM Energy Analytics • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Dissipating energy can actually be a business opportunity, especially when there's a lot of renewable energy that needs to be used quickly. This could be done by creating heat with electricity.
  2. The European power markets show that there is potential to earn money by providing flexible energy solutions, such as using heaters or other simple devices to quickly use excess electricity.
  3. A smarter way to approach energy dissipation is to use the heat generated from electricity for useful purposes, like district heating, instead of just wasting it.

Latest from AI Roller Coaster: Disruptive Nausea

Day Zero: Always Learning • 85 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. AI infrastructure is getting super crowded and costs are rising, which may lead to a shake-up in who leads this space. Companies need to find new angles to succeed, like offering something unique or targeting a niche.
  2. AI observability is a hot trend right now, with many startups focusing on helping businesses check if their AI models are really working. Measuring success with AI tools is still a big challenge that needs to be figured out.
  3. The way companies operate is going to change a lot because of AI, creating a mix of specialized skills and generalist abilities. Traditional roles may get transformed or even replaced as companies rethink how they do business.

A dive into Economy of India

Sitesh’s Substack • 2 HN points • 08 Aug 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. India's economy is growing but still has a long way to go. It currently contributes 8% to the global GDP, while having 18% of the world's population.
  2. Most of India's economic activity comes from informal sectors, making it hard to get accurate data. This leads to big challenges like high debt and low per capita income.
  3. Despite having a large population and potential for growth, India struggles with inequality and low productivity. A small part of the population contributes to most of the economic consumption.