The hottest Investment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

⚔️☠️ The billionaire war against death

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Rich people have always tried to cheat death, but now they’re putting real money into technologies that could actually extend life.
  2. Huge private investments are funding longevity work like cellular reprogramming and age‑reversal drugs, making radical life extension a plausible goal.
  3. That shift raises big social and economic questions about who gets access, how societies change if only the wealthy can postpone death, and what it means for the rest of us.

Top Links 965 Oracle's CapEx shock. The German credit crunch of 2022. Work-related deaths & Žižek "chats" with Kotkin about Stalin.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Oracle raised its FY26 capital expenditure outlook to $50 billion, a $15 billion increase from the prior guide, signaling much larger infrastructure spending.
  2. The German credit crunch of 2022 is highlighted as a significant financial event worth revisiting.
  3. The roundup also flags work-related deaths and a conversation where Žižek chats with Kotkin about Stalin, linking labor-safety issues with political and cultural debate.

At Calif, you're a star

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 1218 implied HN points • 10 May 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Success formula inspired by Joel Spolsky: treat programmers like stars, provide top-notch perks, and prioritize spending on talented employees.
  2. Prioritize long-term investment in the business over short-term profits, ensure employees are treated well, and focus on quality of service to clients.
  3. Maintain a high standard in business practices, provide elite-level service to clients, and prioritize comfort and convenience for employees to enhance productivity.

Onchain Landscape (Part 1)

DeFi Education • 839 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. There are different blockchain ecosystems called Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3, and each has its own use and benefits. Understanding these layers can help you decide where to invest your time and money.
  2. Layer 2 solutions help blockchains process more transactions efficiently by using off-chain data to save on resources. This means faster transactions and lower costs, making them a hot spot in the crypto world.
  3. Layer 3 is a newer concept that sits on top of Layer 2, focusing on specific apps and improving their functionality. While still experimental, investing in Layer 3 can present unique opportunities.

The Agrifoodtech Effect 🍽️

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🍲 Food & Drink Investment
  1. The food system is facing big challenges, like harming the environment and contributing to climate change. We need to rethink how we produce and consume food to protect our planet.
  2. Agri-Foodtech is about using new technology to improve the entire food industry. This includes everything from apps to healthier food options that can change how we eat.
  3. Investments in foodtech are growing rapidly, showing its importance. However, there's a need for more focus on advanced technologies, not just quick delivery services, to drive future innovations.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Money, Drama, and China: Why AI’s Next Step Could Be Messy

Big Technology • 6880 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. A new AI model called DeepSeek is cheaper and efficient, potentially making big investments in AI technology seem unnecessary. This raises questions about how much companies should really spend on AI.
  2. DeepSeek's success is surprising since it was developed in China, challenging the notion that good tech only comes from big investments in the West. Its ability to compete shows that smaller companies can innovate effectively.
  3. This development might shift the AI landscape significantly. Big players like OpenAI may need to rethink their approaches to stay competitive, especially now that cheaper models are proving their worth.

The 10 Essential Slides You Need in Your Pitch Deck 📝

The VC Corner • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Every startup needs a strong pitch deck to impress investors. It's not just about showing what you've done, but telling a compelling story about what you can achieve.
  2. Following a clear structure for your pitch deck helps you address investors' concerns. You need to present your vision and strengths in a way that resonates.
  3. These ten essential slides can make your pitch memorable. They help highlight your potential and build a narrative that investors can connect with.

March 26: Fashion and Tech, united in Beauty

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Investment
  1. A curated mixer on March 26 in NoMad will bring fashion and beauty tech leaders together to collaborate and explore what’s next in the industry.
  2. The event is exclusive with limited venue capacity and a hand-selected guest list of founders, creators, strategists, advisors, investors, and builders for high-value networking.
  3. Tickets include a complimentary drink and bites, and hosts point to a Luma signup and newsletter for registration and updates.

Brainstorming Solutions for Aerospace Sector Challenges

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. An online brainstorming session is being organized to find solutions for challenges in the aerospace industry. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of their experience level.
  2. The discussions will be moderated by someone with a strong background in aerospace and venture capital. This helps ensure the session is productive and insightful.
  3. There are two scheduled sessions on August 10 to accommodate different time zones, making it easier for people around the world to participate.

Why Silicon Valley Can't Afford Its Own Revolution

The Algorithmic Bridge • 700 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Silicon Valley's big tech companies are spending most of their cash flow on AI hardware, which is a huge risk. If their investments don't pay off, they could face big financial problems.
  2. These companies are increasingly borrowing money for their projects, making them more vulnerable. If they can’t generate expected returns quickly, they might struggle to repay these debts.
  3. The reliance on borrowed money creates a fragile situation for the tech industry. If the market shifts or AI doesn’t become as profitable as hoped, it could lead to widespread financial instability.

The Frankfurter Index

Doomberg • 6098 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The price of everyday items can help us understand the true value of money over time. For example, the cost of hot dogs compared to the price of gold shows how much the dollar has changed.
  2. While the value of the US dollar has been decreasing, it's important to look at prices in relation to gold to see the bigger picture. Gold has been a constant measure of value throughout history.
  3. Some people worry that we will run out of oil, but advancements in technology suggest otherwise. Oil and gas companies are innovating and have plenty of resources available.

Why I've Joined Pattern Ventures as the Firm's Newest GP!

patternventures • 119 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. The venture capital world is changing, with smaller emerging managers expected to yield better returns than larger, established firms. Smaller funds need less total value to achieve strong returns, making them more appealing.
  2. Finding the right emerging managers is really tough. Not all of them will succeed, so it's important to pick those with unique skills and a track record of success.
  3. Emerging VC firms now have a lot of opportunities, especially with many new operators starting their own funds. The early-stage landscape is hot right now, and there's excitement about investing in it.

“We Are Not as Wealthy as We Thought We Were”: Part 2

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 421 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Home prices jumped far above their long-term trend even though residential investment and real housing consumption fell, meaning the housing stock didn’t improve while market values rose.
  2. Rising rents drove much of the value increase — rent inflation has outpaced overall prices and a 1% rise in rent is associated with about a 1.68% rise in price/income, in part because land trades at higher price/rent multiples than structures.
  3. Because real investment in homes has declined, families pay more for housing, and if demand-side forces are blamed for higher prices that necessarily implies very tight supply; historically, large federal homeownership programs raised ownership without inflating values when they boosted housing supply.

Top Links 957 The AI money machine. Against European self-denigration and a Louvre full of plan-relief.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. AI is presented as a powerful money machine that is reshaping where profits and investment flow.
  2. The piece pushes back against European self-denigration and urges Europeans not to underestimate their strengths and contributions.
  3. Economic analysis is paired with cultural and historical material, such as art and the Louvre, to broaden the conversation.

Top Links 947 Safe assets. Robots in China. Powering Africa. Fascism in the body.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The production of safe assets around the world is mostly due to US dollar investments. This shows how important the dollar is in global finance.
  2. There are advancements in robotics in China that are changing various industries. This suggests that technology is rapidly evolving and impacting economies.
  3. There are discussions about the energy needs of Africa and how to power it efficiently. It's a critical topic for the continent's development.

Europe's rigid labor markets are an economic death sentence

Economic Forces • 26 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
💼 Business Investment
  1. When it's hard to fire workers, companies treat employees like long‑lasting capital and are much more reluctant to hire, so labor supply can't adjust quickly.
  2. That rigidity makes uncertainty especially harmful: firms hold back hiring and investment during downturns because they can't easily unwind staff, which creates lasting scarring and reduces reallocation to more productive firms.
  3. The result is less economic dynamism and weaker growth, especially in risky, fast‑changing industries where firms need to experiment and scale quickly.

Economics Links, 12/25/2025

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Productivity often comes from many small, practical, firm-level efficiency improvements and incremental innovations rather than a single big breakthrough.
  2. There are multiple competing explanations for why industrialization happens, so no single factor fully explains events like Britain’s early industrial revolution.
  3. Some argue protectionism or industrial policy can shelter and encourage domestic manufacturing investment, while others warn such policies often do more harm than good and that trade deficits can reflect productive capital imports. Being able to sustain attention and mental effort—cognitive endurance—is becoming an important skill for many modern jobs.

Tokens: The New Oil

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2010 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. When demand for your product grows rapidly, you need to shift your focus from exploration to expansion. It's all about managing resources to keep up with demand.
  2. Survival in this phase means making tough choices, like cutting features or limiting users, to ensure you have enough capacity. Don't worry about being perfect; just keep your product alive.
  3. Investors may be excited to fund you now, but your real challenge is managing resources effectively. Focus on quick, practical solutions to keep things running and adapt as you grow.

New capitalism III: Capital

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1691 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Capital income is different from labor income. You earn labor income by working hard, but capital income comes from simply having money to invest.
  2. Income from capital is very unequal. Most people don't receive any capital income at all, making it highly concentrated among the wealthy.
  3. A large portion of the world's population has no income from capital. Up to 85% of people may not earn anything from their investments, leading to a significant divide in wealth.

🥇The Best of Compounding Quality

Compounding Quality • 2279 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The best investment is in yourself, always pays the best interest.
  2. Interactive Brokers is highlighted as one of the best and cheapest brokers available.
  3. The website offers a wide range of content on investment philosophy, financial analysis, portfolio management, and more.

Issuing Equity: A Guide for Startups

The VC Corner • 439 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Issuing equity means giving part of your startup away in exchange for money or investment. This can change who makes decisions in your company.
  2. It's important to understand the terms of what you're agreeing to when you issue equity. Knowing the details can help you make smarter choices.
  3. Different types of agreements and shares can impact your startup's future. Make sure to learn about these options before moving forward.

Top Links 942 The global dollar zone. Italian unemployment. China's pharma surge & a multiplex world.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The global financial system is mainly led by the United States and its allies, holding about 65% of the world's external assets and debts. This shows how much influence they still have.
  2. Italy has interesting changes in its job market, so looking at their unemployment rate could give insights into the country's economic health.
  3. China's pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, indicating a significant shift in global health and economic dynamics. This can affect how healthcare looks in the future.

Are We at War with Grocery Stores Now?

Economic Forces • 10 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
💼 Business Investment
  1. Blaming grocery stores for post‑pandemic inflation misunderstands prices: higher prices together with higher profit margins point to broad demand increases (like monetary or fiscal stimulus), not just supply‑side cost gouging.
  2. Store entry and exit decisions hinge on large, sunk costs and the option value of waiting, so policies that raise operating or exit costs (stricter regulation, eminent domain threats, or tolerance of shoplifting) make marginal stores more likely to close and deter new entrants.
  3. Replacing market pricing with publicly run stores or price controls ignores the information‑and‑coordination role of prices and often worsens outcomes: taxpayers may subsidize lower sticker prices while overall costs, inefficiencies, and access problems rise.

The Venezuela Opportunity

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Investment
  1. Venezuela is a massively underpriced opportunity beyond oil — if rebuilt and democratized it could join Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador as a powerful nearshoring bloc and a strategic partner to the U.S., unlocking big trade and job gains.
  2. Modern infrastructure, reliable dispatchable power (notably hydropower), and U.S.-backed financing and institutional reform are the keys to attracting hyperscale data centers, manufacturing, and long-term investment.
  3. Venezuelan entrepreneurs and an 8M-strong diaspora have already shown leapfrog innovation (e.g., Cashea), but private firms will scale up only once political and legal risks meaningfully decline.

OpenAI: Economic Justice Delayed

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. OpenAI recently received a large investment to avoid bankruptcy, but experts think financial troubles may still be on the way. There's skepticism about how sustainable their business model is.
  2. The promises of AI, like improving productivity and creativity, often don't match up with what users actually experience. Many believe AI tools still have major limitations.
  3. The funding from investors seems more focused on finding a quick profit than on genuinely improving AI technology. There's a worry that this could lead to a crash if expectations aren't met.

Je suis libre financièrement

L'Atelier Galita • 39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Knowing how much money you need for a comfortable life is important. Many people struggle to figure out when they have enough and end up always wanting more.
  2. Financial freedom means earning enough money to do what you love without worrying about bills. It's about enjoying your work and feeling financially secure.
  3. There are different paths to financial freedom, like building passive income or earning money from your passions. It's possible to find joy in work while also being financially stable.

My Pitch Framework

Venture Prose • 1517 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. The goal of a first meeting is to trigger a second one; good investor asks the right questions, bad one slows you down.
  2. Important elements of a good pitch: timing, preciseness, energy, and emotion to keep investors engaged.
  3. Entrepreneurs need optimism, clarity of vision, and ability to adapt quickly; assess qualities like learning from experience and embracing learning from others.

How to Value a Startup: Key Methods Every Investor and Founder Should Know

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Valuing a startup is important but tricky because they often lack stable revenue. Founders and investors need to use different methods compared to established businesses.
  2. There are two parts to valuation: the 'art' involves looking at the startup's unique qualities like the team and product potential, while the 'science' uses data and metrics for a more objective view.
  3. A popular way to value startups is the Venture Capital Method, which focuses on future growth expectations. This helps investors estimate what a startup might be worth down the line.

🚩 7 Reasons Not To Buy A Stock

How They Make Money • 1985 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The value of a stock lies in the underlying business's ability to generate profits over time.
  2. Most stocks underperform the index, so discerning smart investment choices is crucial.
  3. Avoid stocks with poor unit economics, as growth should not come at the cost of profitability.

Top Links 923 If Europe can’t spend big, who can? "A long slow bet on laziness". Meatscape & German Venezuela.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Europe needs to spend more to support its economy, and there's a question of who will take that initiative if they don't.
  2. There's a discussion around lazy investment strategies that could hinder economic growth.
  3. The situation in Germany is compared to Venezuela's, highlighting concerns about financial stability and resource management.

Do Homebuilders have an inventory problem?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Months-of-supply is a misleading metric because it mainly rises when sales fall, so it often just mirrors the sales trend rather than showing true excess inventory.
  2. Builders generally start homes in step with sales, so absolute unsold units haven’t exploded the way the months-of-supply chart suggests, meaning current measures don’t automatically imply dangerous overbuilding.
  3. Policymakers have misread this signal before and worsened downturns, and today the same misinterpretation may be pushing homebuilder stock prices down and could present a buying opportunity.

Top Links 920 Dangerous positioning. Financial repression in the 21st century. Ornette Coleman and Jacques Derrida in conversation.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Dangerous positioning in finance can lead to risky outcomes, so it's important to be cautious. Many people might think they are diversified, but it can be misleading.
  2. Financial repression is a key trend in the 21st century, affecting how economies grow and interact. It can limit investment freedom and impact savings.
  3. Conversations about art and philosophy, like the one between Ornette Coleman and Jacques Derrida, can help us understand cultural influences and connections. Ideas in art often reflect deeper thoughts in society.

👑 Microsoft Overtakes Apple

How They Make Money • 1631 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Microsoft has overtaken Apple as the world's most valuable public company.
  2. Microsoft's success is attributed to a cultural shift, investments in AI, and strategic acquisitions.
  3. Microsoft's revenue sources are diversified across productivity, cloud, gaming, and other sectors.

Recent AI failures are cracks in the magic

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

How to Break into VC🎓, Europe VC Dealmaking Funnel🔍, The Billionaire Battle For AI's Future⚔️

The VC Corner • 359 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. To get into venture capital, you need to build connections and understand the industry well. Networking and learning from experiences are crucial steps.
  2. The European venture capital market has a specific deal-making process that can be different from other regions. Knowing this funnel can help you navigate opportunities better.
  3. There's a growing competition among billionaires for AI technology. Understanding this battle can give insights into where future investments might be directed.

News of the Week (January 15-19)

Stock Market Nerd • 1552 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Taiwan Semiconductor beat revenue estimates and provided positive guidance for future growth.
  2. The Trade Desk experienced a decline in multiples but is focusing on profitability and growth.
  3. Uber is shutting down Drizzly and streamlining its alcohol delivery within UberEats.

Beijing's Bubble Bursts Part 2

Diane Francis • 1378 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. China's real estate bubble has created massive debt, making it harder for local governments to provide services. Many places have empty buildings while local debts soar.
  2. The Belt and Road Initiative has turned into a huge financial burden for China, with many countries unable to repay the loans. This has led to China becoming the biggest debt collector globally.
  3. China's gambling-like approach to its economy is hurting its growth and reputation. With a lot of speculation and risk-taking, its future outlook looks uncertain.

San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin on What's Actually Happening in the Economy

Kyla’s Newsletter • 121 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The Fed is learning from the 1970s vs 1990s: inflation expectations and productivity trends matter. AI could boost productivity but that’s uncertain, so policy needs to be cautious and nimble.
  2. Persistent uncertainty and a gap between sentiment and official data are major issues. Negative news cycles make people feel worse even when jobs, wages, and spending remain fairly strong.
  3. The economy has been surprisingly resilient but growth is narrow, driven by AI investment and healthcare jobs, which creates concentration risks linked to the stock market and hiring. Ground-level signals like cranes and parking lots are useful to check what businesses are actually doing.