The hottest Investment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Maybe active funds will be saved in seven months' time

Fund Marketer • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Active funds are struggling because investors prefer passive options like ETFs. Some fund companies are not offering either right now, which could hurt them in the long run.
  2. Vanguard became successful by creating a special share class for ETFs linked to their mutual funds, which allowed them to build a good track record. Other companies are now trying to replicate this model after Vanguard's patent expired.
  3. There's a growing tension between shareholders and company boards over how businesses should be run, especially regarding social responsibility. Shareholders want more say and might push for changes through lawsuits.

Investment consultants are (quietly) doing great

Fund Marketer • 0 implied HN points • 01 May 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Investment consultants are becoming very influential in the market, with 85% of large investors relying on them for manager selection. This shows they play a key role in guiding investment decisions.
  2. The top twenty investment consultants control a large portion of the industry, making it easier for them to shape which managers are chosen by clients. This concentration means fewer choices for investors.
  3. Investment consultants warn that trendy investment options, like private assets, can be risky and often lead to disappointing results for late investors. It's important to be cautious and think long-term.

Investment research is not as valuable as it used to be

Fund Marketer • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Investment research is becoming less useful because many managers found alternatives, like news or blogs, to get the information they need.
  2. While regulations may allow investment research to be bundled again, the actual spending on it has dropped significantly, showing that its value has decreased.
  3. Market forces can lead to changes like bundling or unbundling, impacting sectors like renewable energy, where clearer reporting standards can increase investment.

Is the European ETF market competitive enough?

Fund Marketer • 0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The European ETF market is heavily dominated by a few large players, with JP Morgan capturing a significant share. This raises concerns about the level of competition available for smaller ETF issuers.
  2. Larger firms often copy niche products from smaller issuers, making it hard for the latter to succeed. This behavior can limit innovation in the ETF market.
  3. Investment consultants prefer funds that are just above certain asset thresholds, affecting how funds are shortlisted and their potential inflows. Being over a $500 million mark can lead to more investment opportunities.

GFF 2024: India's Fintech Vision on the World Stage

Decentralised • 0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Payments and lending were the biggest topics at the festival. Many startups showed off new ways to lend and move money across borders.
  2. Indian SaaS companies are doing really well, especially with new tech for lending and security. The creativity in this area impressed many attendees.
  3. NPCI was recognized as a leading innovator in fintech. They introduced new features like UPI Circle and showed how they’re pushing for more fintech advancements.
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Future of Lending: Navigating Risk Management in Loan Against Securities (LAS)

Decentralised • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Loan Against Securities (LAS) is gaining popularity as many people are using their investment assets as collateral for loans. This option offers flexibility and lower interest rates compared to personal loans.
  2. Effective risk management is crucial for LAS since the value of collateral can change rapidly. Lenders need to monitor collateral closely and use technology to manage these risks effectively.
  3. Financial institutions are increasingly integrating digital solutions to streamline LAS processes. This not only makes managing loans easier but also enhances the ability to respond quickly to market changes.

Amazon doubles down on Anthropic

The PhilaVerse • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. Amazon is investing an extra $4 billion in Anthropic, making their total investment $8 billion. This shows how serious Amazon is about developing AI technology.
  2. Anthropic will now use Amazon's cloud services as their main platform for training AI models. This partnership aims to make AI models more powerful and secure.
  3. Anthropic's AI models, like Claude 3.5, are popular in various industries for different tasks, including customer service and drug discovery. Many companies are already using these advanced tools.

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Mega Strategy

Coin Metrics' State of the Network • 0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. MicroStrategy has a unique investment strategy focused on Bitcoin, holding a huge amount of it, which makes them the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin worldwide.
  2. They finance their Bitcoin purchases by using convertible bonds, allowing them to borrow money at low costs to buy more Bitcoin.
  3. While their approach has been successful, it carries risks due to Bitcoin's price volatility and the high valuation of MicroStrategy's stock compared to its Bitcoin assets.

Explaining The AI gap

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. SoftBank is planning to invest $100 billion in the U.S., which shows confidence in the American market. This investment could lead to increased deal-making opportunities in various sectors.
  2. There is a growing gap between the spending of major cloud companies on AI technology and their free cash flow. While they’re spending a lot, investors seem okay with it as long as it leads to future profits.
  3. If AI companies do not meet revenue growth expectations, the current positive sentiment could shift. Investors will need to see that their spending results in cash flow gains to keep supporting these companies.

Stimulus, Rent the Runway, and do people know how angry the average consumer is?

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. China's economy is struggling with low inflation and falling producer prices, leading to the need for monetary stimulus to boost growth.
  2. Rent the Runway is facing significant market challenges, even as it takes steps to improve its business and reduce losses.
  3. There is a growing divide between business leaders and the general public regarding consumer anger, particularly about issues like health insurance.

Quant Letter: December 2024, Week-2

The Parlour • 0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Leveraged ETFs can be useful for long-term investment strategies when using advanced methods like neural networks. They might outperform regular benchmarks if used wisely.
  2. There is a new AI model designed for predicting market volatility, showing the growing role of technology in finance. This can help investors make better decisions.
  3. The importance of keeping up with the latest research and trends in finance is highlighted, as it can give investors a competitive edge. Staying informed is key to success.

Databricks’ gigantic funding round

philsiarri • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Databricks just raised $10 billion, boosting its value to $62 billion. This money will help them pay employees, buy other companies, and grow internationally.
  2. The company provides data analytics and AI tools on big cloud platforms like Amazon and Google. They expect to generate $3 billion in revenue by early 2025.
  3. Several big investors are backing Databricks, and while they haven't said for sure, they might go public with an IPO sometime in 2025.

Welcome to the stablecoin boom

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Stablecoins are becoming more popular, especially as Tether faces troubles in Europe. This situation opens the market for other stablecoins that follow regulations.
  2. Companies making stablecoins can earn money by investing the dollars customers give them in low-risk options. As interest rates rise, these investments become even more profitable.
  3. Banks are looking to join the stablecoin market, simply because there’s money to be made. In 2025, we might see big moves like stablecoin IPOs and more investments in the sector.

Cybersecurity predictions for 2025

Frankly Speaking • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. In 2025, security budgets are expected to focus more on hiring skilled people than on buying security tools. Many tools don't really solve the security problems they claim to address.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is set to change the landscape of security tools, especially in outdated categories like data and application security. AI could help with understanding complex security issues better.
  3. The cybersecurity industry might see more companies staying private or being acquired instead of going public. The tough business environment is making IPOs less likely.

US AI investment is world crushing

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. The US is leading the world in AI investment, significantly outpacing other countries. This shows strong growth and confidence in the AI sector.
  2. There is a notable focus on venture capital in the AI field, suggesting it’s a hot area for investors right now. More money is flowing into AI than before, indicating its popularity.
  3. Companies like WhatNot are emerging in niche markets, showing that new platforms can thrive even in competitive landscapes. This could lead to more innovation and opportunities for growth.

Bitcoin’s 16th Birthday

Coin Metrics' State of the Network • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Bitcoin is 16 years old, and it has changed how we think about money. It started as a small idea and now is seen as a reliable alternative to regular money.
  2. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin is not controlled by governments. This makes it appealing to people who want more control over their own finances.
  3. Over the years, Bitcoin has become more stable, making it a more credible investment option. Developments like Bitcoin ETFs have helped it gain trust in the financial world.

The Value of Money in Time: A Critical Factor in Your Exit Strategy

Meliora by Ana Stoica • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Money has a time value, meaning getting cash now is better than getting the same amount later. This is important to remember when planning your exit.
  2. Consider not just the total payout but also how and when you'll get the money. Upfront payments or quicker payouts are usually better than delayed big sums.
  3. Negotiating the right deal structure can help reduce risks and uncertainties. Think about your personal needs and make sure the deal aligns with your financial goals.

Decision Theory Concepts Useful in Life

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Exploration and exploitation are both important for success. You need to try new things to find better tools, but also focus on mastering the ones that work for you.
  2. Simplifying problems makes decision-making easier. Break down big questions into smaller, manageable ones to gain clarity and avoid getting overwhelmed.
  3. It's crucial to recognize opportunity costs in decision-making. When you commit to one option, you may be giving up on others that could be more beneficial.

Everyone is eating

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. The AI industry is rapidly growing, with companies like Arista Networks and Astera Labs showing impressive earnings and growth. This growth is benefiting a lot of businesses right now.
  2. The space economy is also gaining traction, with many startups focusing on building an economy in orbit. This is exciting and shows potential for future developments.
  3. Despite some economic concerns, there is still good news in tech and innovation, and the stock market remains strong for startups.

Are you a GENIUS?

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. The GENIUS Act passed in the Senate, creating a regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S. It's seen as a win for the crypto industry.
  2. AI companies like Elon Musk's xAI are spending massive amounts of money, burning through billions as they try to build advanced AI technology. This raises questions about sustainability and future revenues.
  3. Substack is looking to raise funds again after reaching significant growth in subscribers, but it needs a lot more revenue to become a publicly traded company.

20 Seed & Series A Companies Building in Consumer AI

Digital Native • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. Consumer AI is gaining attention as a new area for startup investment, especially as the market shifts. More people are looking at how AI can change everyday experiences.
  2. Events like Humans in the Loop are helping to connect founders and investors in the consumer AI space, creating excitement and opportunities for new ideas.
  3. A variety of companies are emerging, focusing on different applications of AI from virtual shopping experiences to creating interactive avatars. This shows there's a lot of room for innovation in how we use technology.

Quant Letter: July 2025, Week-3

The Parlour • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. A new method for calculating Greeks in finance has been introduced, which makes it faster and keeps accuracy high. This will help in managing options better.
  2. There is a new model-free approach for selecting portfolios that uses generative diffusion models and policy gradients. It could change how people manage their investments.
  3. This week’s content represents the 100th edition, highlighting a milestone in sharing insights on machine learning in finance. It shows the growth and importance of this field.

Chips foreign, Chips domestic

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Nvidia is having trouble meeting demand for its chips in China, which could hurt its business, but it's still a win for American companies.
  2. The recent US-EU trade deal lowers tariffs but has left some European leaders unhappy, showing that trade agreements can be complicated.
  3. A new Microsoft study suggests many jobs are at risk due to AI automation, which means some workers might need to adapt to changing job markets.

Do you need VCs for your AI startup?

Experiments with NLP and GPT-3 • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. You don't need venture capitalists (VCs) for your AI startup because customers are eager to buy useful AI products right away.
  2. Unlike SaaS businesses that need time to build sales and marketing, AI products can spread quickly without heavy investment.
  3. Focus on creating great AI solutions instead of looking for VC funding, and once you find success, VCs will come to you.

The Flows Behind the Crypto Market’s Rise to $4T

Coin Metrics' State of the Network • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Bitcoin's value has risen significantly, surpassing a market cap of $1 trillion and showing strong interest from long-term holders. This indicates that many people believe in Bitcoin's long-term potential.
  2. Demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum is growing, mainly due to popular Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs and companies starting to invest in these assets. This demand is making it hard for new coins to keep up.
  3. A new law in the U.S. regarding stablecoins brings clearer rules and oversight. This could boost trust and competition in the stablecoin market, which might be good for both consumers and businesses.

Fundraising Needs Vision and Execution

Tippets by Taps • 0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Having a clear vision is crucial for attracting investors. It helps them understand the potential future success of your company.
  2. Execution matters just as much as vision. Investors want to know that you have a solid plan to reach your goals and can make it happen.
  3. Being specific about your plans can make a big difference. Instead of vague statements, detail your concrete steps and timelines to show you really understand your business.

Making Sense of Bitcoin’s Changing Market Rythm

Coin Metrics' State of the Network • 0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Bitcoin supply is changing slowly, with long-term holders moving coins gradually. This shows a steady shift in who owns Bitcoin now.
  2. Bitcoin ETFs and Digital Asset Treasuries have taken up a large chunk of new supply, providing a consistent demand. This means more stability in who holds Bitcoin.
  3. Bitcoin's price movements are less volatile now, resembling steady tech stocks. This suggests that the market is maturing and becoming less wild than before.

#37: Rant: AI Isn't the Bubble, Is It?

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Blaming AI for high stock prices is wrong; the problem lies with our own expectations and decision-making. It's like blaming electricity for a company's failure.
  2. There are different perspectives on AI depending on whether you're an investor or an enterprise operator, and mixing them can cause confusion. Investors focus on stock values, while operators want to know how AI can improve their workflows.
  3. AI technology isn't failing; it’s just that companies are slow to adopt it. Learning to use it takes time, and sometimes it feels like we expect instant results too soon.