The hottest Investment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

✨⚡ Can we actually build Stargate?

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. A big project called Stargate aims to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S. This could create over 100,000 jobs and involves building large data centers.
  2. There are concerns about whether the funding will be available, particularly from one of the investors, SoftBank. This skepticism raises doubts about the project's financial backing.
  3. The biggest challenge for Stargate might be the complicated federal permitting and regulatory processes. These rules could delay construction and impact the project's success.

Bitcoin DeFi (Part 2) - Rootstock and Babylon Chain

DeFi Education • 359 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Rootstock and Babylon Chain are important platforms in Bitcoin's decentralized finance (DeFi) space. They enhance usability and security for users dealing with Bitcoin.
  2. Layer 2 chains like Rootstock inherit security from the main Bitcoin network. This allows them to operate safely while expanding the functions available on Bitcoin.
  3. Understanding the potential of these DeFi platforms can help users make smarter investment choices. It's crucial for anyone interested in Bitcoin and DeFi to stay informed about these developments.

The AI economy is full of financial gimmicks.

The Future, Now and Then • 309 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The AI economy is largely filled with financial tricks and gimmicks. Many startup valuations and deals may not reflect true economic value until they produce real products or profits.
  2. Tech and finance are becoming tightly linked, and understanding this connection is essential for journalists. Just like the housing market before the crash, the AI sector has both real growth and bubble-like financial behavior.
  3. It's important to question how much of the reported economic activity in AI is genuine. Many big numbers come from transactions that may not create real wealth, blurring the lines between actual growth and financial gamesmanship.

TBM 361: Context, Collaboration, Intent, and Investment

The Beautiful Mess • 476 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Understanding context is important. It helps teams see the bigger picture and how things change over time.
  2. Intent is about setting clear goals for the future. Being specific about what you want to achieve can help guide actions.
  3. Collaboration and investment matter, too. Good teamwork and smart use of resources can drive better results and make projects more successful.
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Housing and 'a global wall of money'

System Change • 687 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. The housing crisis in Britain is not just about supply and demand, but also about a global wall of money inflating housing values.
  2. Speculation in the property market is fueling high house prices, not a shortage of supply.
  3. To make housing more affordable, measures like property speculation tax and managing speculative capital flows are needed.

A Lens to Understand the Trump Tariffs

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 769 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Not all tariffs are bad; they can help boost domestic manufacturing and protect jobs. The U.S. has lost many manufacturing jobs to overseas markets, which affects both the economy and national security.
  2. Often, tariff threats are used as negotiation tools rather than actual intentions to impose tariffs. For example, Trump used the threat of tariffs to gain cooperation from other countries on unrelated issues.
  3. The bigger issue is that many countries, including China, put up barriers to U.S. products while expecting open access to American markets. Addressing these trade imbalances can be crucial for fair international trade.

Under the Hammer

Investment Talk • 353 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Auction Technology Group (ATG) has a strong network effect connecting auction houses and bidders globally
  2. ATG's revenue grew after going public, showcasing potential for growth and expansion
  3. ATG's performance in 2023 indicated a mixed picture, with some segments showing declines and signs of cyclical behavior

Where is the Moat in AI?

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Intangible assets, like brand loyalty and know-how, can create lasting profits that are harder to compete against than physical resources like data centers.
  2. With AI, some jobs, especially mid-level roles in fields like finance and law, may decline in value as companies adopt technology to cut costs.
  3. Successful companies will be those that maintain strong relationships and moats now, as they navigate competition with AI model developers.

❄️ 🛖🔌 Qui veut racheter Courtepaille ?

Snowball • 668 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Uber has successfully turned its business around after facing scandals and significant losses.
  2. Employers often prefer candidates with diplomas for hiring.
  3. Courtepaille is up for sale again, positioning itself as an opportunity by focusing on future needs like electric vehicle charging stations.

❄️🔮 +250 % pour cette action / Comment l'IA va bouleverser nos économies

Snowball • 314 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Sprouts Farmer Market, an American supermarket chain focusing on healthy products, saw its stock increase by over 250% in 3 years due to a new CEO's strategy.
  2. Artificial intelligence has the potential to disrupt consumer behavior and economies, as explored through a study by the investment fund a16z.
  3. Events like the Super Bowl can indicate economic trends and provide insights into the financial health of companies through their marketing spend.

Adyen N.V. Investment Thesis

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 819 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Adyen's success is attributed to its ability to simplify complex payment processing challenges for businesses, nurturing customer relationships and offering tailored solutions.
  2. Adyen competes in a crowded payment processing landscape, facing challenges such as intense competition, commoditization of payments, and the need to differentiate through value-added services.
  3. Adyen is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing digital payment market and expand its reach by supporting emerging technologies and offering versatile payment solutions.

The 5 ingredients of a great fundraising announcement

Flack • 648 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. A successful fundraising announcement includes objectives, audience, message, execution, and validation.
  2. Focus your announcement message on accomplishments, plans, and what matters to employees and customers.
  3. When executing a fundraising announcement, share the message authentically, handle leaks intelligently, and seek validation from others.

You should get a pre-nuptial agreement

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Getting a pre-nuptial agreement is like buying insurance for your marriage. It protects both partners in case things don't go as planned.
  2. Many people think a prenup shows distrust, but it actually helps avoid messy court battles later. It's about planning for the future.
  3. Not having a prenup means accepting a default contract from the state. It's better to negotiate your own terms when you both feel good about each other.

Issue #6 - Hey Data, Show Me The Money!!!

The Data Ecosystem • 119 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Investing in data is a strategic move, not just about spending money. It's important to align data efforts with business goals to see real value.
  2. When pitching for data investment, focus on the benefits it will bring. Clear communication of value can help rebuild trust with leadership.
  3. Measuring the success of data investments through defined KPIs is essential. This helps in making future improvement and investment decisions.

⏩🎇 Awaiting the AI acceleration: A Quick Q&A with … researchers Anson Ho and Andrei Potlogea

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. Many believe we are not investing enough in AI because there's a lot of uncertainty about its benefits. People are unsure how AI will impact jobs and the economy.
  2. Investors are cautious about putting money into AI because they don't know how to profit from it or if regulations might get in the way. This fear makes them hesitant to make big investments.
  3. Some economists underestimate AI's potential by comparing it to past technologies. They think AI won't bring as much change, but it could actually affect more areas and grow faster than we expect.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 30

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  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.

🎇 Stargate isn't enough. Save the NSF

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. America needs government support for technology, like what the National Science Foundation provides, not just help from big tech companies like those in Silicon Valley.
  2. Expansion of AI infrastructure, like the Stargate project, is important for keeping up with global competition, especially with advancements coming from other countries.
  3. Recent discussions about a Chinese AI model's efficiency highlight the need for the U.S. to continue investing in its tech sector to stay innovative and competitive.

How health-tech founders can survive a brutal 2024

Second Opinion • 471 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. In 2024, health-tech founders may face challenges due to market conditions like the difficulty of fundraising.
  2. It's okay to let go of a struggling company and start over; it can make you smarter for the next venture.
  3. Founders should practice ruthless prioritization, focus on achieving break-even, and be realistic about liquidity events.

PE Slapping VC

Venture Prose • 579 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Private equity-backed companies prioritize cash flow over growth, teaching venture capitalists an important lesson for sustained success.
  2. Some growth-stage companies, profitable and mature, outshine venture-backed companies in terms of financial yield without the need for external fundraising.
  3. Venture-backed founders can benefit from connecting with founders of different companies to understand the importance of capital deployment yield and reduce stress levels.

Do Nothing & Do Everything

Investing 101 • 69 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Taking time to pause and reflect is important for personal growth and mental clarity. It may feel like doing nothing, but it's actually a valuable activity.
  2. Finding a balance between working hard and being smart is key. Sometimes, working too hard without thinking can lead to exhaustion and poor results.
  3. Both action and reflection are necessary for success. You need to know when to push forward and when to take a step back and regroup.

Tokenomics Primer Part 1

DeFi Education • 1179 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Tokens are really important in the crypto world, acting as a way to raise money and attract users. Unlike stocks, tokens can be essential to the product itself.
  2. Good tokenomics is all about connecting the token's value to the success of the underlying project. If the project doesn't do well, the token's value can drop a lot.
  3. Demand for tokens can come from real use or from things the project does to create demand, like buybacks. It's important for projects to find the right balance to keep their tokens valuable.

GPT5 and the end of naive AI futurism

The Future, Now and Then • 229 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. The release of GPT5 shows that the rapid advancements in AI may not be as groundbreaking as some expect. Instead of huge leaps, we see steady improvements over previous models.
  2. People are starting to think more about what AI can actually do today, rather than getting swept up in promises of radical future changes. This shift is important for evaluating AI's real impact.
  3. The excitement around AI technology might be fading, as the narrative of exponential growth and transformation is now harder to sell. Investors may start to focus on actual performance instead of potential.

Q1 2023 Portfolio Update

TSOH Investment Research Service • 569 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Invest in companies that can withstand technological changes for long-term success.
  2. Emulate successful investors like Buffett and Munger by focusing on identifying stable, enduring companies.
  3. Balance consideration of short-term challenges with long-term potential when making investment decisions.

The One Slide, Most Founders Get Wrong When Fundraising | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. The 'ask and use of funds' slide is a crucial opportunity for founders when fundraising; it should clearly state how much money is being raised, for what purpose, and avoid common mistakes like not including a specific dollar amount.
  2. Include SMART goals in the 'use of funds' slide, focusing on product, traction, market validation, and key hires; investors want to see a detailed plan on how the raised funds will contribute to company progress.
  3. Avoid including valuation on the 'ask' slide before securing a lead investor; the focus should be on the amount needed and what it will be used for, rather than terms of investment.

Ante Up, SUV Drivers: Paris Triples Parking Rates

The Micromobility Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Paris has tripled parking rates for SUVs over 1.6 tonnes and electric vehicles over 2 tonnes to promote a bike-able and walk-able city.
  2. Cake, an e-motorcycle manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy after facing challenges with recalls and losing an investor in funding.
  3. DYU, a prominent e-bike manufacturer in China, raised $14M in a funding round, planning to expand operations and enhance supply chain.

Strategic Funds

Points And Figures • 692 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The idea of a Strategic Wealth Fund (SWF) and a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) is seen as bad because they could go against individual freedoms and lead to misuse of taxpayer money.
  2. Government can't truly invest money; it can only spend what it collects from taxes or borrows. This means investments made by the government aren't genuine investments.
  3. Bitcoin is still mostly potential and hasn't proven its real-world value. Critics argue that despite years of development, it lacks practical uses in everyday life.

Doom and boom?

Off to Lunch • 294 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. The next UK government will face tough economic choices post-election, with challenges in public finance and investment.
  2. Private sector growth and business breakthroughs are crucial for economic development in the UK.
  3. Birmingham is experiencing challenges due to lack of public transport investment, emphasizing the importance of private sector investment for job creation.

The State of DeFi RWAs in Q4 2023

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. People in crypto are focused on finding ways to earn more money, especially through yield. They're looking for profitable options.
  2. Users on Ethereum pay fees that turn into rewards for staking, which is a key part of the earning process.
  3. Investing stablecoin money in things like US treasuries can provide stable returns, showing the importance of traditional finance in decentralized finance.

Some Regulatory Certainty

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. The SEC has decided that crypto memecoins are not considered securities, giving the industry more regulatory clarity. This is a positive change compared to the confusion that existed before.
  2. While crypto hasn't become essential for everyone's daily life yet, there are potential future uses, like tokenizing assets or using stablecoins for easier international payments.
  3. Regulation can sometimes create unfair advantages for big companies and stifle competition. It's important to be aware of these effects while also ensuring that people aren't misled by things like memecoins.

ACX Grants Followup Impact Market

Astral Codex Ten • 1858 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. ACX Grants involves an impact market where investors crowdfund grant proposals with potential for big profits if successful.
  2. Only 44 out of approximately 140 qualified participants have signed up for the impact market so far, with a different approach allowing non-accredited investors to participate.
  3. Investing in impact certificates through this system has risks like potential project failure, but also benefits such as tax deductibility.

How Trump’s Tariff Threat Made Apple Jump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 570 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Apple plans to invest $500 billion in the U.S., which could set a trend for other companies. This is a big decision that shows they are responding to economic pressures.
  2. Trump's comments on tariffs indicate he believes they can influence business decisions, like Apple's move to invest domestically.
  3. The situation reflects how political actions can have real effects on large businesses and their investment strategies.