The hottest Investments Substack posts right now

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Long Take: How Wise disrupted $150T of Cross-Border Payments and earns $1B in revenue

The Fintech Blueprint • 511 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💰 Finance Payments Valuations Stablecoins DeFi Investments
  1. Wise disrupted the costly traditional cross-border payment system by using a peer-to-peer platform and offering transparent, low fees.
  2. The company earned $1.2B in revenue in 2021 with a significant portion coming from its margin on FX transfers.
  3. Wise's growth and profitability are driven by its innovative approach to simplifying and optimizing cross-border transactions.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY’S TOBACCO HISTORY

Reflections on "Going Down Tobacco Road" and Investing • 530 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
💰 Finance Investments Market Analysis Bonds Financial risk
  1. Warren Buffett invested in tobacco businesses like R.J. Reynolds, showing a historical investment pattern.
  2. Buffett sold his R.J. Reynolds stock in 1984, missing out on higher returns, showcasing his investment strategy.
  3. Buffett made a successful investment in RJR Nabisco bonds in 1989, demonstrating his keen awareness of financial risks and rewards.

362 Cyber Acquisitions in 2024

The Security Industry • 13 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Mergers Investments Market Trends Acquisitions Tech industry
  1. In 2024, there were 362 cyber acquisitions, which is a significant increase from the previous years. This shows how fast the cybersecurity industry is changing.
  2. The total value of disclosed acquisitions reached nearly $49.9 billion. Many deals were notable, including big companies like HPE and IBM making major purchases.
  3. Out of all the acquisitions, a majority were strategic, while a smaller portion involved private equity firms. This highlights different approaches companies are using to grow in the cybersecurity space.

Thinking in N not T

moontower: a stoner dad explains options trading to his kids • 314 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investments Risk Analysis Market Dynamics Financial Modeling
  1. When analyzing data, consider thinking in terms of the number of unique data points (N) rather than the total number of observations (T).
  2. Samples drawn from the same regime reduce the effective number of data points, impacting the reliability of quantitative analysis.
  3. Account for autocorrelation in data to avoid biases in estimating return volatilities and risk, ensuring better comparisons across different investments.
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VyStar Invested $20M Into “Dysfunctional” Nymbus; “Botched” Transition Led To Consent Order, $1.5M Penalty

Fintech Business Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Fintech Investments Banking Legal issues Consumer Protection
  1. VyStar Credit Union faced major issues after investing $20 million in Nymbus due to a failed transition to a new online banking platform.
  2. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered VyStar to pay a $1.5 million penalty for unfair practices during the transition process, which left customers unable to access their accounts.
  3. Nymbus is currently involved in multiple legal disputes with clients, claiming it failed to deliver promised services and is now reportedly trying to extort money from a former customer.

Mickelson's Major(s) Point-Missing

The Quadrilateral • 491 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Golf Investments
  1. There are signs of a potential collapse in the deal between LIV Golf and traditional golf organizations.
  2. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is involved in significant negotiations and discussions for the future of professional golf.
  3. Phil Mickelson has raised concerns about the denial of ranking points to LIV players and the potential impact on TV deals for the PGA Tour.

Breach of Trust: Decoding the US Banking Crisis of 2023

Musings on Markets • 839 implied HN points • 06 May 23
💰 Finance Banking Investments Economics Regulations Market Trends
  1. The recent banking crisis in the US started with the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which was unexpected and quick, leading to a series of other bank failures. This raises concerns about whether the crisis will impact the larger economy like the 2008 crisis did.
  2. Understanding what makes a bank strong or weak is essential. Key factors include how sticky their deposits are, the amount of equity they have to absorb losses, and the quality of their loan portfolios.
  3. The market's reaction to the crisis has been mixed, with larger banks holding up better than regional ones. However, the crisis may push more consolidation within the banking industry, affecting competition and overall bank profitability.

This is a time publishers ought to be investing and exploring new territory vs. laying people off and hunkering down. So why are so few of the big companies doing that?

How to Glow in the Dark • 559 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💼 Business Publishing Financials Management Earnings Investments
  1. This is a challenging time for publishers to invest and innovate, yet many big companies are not doing so.
  2. Major publishing companies are facing reduced earnings despite increased sales, leading to layoffs and cost-cutting measures.
  3. The industry's response to financial challenges has mainly involved squeezing employees and authors, rather than focusing on long-term growth and support.

Economic Calendar for the Week of December 15, 2024

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Events Investments Corporate Earnings Global Economy
  1. The economic calendar for the week includes important U.S. events like the NY Empire State manufacturing index and earnings from companies like Mitek.
  2. Global economic events will also take place, such as inflation rates in Italy and housing starts in Canada.
  3. It's a time to keep an eye on both domestic and international indicators that could impact the economy.

VCs Take Heat for China Deals…Down Rounds Up in 2023…Lightspeed in the VC Directory

Newcomer • 235 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Geopolitics Investments National Security Technology
  1. US VCs face scrutiny for investing in Chinese companies linked to national defense technologies.
  2. There is concern about US venture capital flows aiding China's advancements in chips and AI, posing national security risks.
  3. Some VCs may have overlooked the potential negative impacts of their investments on US interests and security.

Paris Saint-Germain Finances 2021/22

The Swiss Ramble • 471 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎾 Sports Finances Team performance Expenses Investments
  1. Paris Saint-Germain's finances show a significant loss despite an increase in revenue and profit from player sales.
  2. The team experienced a substantial rise in operating expenses and faced challenges with compliance to UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations.
  3. PSG's revenue improved mainly in commercial areas, but broadcasting revenue decreased due to poor Champions League performance and deferred income.

Private Equity Explained

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 939 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
💰 Finance Investments Private Equity Funds Capital Markets Economic Impact
  1. Private equity firms invest in existing businesses to help them grow and become more profitable, sharing in the profits as a result. It's like giving your friend's business a boost with your investment.
  2. These firms raise money from wealthy individuals, pension funds, charities, and banks to create a fund for their investments. This means they pool money from different sources to make bigger investments.
  3. Private equity can create jobs and drive economic growth, but it also has a reputation for being tough on company management and workers during operational changes. Understanding its impact helps you see how it can touch everyone's life.

Mid-Year Crypto Outlook 2023

DeFi Education • 679 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Market Trends Investments Regulations Technology Predictions
  1. 2023 has been a strong year for crypto, with the best first half for prices since 2019. Bitcoin is trading above $30,000, showing good market momentum.
  2. There is growing interest from major financial institutions, like the world's largest asset manager, seeking to offer Bitcoin ETFs. This could boost the legitimacy and adoption of crypto.
  3. The overall sentiment in the market is positive, but it's important to stay cautious and informed about potential future changes in regulations and market dynamics.

Spotlight: Alexandra Vidyuk - Founder @ Space Ambition & Venture Partner @ Aloniq

Space Ambition • 179 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Space Tech Investments Innovation Entrepreneurship
  1. Alexandra Vidyuk switched from banking to spacetech because she wanted to follow her childhood dream of exploring space. She believes the space industry can help solve big problems like climate change.
  2. The space industry needs more people from different backgrounds to help it grow. It's not just about rockets; many skills can be applied in this field, making it accessible to more people.
  3. If someone wants to move into spacetech, they should start learning about it through books and courses. Connecting with industry professionals and thinking about how their existing skills can fit into this field is also important.

Spotlight: Bulent Altan - Founding Partner @ Alpine Space Ventures

Space Ambition • 319 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
💼 Business Investments Startups Technology Innovation Space
  1. Investing in space tech can help solve big problems on Earth, like climate change and disaster management. These technologies improve our lives and connect us better.
  2. When looking at start-ups, it's important to check if they have a good product-market fit and a strong team. A solid team with experience can really make a difference in succeeding.
  3. The future of space investments is bright, especially in satellite manufacturing. This area has a lot of potential and can help grow the whole space industry.

The Definitive Guide to Bonds

Market Sentiment • 432 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
💰 Finance Investments Bonds Portfolios Interest Rates ETFs
  1. Leverage in bond investments can work well but also lead to significant losses if market conditions change rapidly.
  2. Bond prices are impacted by interest rate movements, where older bonds may lose value with rate hikes.
  3. The choice between individual bonds and bond ETFs depends on factors like diversification needs, fees, and level of investment sophistication.

Vision 20/25: Charting India

Tigerfeathers! • 26 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Investments Economy Startups Market Trends Technology
  1. India is seeing a big rise in its equity market and is now the fourth-largest in the world. This shows that there's a growing interest in investing and the economy is becoming stronger.
  2. The future of energy in India looks promising, with a focus on solar power and renewable energy. There's potential for significant growth in clean energy solutions and making India more energy independent.
  3. Tech startups are changing the way businesses operate in India. The use of AI and new technologies is creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems and improve everyday life.

The Donkey Enterprise

The Greek Analyst • 279 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Economy Tech Startups Investments
  1. Successful businesses can thrive by embodying the traits of a 'Donkey Enterprise' - prioritizing self-preservation, building long-term institutional memory, fostering curiosity, focusing on strong foundations, valuing hard work, and maintaining a clear focus.
  2. Greece has made significant progress in digitization, economy, investments, tech startups, education, and R&D, demonstrating growth in various sectors and receiving international recognition.
  3. Greek individuals and companies have achieved notable success in various fields, such as winning international competitions, impacting AI technology, and contributing to the economy through acquisitions and advancements.

It’s Not About Me — That’s The Point

moontower: a stoner dad explains options trading to his kids • 235 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investments Career development Leadership Mentorship
  1. Focus on being altruistic and a positive presence in the world, putting in the work and solving real problems.
  2. Believe in yourself to become the best version of yourself, even when faced with doubts.
  3. In a competitive investment landscape, understanding the job's challenges and rewards can help determine if it's the right fit for you.

Space Ambition: 2023 Year in Review

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Space Tech Investments Startups Industry insights Research
  1. The subscriber count grew seven times this year, increasing from 1,500 to over 9,800. This shows strong interest in spacetech content across many countries.
  2. The blog published 52 posts, with an impressive average of 5,000 to 7,500 views each. Popular sections included interviews with industry leaders and insights into various countries' space tech ecosystems.
  3. The team was active in the spacetech community, hosting events and mentoring startups, while also achieving a successful satellite launch. They valued the contributions of volunteers and the support from recognized blogs.

The Who and Why of Spacetech Investments

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Investments Venture Capital Startups Technology
  1. Interest in spacetech is growing fast, with many venture capital firms looking to invest. This area is part of a larger category called deeptech, which is seen as complex and risky.
  2. Investors are drawn to spacetech for its long-term potential, much like investing in successful tech companies in their early days. They want to be part of something big that could change the future.
  3. Despite a recent drop in overall investment activity, specialist funds are still eager to invest in spacetech. They see value in supporting innovative sectors that could lead to significant advancements.

Nelnet Shows Some Skin

Mindset Value • 393 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💰 Finance Investments Valuation Asset management
  1. Nelnet's book value has grown consistently and it has never had a losing year, which is impressive.
  2. Nelnet is undervalued as its book value does not reflect the true value of its businesses and investments.
  3. Nelnet's investments in companies like ALLO, solar energy, and HUDL show potential for significant growth and increased value.

TAM - that's Totally A Made Up Number. | Needs More Scientists In VC | VC Remote Jobs

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Tech industry Investments Entrepreneurship
  1. Focusing on capturing a small share of a well-defined market is more strategic than aiming for a tiny portion of a giant market.
  2. Encouraging scientists to enter venture capital can drive innovation and align with objective data over marketing dominance.
  3. The shift to using SAFE valuation caps in fundraising reflects a dominant trend, especially in specific sectors like SaaS, Fintech, Gaming, and Edtech.

Paypal's 'Going Sharp' Stategy To Find Product Market Fit | VC Distributions Sink To 14-Year Low | VC Remote Jobs ....

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Product-Market Fit Remote Jobs Investments
  1. PayPal's 'Going Sharp' strategy focused on specific customer segments and key features for successful growth.
  2. Venture Capital distributions hit a 14-year low, affecting LP reinvestment willingness.
  3. Valuation caps varied based on round size in 2023 post-money SAFEs for US companies, highlighting caution against blind use of multiple caps.

FTX is Coming for Customer Assets

DeFi Education • 399 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🔮 Crypto Exchanges Bankruptcy Investments Regulations Fraud
  1. FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022, which affected many customers. It was a significant moment for the cryptocurrency world.
  2. A lot of money has been spent on legal fees since then, which reduces what could be given back to customers. This makes the situation worse for those who lost money.
  3. FTX recently released a lengthy presentation about their progress since filing for bankruptcy, likely to keep customers informed.

Revisiting Stock Buybacks

Fish Food for Thought • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Investments Corporate Governance Market Analysis Economic Policy
  1. Companies that buy back their stock instead of investing in research and development may reduce innovation. This can lead to fewer new products and a weaker market position in the long run.
  2. Stock buybacks can be a sign that a company thinks its shares are undervalued, but many companies end up overpaying for their own stock. This means that, sometimes, buybacks might not be a good investment.
  3. Critics say buybacks manipulate stock prices and benefit top executives more than long-term investors. Instead of improving the company's health, these practices could hurt its future growth and stability.

The Next Big Airdrop and What the FOMC Means for Crypto

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Airdrops Market Trends Regulations Investments Exchanges
  1. Recent bank collapses have shaken the financial system, making people more aware of crypto's role. This seems to be causing more interest in cryptocurrencies.
  2. Big events like the ARB airdrop and the arrest of the Luna founder highlight that there are constant changes and opportunities in the crypto market.
  3. The FOMC meetings can affect crypto prices, so it's important for investors to stay informed about these economic updates.

Admist uncertain merger with Woz's Privateer Space, Orbital Insight CEO Kevin O'Brien bails to cryptocurrency surveillance firm Chainalysis

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 366 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology Cryptocurrency Finance Surveillance Investments
  1. Orbital Insight CEO Kevin O'Brien moved to the cryptocurrency surveillance firm Chainalysis, leaving behind the collapse and financial struggles of Orbital.
  2. Orbital Insight faced challenges leading to financial decline, including defaulting on rent, a nonfunctional main phone line, and failed attempts at a merger with Privateer Space.
  3. Despite substantial funding and strategic partnerships, Orbital's downfall was partially attributed to market changes, such as Apple's privacy measures affecting their commercial data analysis business.

UnblockFi

DeFi Education • 339 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Banking Investments Financial regulation
  1. BlockFi has officially confirmed its chapter 11 bankruptcy plan. They will be winding down operations under the control of creditors.
  2. Celsius's bankruptcy process is nearing completion, as creditors have agreed to the necessary steps.
  3. These updates highlight the ongoing issues within the cryptocurrency industry, especially related to financial management and customer trust.