The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The Tech Founder & The Narcissistic Parent

Design is Love • 3 HN points • 25 Sep 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Narcissistic people can really bring you down and make you doubt your dreams. It's important to ignore their negative words and believe in yourself.
  2. Success often comes from hard work and resilience, not just connections. Keep pushing toward your goals even if others don’t support you.
  3. Finding your own worth is key to overcoming challenges. You should define your success, not let others tell you what it means.

Spotlight: Adam Niewiński - Co-founder and Managing Partner @ OTB Ventures

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Investments in SpaceTech are expanding, especially in areas like in-orbit economy and debris removal. This is important for making space activities sustainable.
  2. European DeepTech startups are well-positioned to compete globally, but they need better funding and support from institutions. There's a gap in spending compared to the U.S.
  3. Investing in specialized areas like Industrial Automation is promising due to the massive data generated. Innovations in this sector can lead to smarter operations and decision-making.

The VC Corner 📰 #10

The VC Corner • 479 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Figma is lowering its company value, which shows that even well-known startups can face tough times. It's important for businesses to be realistic about their worth.
  2. Knowing how to value your startup is crucial for attracting investors. Different factors play a role in determining a startup's value.
  3. Generative AI is becoming a big topic and resource for many. Understanding it can help startups leverage technology for growth.

Is growth still good?

benn.substack • 1176 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Fast growth can be misleading in today's market. Just because a startup is making money quickly doesn't mean it has a solid long-term plan.
  2. Smaller, newer companies are often more innovative than big ones. Many tech leaders are looking to fresh, creative minds instead of established corporations for solutions.
  3. AI is creating a new type of workplace dynamic. Instead of making jobs easier, it could lead to roles that are more focused on managing technology than using creativity.

What we would’ve done differently in the first year of bootstrapping our company

Founders Confidential • 51 HN points • 28 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Start content marketing early because it takes a long time to build an audience. This way, you can also learn what your users really need.
  2. Target specific keywords in your SEO content. This helps your articles show up in search results and reach the right audience.
  3. Understand your users' experiences more deeply. Talking to them can give you valuable insights to improve your product.
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The Family

Venture Prose • 1058 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The Family organization had a lot of ambitious individuals and a strong sense of community, but struggled to find a sustainable business model.
  2. Despite the energy and enthusiasm within The Family, they faced challenges with loose processes, lack of focus, and poor accountability.
  3. Individuals within The Family, like Oussama, played significant roles in both the success and failure of the organization, showcasing the importance of leadership and responsibility.

Having a Conversation With Myself: 2025

Investing 101 • 55 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Writing is primarily a tool for thinking and self-reflection, and doing it consistently compounds the creator even more than it grows an audience.
  2. Venture capital and startup culture have become noisy and scale-obsessed, so what’s needed are conviction-led or “adventure” investors and builders who focus on durable, mission-driven companies rather than chasing hype.
  3. In a hyperlegible, attention-driven world, embracing nuance, forming independent beliefs, and understanding interdependencies are essential to avoid being programmed by trends and to build things worth building.

Why we need more startups and venture capital in cybersecurity, and what needs to change for the industry to mature

Venture in Security • 511 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. The cybersecurity industry benefits from a large number of startups that lead to innovation and competition.
  2. Venture capital is crucial for cybersecurity startups to innovate, educate the market, and speed up the adoption of best practices.
  3. Investors need to better evaluate security startups, and the industry needs a reset of expectations to address real problems like navigating undifferentiated tools and poor go-to-market approaches.

Irresistible Insights

Venture Prose • 299 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Founders can stand out when they combine genius with the obvious in their industry or approach.
  2. Sometimes unique and brilliant ideas may seem natural to founders, requiring help to highlight these insights for investors.
  3. Investors seek out founders with irresistible qualities and ideas, often discovering hidden gems in unexpected places.

Snout

next big thing • 23 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
💼 Business Startups
  1. Snout enables vet clinics to offer subscription-style wellness plans that cover routine vaccines, monthly meds, parasite screening, and unlimited telemedicine, making care more affordable and predictable for pet parents and clinics.
  2. The timing is strong because rising vet prices and a drop in visits left many pets without routine care, and Snout is showing product-market fit with millions in ARR, 5x year-over-year growth, and 250+ in-network providers.
  3. Investors are backing growth: Footwork led a $10M Series A and Snout secured a $100M non-dilutive capital line to fund clinic payments, giving the company resources to scale and hire across functions.

Who I Am and Why I Started This Newsletter

Nail It and Scale It • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. The author has over 10 years of experience in advertising, tech, and startups. This gives him a unique view on problems and solutions.
  2. He has worked with both big companies and startups, helping them grow and succeed. Some of his clients have achieved significant milestones like IPOs and acquisitions.
  3. The newsletter will offer practical advice for entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses. It will cover various topics like marketing tactics, budgeting, and using AI for efficiency.

🚀 Propel Your Space Startup Journey with Space Ambition's Fellowship Program 🌌

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. There is a fellowship program for people interested in starting space-related businesses. It offers guidance and support to help turn your ideas into reality.
  2. Participants will receive personalized feedback and insights on how to attract investors. This can help make your startup idea more appealing.
  3. The program includes online classes, individual coaching, and access to a network of resources. This structure is designed to assist you every step of the way in launching your space venture.

OpenAI is coming for the app layer

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. OpenAI is aiming to dominate both consumer and enterprise AI markets. They believe they can create valuable tools for everyone, not just the wealthy, and want to monetize these opportunities.
  2. Nvidia's upcoming financial results are highly anticipated, as they could impact the perception of the AI market. Their growth and demand for AI products might influence investor confidence significantly.
  3. Startups in the AI space face tough competition from giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. Those focusing on niche applications may have better survival chances, while broader ideas might get absorbed by larger companies.

The inside story of why this once high-flying digital health startup failed

Second Opinion • 589 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Entrepreneurs should not avoid discussing failure, as it is part of the journey.
  2. Founders should be cautious of taking on too much at once, especially in terms of lobbying for policy changes while building a business model.
  3. When fundraising, founders should carefully consider investor relationships, future funding needs, and the value placed on patient experience.

Inside the SaaS efficiency gap

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 449 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Early-stage SaaS startups are getting smaller, now averaging just 7 employees compared to 13 in previous years. They are managing to achieve higher revenue per employee as they focus on efficiency.
  2. Bigger SaaS companies are facing challenges like team bloat and slower growth. Their revenue per employee is decreasing, meaning they need to find ways to improve efficiency.
  3. The trend is shifting toward lean teams that prioritize generalists and AI fluency. Startups are adapting by hiring fewer people who can handle multiple roles and leverage AI effectively.

‘American Dynamism’: How VCs Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Defense Tech...Hot Startup Funding Rounds...Byju's Leads EdTech Rout

Newcomer • 432 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Defense tech has become popular among venture capitalists due to global tensions and the U.S. government's increased investments.
  2. Success stories like SpaceX and Palantir have boosted investor confidence in companies focused on government contracts.
  3. Selling to the government, while lucrative, can be a slow and complex process due to procurement challenges.

The Sequence Radar #791: The Eastern Surge & The Silicon Valley Shuffle

TheSequence • 42 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Engram shows that offloading static facts to a huge O(1) lookup memory lets neural experts focus on reasoning, and allocating roughly 20–25% of sparse parameters to that memory hits an optimal loss curve.
  2. Chinese labs are rapidly closing the gap with stronger unified multimodal architectures like Baidu’s Ernie 5, and Zhipu’s GLM-Image—trained entirely on Huawei Ascend chips—demonstrates domestic hardware can support SOTA training runs.
  3. Talent is extremely scarce and fiercely contested, evidenced by rapid co-founder departures and rehires, while large bets on non-invasive brain-computer interfaces signal a push to boost human-AI bandwidth beyond typed text.

Becoming a Cult Leader

Investing 101 • 36 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
💼 Business Startups
  1. Control mindshare: be the obvious voice in your category, deeply knowledgeable and present so people instinctively turn to you.
  2. Command capital: influence without funding can’t move the needle, so find the right forms of capital—VC, revenue, grants, or debt—that let you execute.
  3. Be the standard bearer: combine relentless public leadership and real financial resources to set the market’s rules and pursue your mission no matter what.

top 5 reading links for 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 64 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Big-picture data and history reveal where success and talent cluster, so studying patterns can show who wins prizes and where modern geniuses hide.
  2. Private tech is reshaping defense and security, and building 21st-century military or AI systems brings practical bottlenecks like energy, logistics, and policy into focus.
  3. Everyday business and social skills matter: many data businesses aren’t ideal VC targets, venture firms often ignore their own advice, and simple moves like the right intro, hosting great dinners, or focused job hunting make a big difference.

How Old Are You?

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 479 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. OpenAI's team has a wide age range, not just young programmers. They have people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s.
  2. Unlike early tech companies like Apple and Microsoft, OpenAI shows a trend of older founders leading the way.
  3. Sam Altman thinks having older people in tech could be a sign of something wrong in society, but he also notes that older founders tend to be more successful.

Is it time for a SaaS comeback?

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. SaaS companies are seeing better performance in earnings reports lately, showing signs of a possible comeback. Companies like Box and Salesforce are using AI to boost their growth.
  2. Box is leveraging AI technology to improve its services and is launching new products, which is helping it gain traction in the market.
  3. Salesforce is also benefiting from AI, with its AI services generating significant revenue growth and driving demand for their products.

Top Links 800 Chinese investors snapping up mining assets. The coming shift in global labour markets. Sperm-freezing startups.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. A lot of Chinese investors are buying up mining assets, especially for materials like lithium. This shows how important these resources are for future technologies.
  2. The global job market is expected to change soon, which could impact where and how people work. This might lead to new opportunities or challenges in different sectors.
  3. There are new startups focused on sperm freezing, which reflect changing attitudes towards family planning and fertility. This could influence how many people choose to start families in the future.

Betting on fake humans

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Investing in humanoid robots is gaining interest, but most investment opportunities are limited to big companies like Tesla or Xpeng, whose share prices are rising as they show progress in robotics.
  2. The space economy is booming, with startups getting more support from the government. This is leading to innovations and competition among companies like Firefly and SpaceX in launching rockets.
  3. Startups are increasingly using viral marketing to attract attention and drive early revenue growth, but some experts warn that relying too much on hype can backfire if the product doesn't deliver.

VCs are the worst run businesses … they never take their own advice

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 446 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capitalists often advise startups on management practices but don’t follow those rules themselves. For example, they say to have one CEO, yet their firms have multiple leaders.
  2. They encourage startups to go public and accept dilution, but many VCs avoid doing the same for themselves. They often take large salaries instead of low ones.
  3. While VCs tell founders to keep costs low and manage wisely, some of them spend on lavish expenses like private jets and high-end meals, showing a disconnect between their advice and actions.

5 Frameworks To Master Communication And Influence As An Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Understanding communication styles is key to being effective as an engineer. Knowing how to adapt your message can help get your point across better.
  2. Influence is about more than just speaking well; it's also about building relationships. Strong connections can lead to better collaboration and teamwork.
  3. Mastering executive communication can help you lead better and get your ideas heard. It's important to practice and refine these skills regularly.

Is Anyone Worth a Billion Dollars?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Top AI researchers are being offered huge salaries, sometimes more than $1 billion, to join tech companies like Meta. This shows how valuable these skills are in the tech world.
  2. Some companies are intensely competing to hire the best minds in AI, similar to how sports teams look for star players. There are not many people with the right talent and skills.
  3. One researcher accepted a crazy $250 million contract over four years, highlighting how tech companies value individual talent highly, even more than famous athletes.

($) Lip-Bu Tan: the Tiger Dad Intel Needs

Interconnected • 401 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Lip-Bu Tan is a highly accomplished tech CEO and venture capitalist who has had a successful career, including leading Cadence through a remarkable turnaround. His skills in managing multiple tasks and building connections have made him a powerful figure in the industry.
  2. He has a rich history of helping companies go public, with over 145 IPOs attributed to his career. This shows his deep understanding of the venture capital world and his ability to spot potential growth.
  3. Now at Intel, Lip-Bu Tan's leadership style combines discipline and fairness, which many believe is exactly what the company needs to regain its footing in the semiconductor industry.

Tech Overload: Business Goes Under Water

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 479 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. OpenAI is expected to make $1.6 billion in revenue in 2024, which is a big jump from last year. This money comes mainly from subscriptions and API sales.
  2. Anthropic, another AI company, might make $850 million in 2024, up from just $100 million last year, showing huge growth in the AI market.
  3. Building advanced AI models is very expensive; for example, OpenAI spent $10 billion to develop its technologies, which highlights the massive investment needed in this field.

TBM 339: Update and Clarifications

The Beautiful Mess • 978 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. This newsletter is independent of the author's employer, Dotwork, and he writes what he chooses without being paid for it.
  2. Dotwork is a startup that creates tools for product strategy and development, allowing teams to customize their work tools to fit their needs.
  3. The author enjoys sharing what he learns each week and believes in giving valuable content for free, trusting that good things will come back in the future.

“The First Data Hire” Series: How to Survive and Succeed as a Solo Data Leader

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 400 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. When you're the first data hire, you need to set clear priorities. Don't try to fix every problem for every team at once; figure out what really matters to the business.
  2. Building strong relationships is crucial. Talk to people regularly to understand their true challenges and needs, not just their requests.
  3. Focus on delivering value over creating flashy tools. Start simple and aim to solve real business problems instead of getting lost in technical perfection.

6 lessons from Y-Combinator, 10 years later

Pratap’s Substack • 317 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Speed is important. It's better to launch something quickly, even if it has some flaws, than to wait for everything to be perfect.
  2. Don't always trust the experts. Sometimes, it's better to have fresh perspectives, and young talent can surprise you with their creativity.
  3. Talking to users is crucial. Getting direct feedback and engaging with them in person helps to really understand their needs and build a stronger product.

Celebrating Greek wins

The Greek Analyst • 339 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Success should be highlighted, embraced, understood, and replicated, especially in a society that tends to focus more on negative news.
  2. Greece is seeing achievements across various sectors, from biotech companies and architectural studios to AI innovation and modern office buildings.
  3. There is a growing trend in Greek startups raising significant funding rounds, indicating a positive trajectory in the tech and business ecosystem.

Is now really the right time to start?

Kenny’s Sub • 199 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. It's a good idea to start projects now, even if it's small. This allows for progress to begin and builds momentum over time.
  2. Starting small can lead to important gains. Just like planting a fruit tree, the benefits will come later if you start today rather than waiting.
  3. Taking small actions today can help reduce stress in the future. Even simple tasks, like planning or writing a title, can make a difference.

How to Talk About Valuation Numbers When Investor Ask? | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 479 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. When discussing valuation with investors, it's important to provide general ranges without giving a specific price to anchor their expectations.
  2. VCs may ask about your past funding to assess fit and potential valuation issues, so it's beneficial to be transparent about your previous funding details.
  3. A delicate balance is required when discussing existing investors participating in a new round to ensure harmony between new and existing investors.

This social-first news outlet turned street interviews into a 600,000-subscriber YouTube channel

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
📰 News Startups
  1. They left traditional institutional media to build a direct-to-audience outlet that prioritizes on-the-ground reporting and aims to present stories without a partisan filter.
  2. They found product-market fit by focusing on Instagram and designing platform-native 'Quick Cards' that capture attention, with a viral GameStop post showing how fast that approach can grow an audience.
  3. The social-first strategy was scaled into multiple products—a newsletter, mobile app, and a longform YouTube channel built around street interviews that grew to about 600,000 subscribers.

Paying the SOC2 Screenshot Tax

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 331 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. SOC2 compliance can be seen as a necessary hurdle for small tech companies trying to build trust with larger clients, but it often feels like a tax rather than a true security upgrade.
  2. The process of obtaining SOC2 involves significant effort, including hiring auditors and filling out extensive spreadsheets, which can distract startups from product development.
  3. There's a growing call for a better compliance system that continuously monitors security rather than relying on periodic checks, as the current method can feel outdated and ineffective.

How I Became a Venture Capitalist

The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
💼 Business Startups
  1. You can move from operator to VC by building a public, trackable investing record and a clear thesis—start small with SPVs or angel checks and share your work openly.
  2. Traditional scout programs are broken: access is closed to insiders, scout performance is hidden, and the programs mainly create leverage for firms rather than career paths for scouts.
  3. A new season-based Scout Program aims to democratize access by letting anyone apply, giving each selected scout $100K, public profiles and leaderboards, and mentorship to help scouts build real track records and potentially raise funds.