The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

How to Avoid Becoming a VC Meme and Actually Add Value

The Generalist • 700 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capitalists should focus on actually helping founders by connecting them with great talent, customers, and funding. It's important not just to say you add value, but to really do something meaningful.
  2. It's better for investors to set realistic expectations about their contributions. Overpromising can damage relationships with founders, so honesty about what you can offer is key.
  3. Investors should respect the founder's role and not try to take over. They bring valuable insights but need to let entrepreneurs lead their own companies and make their own decisions.

User Research Guide For Founders, Part 3: Run Sessions + Identify Insights

Elizabeth Laraki • 79 implied HN points • 17 May 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. When running user research sessions, make sure to plan the logistics and keep the session length manageable. It's important to stick to your script while encouraging participants to share their thoughts during the session.
  2. After completing the sessions, document the findings by organizing feedback into themes. This will help you identify common issues and insights that can improve your product.
  3. Share the insights in a clear and concise format, highlighting major findings and prioritizing issues that need attention. This helps ensure everyone on your team understands the feedback and can work together on solutions.

Space Ambition: 2023 Year in Review

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  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.

Time is finite

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Time is limited, so it's important to recognize that we don't have endless chances to succeed. We need to make the most of our time and decisions.
  2. Entrepreneurs often believe that things will always improve with just one more attempt. However, sometimes, those extra tries can lead to setbacks.
  3. Looking back, certain choices may seem small but can have significant impacts on success. What seems minor at the time might slow down progress enough to be detrimental later.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Wrapping the Year for the Cyber 150

The Security Industry • 25 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. A data-centered ranking of mid-size cyber firms (50–500 employees) surfaces the fastest-growing vendors and is a practical starting point for investors.
  2. Most of the listed companies kept expanding—121 grew in the past year—and the group attracted heavy venture funding, with 39 firms raising over $4B in 2025 and $11.5B raised in total.
  3. Some firms graduated out of the mid-size category by exceeding 500 employees, while 29 companies saw headcount declines in 2025, often because they were acquired.

Figma S-1 Breakdown

Tanay’s Newsletter • 195 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Figma took its time, focusing on building a great product before pushing for profits. This approach paid off as it grew into a major player in design tools.
  2. Figma has successfully expanded beyond just design, offering multiple tools for the entire product development process. Many of its users are now benefiting from various products within the platform.
  3. While Figma is doing well financially, there are concerns about how AI will change the design landscape. The company sees both risks and opportunities with AI, aiming to integrate it effectively into their tools.

The Who and Why of Spacetech Investments

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  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.

More data center spending and an IPO!

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Companies are investing heavily in data centers, indicating strong demand for AI technology. This spending shows that businesses see long-term value in cloud infrastructure.
  2. Two AI companies, OpenAI and Anthropic, are taking different paths in their growth strategies. OpenAI is focusing on consumer and enterprise markets, while Anthropic is targeting mostly business customers.
  3. Klook, a travel and experience booking service, is planning to go public in the US after recovering from the pandemic. Its profitability and growth in gross transaction value make it an interesting investment opportunity.

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 Startups
  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.

Not Granted

Venture Prose • 439 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Don't think you've won. Don't take anything for granted.
  2. Make yourself clear, detailed, intelligible.
  3. Always articulate clearly why others should consider you seriously.

The VC Corner 📰 #5

The VC Corner • 259 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capital is a great way for people to learn about investing in startups. It's useful for both experienced investors and newcomers.
  2. This newsletter shares important news and information that can help investors stay informed. It's a handy resource for anyone involved in venture capital.
  3. You can try out the newsletter for free for a week. This is a great opportunity to see if it meets your needs before committing.

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 Startups
  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.

Absurdity

Venture Prose • 359 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Smaller teams are more productive than larger ones.
  2. Productivity gains decrease as a team grows in size.
  3. Cash isn't always the best advantage against competitors.

Space applications for large terrestrial markets - how I think about space investing

Intersections (by Filip) • 199 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Developing a strategy for investing in space focused on applications for large terrestrial markets can lead to stable and profitable enterprises with demanded products.
  2. The common upstream/downstream framework for space operations and investing might not be the most advantageous, instead consider where the customers and assets are located.
  3. When investing in space companies, consider the importance of having a diversified base of credible customers to ensure long-term stability and meaningful returns.

Master & Conquer

Venture Prose • 379 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Understanding your user behaviors over time through cohorts is crucial for business success.
  2. Clear frameworks and precise data help separate vanity from reality in business trends.
  3. Invest time and effort into mastering the basics of qualitative and quantitative feedback to increase long-term success.

Marc Andreessen: Understand "Onion Theory Of Risk" To Raise Funding For Your Startup | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 259 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Understanding the relationship between risk and cash flow is crucial for successfully raising venture capital funding for a startup.
  2. Peeling away layers of risks through achieving milestones is key to pitching your startup effectively to investors at different funding rounds.
  3. The Onion Theory of Risk highlights the layers of risk a startup faces and emphasizes the importance of systematically reducing these risks to attract funding.

The Arm Story Part 2 : Archimedes to Advanced RISC Machines

The Chip Letter • 2839 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Acorn built a fast microcomputer called ARM but struggled to sell it, leading to Apple acquiring the technology and creating a separate company - ARM.
  2. The Acorn team focused on keeping manufacturing costs low for ARM, making it affordable and power-efficient compared to other designs at the time.
  3. The Archimedes, powered by ARM chips, received positive reviews for its speed and performance, offering a cost-effective alternative to other computers available.

Vision 20/26: Charting India

Tigerfeathers! • 35 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. AI has to prove real results in 2026 — products that deliver measurable customer value, cut routine decisions, and automate common tasks (including voice and edge AI) will win, not just flashy promises.
  2. India’s economy is shifting to a homegrown engine of growth — strong SIP-led domestic capital, an active IPO market, rising founder ambition, deep‑tech gains, and massive SMB digitisation are creating large, local opportunities with global potential.
  3. Infrastructure and resource gaps are becoming critical constraints — data centres need reliable clean power, clean‑tech investment is misaligned with where future energy demand will grow, and water security is an urgent problem that requires tech and policy solutions.

Marketing for a fundraise (like, the VC kind)

Mehdeeka • 5 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
💼 Business Startups
  1. During a fundraise the target audience for marketing shifts from customers to investors, so focus on clear messaging, founder thought leadership, and visible social proof like PR and case studies.
  2. Investors care about evidence of product-market fit and disciplined spend — they prefer real customer pull, clear unit economics, and honest testimonials over glossy rebrands or theatrical marketing.
  3. Marketers should be plugged into fundraising strategy early to reallocate budgets toward measurable proof (case studies, PR, targeted events) and cut wasteful spend that won’t convince investors.

Revenge of the Angry Nerds: A More Competitive & Even More Ruthless Time in Silicon Valley

The Hard Fork by Marvin Liao • 216 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Silicon Valley is seeing a shift towards a more masculine, ruthless culture led by powerful men in tech.
  2. Tech companies are moving towards a leaner, more focused approach after facing financial challenges.
  3. Surviving in the current Silicon Valley landscape requires a severe mindset change, frugality, and hard work.

DynaPore

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. DynaPore has a new sensor concept that embeds conformation effect transistor (CET) channel proteins in insulating membranes; when a target molecule binds the channel opens and instantly changes the electrical current, producing a measurable signal on a portable device.
  2. The CET platform can be customized with specific binding modules like antibodies to detect a wide variety of biomarkers or pathogens, drawing inspiration from how natural smell systems work.
  3. The company is a Max Planck Institute spinout that filed a patent with a May 2024 priority date and appears to be actively hiring.

Managing cancer, an agency and building SaaS products

Kenny’s Sub • 99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Managing a business while dealing with serious health issues like cancer requires clear delegation and smart prioritization. It's important to have a supportive team that can share the workload.
  2. Building a business with multiple co-founders can offer different strengths and perspectives. Sharing a common dream and working closely together helps in navigating the challenges of starting a company.
  3. Balancing client work with developing your own products can be tricky but is essential for long-term success. Treating internal projects like client projects with clear goals can help maintain focus and ensure progress.

Reflections on Four Years at Notion

startupdiaries • 354 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Find what keeps you hungry: Hunger and drive were crucial in navigating the world, from childhood struggles to succeeding at startups like Notion.
  2. Adaptability wins: The ability to reinvent value and adapt amid constant change, especially in hyper-growth environments, is key to success as an early startup employee.
  3. Ultimately, look inwards: The soul and warmth of a company like Notion stem from its vision, courage to be different, and ambition, all nurtured from within.

Minimum Viable Process

Lessons • 353 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Process is necessary as a company grows, but be cautious of adding too much without solving specific problems.
  2. Minimum Viable Process means starting from first principles and solving real pain with iterative changes.
  3. Good process can often mean removing things that are no longer effective or necessary.

More like Micah

Early Plexus News • 176 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Startups usually don't announce the departure of a core team member.
  2. Plexus aims to promote radical authenticity online, inspired by Micah Corning-Myers.
  3. Micah's impact on Plexus is seen in their mission to make people more like him, with a focus on empathy and open communication.

"Land & Expand" To Improve Your Odds of Getting to Yes With a VC | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 299 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Raising capital from VCs is a sales & marketing process where you're selling trust and confidence in the future of your company. Building trust with VC partners and understanding their decision dynamics can increase your odds of success.
  2. Each VC firm has a unique decision-making process, so it's crucial to know the firm's partner structure, how decisions are made, and the role of non-partner staff. Building relationships with multiple team members before the final decision meeting can improve your chances.
  3. To secure funding from VCs, go beyond just your sponsoring partner - engage with multiple staff members, understand the decision dynamics within the firm, and address biases and concerns in advance. Building broad relationships within the VC firm can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

🚪 A snail-mail platform with $200MRR in just 2 months

No-Code Exits • 176 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Nick Freiling created a successful snail-mail platform called StampFans that generated $200 MRR in just 2 months.
  2. He started by testing the idea with a simple landing page and manual operations, then used tools like Softr for further development.
  3. Nick focused on keeping things lean, leveraged LinkedIn for user acquisition, and reached $200 MRR in less than 2 months.

Space Ambition Useful Resources for Founders and Investors

Space Ambition • 99 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. There is a fellowship program for people interested in starting spacetech companies. It's starting soon and there are only a few spots left.
  2. They offer help for those with ideas for spacetech or sustainability start-ups looking for support or funding.
  3. Investors can get involved by reaching out for access to deal flow and investment opportunities in the space sector.

The VC Corner 📰 #6

The VC Corner • 219 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. This newsletter provides valuable news and resources for people in the startup and venture capital world. It's great for both experienced investors and beginners.
  2. By subscribing, you get access to weekly insights that can help you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in startups.
  3. There's a free trial option available, so you can explore the content without any initial commitment.

Burning

Venture Prose • 339 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Companies in the startup world face the risk of 'burning out' due to various reasons like lack of product-market fit, slow growth, or unsustainable economics.
  2. Entrepreneurs fall into categories like 'High Flyers' who start strong but need to sustain hype, and 'The Burn-Outers' who struggle to manage work-life balance while pushing their companies forward.
  3. Running a company successfully requires a balance of fundamental work, intense focus, and clarity of vision, along with surrounding oneself with a supportive team to navigate challenges.

The Business of Venture Capital

Insight Axis • 296 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capital began from the dot-com bubble era, where tech entrepreneurs set up investment firms to fund new, high-growth technology companies.
  2. VCs specifically invest in early stage companies with potential for rapid growth and huge profits, aiming to 10x their investment in 5 years.
  3. Venture capital faces challenges like misaligned incentives, high-risk investments, and the need to balance finding unicorns without funding too many duds.

How to differentiate your product

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 520 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Identify who your target customers are and what problem your product solves. Knowing your audience helps position your product effectively.
  2. To stand out, clearly define how your product is different from its competitors. Focus on unique features or benefits that are important to your customers.
  3. If you're in a crowded market, consider creating real differentiation or targeting an underserved area. Both strategies can help your product capture attention and grow.

Spotlight: Jonathan Lacoste - General Partner @ Space.VC

Space Ambition • 179 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Investing in space tech has huge potential. It's becoming a key part of important industries like defense, agriculture, and communication.
  2. When looking to invest early, focus on the founding team and the size of the customer market. Successful relationships can be built before a product even exists.
  3. Finding big problems to solve is better than starting with a tech idea. Look for large markets that could benefit from smart space applications.

🚪5 curation products acquired for 5-figures each

No-Code Exits • 334 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Bram Kanstein built and sold 5 content curation products, each acquired for 5-figures
  2. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the value an idea brings when building a product
  3. No-Code tools like Carrd and Zapier enabled him to easily create and validate products, helping him quickly turn ideas into businesses

🚪From 0 to 5-figure exit in 2 months

No-Code Exits • 334 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Interview with Domenico about building and selling a product from scratch in 2 months
  2. How Domenico attracted users without paid marketing by leveraging Twitter and other platforms
  3. Domenico's advice for No-Code Makers: Validate product before launch, focus on revenue, and be honest about product strengths and weaknesses