The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Underdog Founders - Chris went all-in on digital content before we had smartphones.

ChatGPT4 as a CEO and Underdog Founders • 98 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Chris focused on creating really good content and allowed time to pass, which led to the growth of her digital startup.
  2. Chris redefined how communities connect through online-first media by following her gut and taking a patient approach to trends.
  3. Honeycombers expanded to different regions and launched new verticals, showcasing the financial viability of online content platforms.

Navigating the universe of space tech accelerators: top 50 programs and insights to propel your startup

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Startups can benefit a lot from joining accelerators, like gaining knowledge and making useful connections. These programs can help them impress future investors as well.
  2. Choosing the right accelerator is important for success. Startups should research different programs to find one that matches their goals and needs, like focusing on specific markets.
  3. There are many accelerators for space tech, from global names like Techstars to specialized programs. Startups should apply quickly since application deadlines come up fast.

Uber’s AWS era

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Uber is now making a lot of money and has expanded into selling AI tools, similar to how Amazon did with its cloud services.
  2. In the NYC mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani is leading against Andrew Cuomo, but there are concerns about Mamdani's economic ideas and tax plans.
  3. The growth of coding tools like Cursor shows there's a big demand for help in software development, and they may encourage more people to learn coding.

The VC Corner 📰 #3

The VC Corner • 119 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The VC Corner is a weekly newsletter focusing on venture capital updates. It's designed for both experienced investors and those new to the field.
  2. The newsletter offers curated news and resources relevant to startups and investment. This can help readers stay informed on the latest trends in the industry.
  3. Readers can get started with a free trial to access past posts and insights. This is a great way to sample the content before committing.
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Ultima Genomics, limited growth?

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
💼 Business Startups
  1. They said their installed base doubled in 2025. Since the UG100 launched in 2024, this could mean they shipped roughly the same number of instruments in 2024 and 2025.
  2. Half of the installed base is for research use and half is for clinical use, showing an even split in customer types. Their installations span North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
  3. The company did not disclose total unit counts, so it’s unclear whether placements are actually accelerating or plateauing. That lack of detail raises questions about their growth momentum and the size of their contracted revenue backlog.

How to build your GTM strategy from scratch

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 291 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Building a go-to-market (GTM) strategy involves understanding stages like problem-solution fit, product-market fit, and go-to-market fit. Each stage helps you grow and attract more customers.
  2. Create an Early Customer Profile (ECP) based on real evidence to identify your first customers. This helps you target those who have a strong need for your product and are willing to pay.
  3. Differentiate your product by refining your unique value proposition (UVP) and unique selling proposition (USP). This makes it clear why customers should choose you over the competition.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #148

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 98 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Childhood leukemia treatment has greatly improved, with survival rates jumping from under 10% in the 1960s to about 85% today in many countries. This is fantastic news for families and shows that medical advancements can really save lives.
  2. The World Bank is now willing to fund nuclear energy projects, which could help meet energy demands and reduce emissions. This is a positive step toward developing clean energy sources that are reliable and safe.
  3. Startup companies, especially in the tech and energy sectors, are seeing a lot of investment and growth. This surge in startup activity shows that innovation is alive and well, and it might lead to some exciting new advancements in the future.

It's a tale of two startups... humanoid of course

Robots & Startups • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. There are significant differences between two startups in the humanoid robotics industry, especially in terms of founders' backgrounds and experiences.
  2. One startup is founded by someone deeply experienced in serious robotics and commercialization, potentially making them a strong contender in the humanoid robotics market.
  3. The other startup's founder lacks a robotics background but has experience in raising large funding rounds, and this startup has attracted some controversy.

DNAe Early Access Update

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Sam Reed from DNAe publicly commented on earlier coverage, and the coverage was updated to reflect those comments.
  2. DNAe's news posts include posters that show an instrument different from the one on the official website, suggesting either a new model or inconsistent imagery.
  3. The full update is behind a paywall, so readers must subscribe or sign in to read the paid content.

O1 Visa Hacks for founders

Extraordinary Aliens • 42 HN points • 19 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Obtaining an O1 visa as a founder in the US doesn't require a Nobel prize, funding, or an American co-founder - storytelling and structuring a compelling narrative can be key.
  2. Building credibility for an O1 visa application can involve showcasing exclusive memberships, judging roles, high remuneration, awards, publications, press, original contributions, and critical roles in companies.
  3. The US O1 visa is founder-friendly, allowing for flexibility, quick processing, and serving as a stepping stone towards permanent residency.

Hacking Famine and Eating Caviar- A look at love for for Tech's Revolutionary Garbage[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 159 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Startups in the tech industry often focus more on appearances and moral high ground rather than creating sustainable, impactful solutions. This can lead to overpromising and underdelivering.
  2. Many tech startups lack deep domain knowledge, causing their innovative ideas to fall apart when faced with the complexities of different industries. Without a deep understanding of the field, disruption is difficult.
  3. To truly address real-world challenges, tech solutions must be approached with humility and an understanding that technology alone cannot solve deep systemic issues. It should be seen as a tool, not a be-all-end-all solution.

Junior Extinction

davidj.substack • 71 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Junior engineering jobs are becoming less common, especially in large tech companies. However, they aren't completely disappearing, with some positions still available.
  2. The new roles require different skills, like working well with AI and clear communication, rather than just coding skills. This is changing what companies look for in new hires.
  3. AI is speeding up work processes significantly. Tasks that took humans a long time can now be done much faster with AI, allowing for quicker iterations and product releases.

10x and cheaper in an AI world

Sarah Tavel's Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Creating a 10x better product should also focus on making it cheaper for consumers.
  2. A technology catalyst like AI can help recast cost structures and create new experiences.
  3. AI advancements could lead to deflationary pressures on various industries, paving the way for innovative startups.

On Reinforcing Private-Public Investments

Parth's Playground • 12 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
💰 Finance Startups
  1. Private and public investments often reinforce each other, creating paired opportunities where startups and incumbent/public companies both benefit and accelerate a new technology or market.
  2. Major tech or market tailwinds typically spawn new companies while prompting mature firms to reinvent themselves, producing complementary ecosystems rather than simple displacement.
  3. Talent flows between startups and large companies, so watching both early experimental founders (micro) and hungry, founder-led mature firms (macro) gives a fuller view of where durable opportunities will form.

Buyer's remorse is a big problem for robotics

Robots & Startups • 79 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Buyer's remorse is a significant issue in the robotics industry, causing regret among manufacturers for recent technology purchases.
  2. Numerous robotics companies are facing downsizing and financial challenges, indicating the industry's complexity and difficulty in achieving success.
  3. There are various advancements and developments in the robotics field, from autonomous boat technology to robots reaching the ISS, showcasing the diversity and innovation in the industry.

Going fulltime on a Shopify SaaS Startup

No-Code Exits • 157 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The success story of James Devonport and Userloop, a Shopify SaaS startup, showcases the power of starting small and niching down on a specific platform.
  2. Implementing AI, like ChatGPT-4, can greatly enhance customer onboarding and retention strategies in a product.
  3. For No-Code makers, the key takeaway is to launch early, gather customer feedback, and iterate quickly to adapt to customer needs and achieve product-market fit.

Instacart

Sriram Krishnan’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Instacart's IPO is a positive event for the startup and tech ecosystem worldwide.
  2. This liquidity event is seen as an adrenaline boost for the industry.
  3. Encouragement for more late-stage tech startups to consider going public.

Why I moved to San Francisco

Aurora's Almanac • 157 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Norway lacked examples of successful entrepreneurs for inspiration.
  2. Moving to San Francisco provided opportunities to learn from experienced entrepreneurs.
  3. The importance of creating future role models in the startup ecosystem.

'ZIRP' No More: A Founder Playbook for the Market Downturn

Condensing the Cloud • 157 implied HN points • 01 May 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Nap pods and extravagant perks in tech companies are becoming less common due to market downturn.
  2. Private-company leaders are advised to focus on building great products and growing efficiently, especially during a potential recession.
  3. Software companies have the potential to thrive by reducing cash burn, optimizing operations, and focusing on efficient growth strategies.

The Myth of the Startup in a Large Company

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Large companies often struggle to create a true startup culture. Their existing systems usually stifle the innovation and energy that startups thrive on.
  2. In big companies, the lack of risk and the security of a paycheck can actually kill motivation. Employees may feel less ownership of their projects, which can make them less engaged.
  3. One way to encourage innovation is to create actual independent startups within the company. This allows employees to take risks and have more stake in the outcome, which can lead to better results.

Lessons from Cybersyn

Magis • 227 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Starting a data company can be really challenging because it takes a lot of time and money to create useful products. It’s hard to find customers who are ready to pay for insights quickly.
  2. Big companies have valuable data but making deals can be tough. You often have to convince them to sell data at a good price while also showing them the benefits of monetizing it.
  3. The shift in the market towards valuing profits over growth made it harder to raise funds for data startups. Sometimes, it might be smarter to shut down a project to save capital instead of pushing forward with uncertain outcomes.

Why hasn’t the mainstream media embraced paid podcasts?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 573 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Paid podcasts have seen success with small networks and creators, but traditional media outlets have been hesitant to embrace them.
  2. Platforms like Patreon and tools from Apple and Spotify have made subscribing to paid podcasts easier, yet major publishers are still not fully exploring this opportunity.
  3. Some media companies like Slate and The Economist are finding success with paid podcasts and hard paywalls, showing potential for revenue growth in these areas.

The Four Pillars of Venture Investing

Investing 101 • 184 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Finding good investment opportunities is all about connecting with the right people and being aware of what’s happening in the market. Investors need to actively search and know their environment well.
  2. Picking the right companies is crucial, and it requires careful evaluation beyond just being excited about a hot trend. It's important to analyze the quality of the business and its team.
  3. Supporting the companies after investing is where the real partnership happens. Investors should provide helpful guidance without getting in the way of founders' decisions.

More and more humanoids, IPOs and the State of AI ...

Robots & Startups • 39 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Boston Dynamics introduced a new electric Atlas, showing advancements in humanoid robotics.
  2. The AI Index from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence reveals key trends in AI development, funding, and regulations.
  3. Putting fur on robots, as Sega Toys learned, can lead to issues like burning smells and recalls.

#2: Search continues for someone with an opinion on AI

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. There's a lot of chatter around AI, and it can feel overwhelming with so many opinions coming from everywhere. Not everyone can be right, and sometimes it’s nice to take a step back.
  2. The writer is working on making their tech publication more engaging, including designing a cool interactive button that enhances the reader experience. Adding fun elements can make a project feel exciting.
  3. Getting back into the habit of writing and sharing can be challenging, but it's important to push through and not aim for perfection. Staying persistent is key to finding your audience.

Pratik's Year in Review: 2025

Pratik’s Pakodas 🍿 • 8 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI agents and skill-based subagents let you run many tasks in parallel and move work forward continuously. This shifts the role from single-threaded coder to an orchestrator who delegates, evaluates, and scales output.
  2. Building a community depends on habits and critical mass more than platform features; migrating people to a new platform requires heavy outreach, patience, and active admins. Tools help, but sustained engagement is earned through social habits, not just better functionality.
  3. Measure and design life around 'great days' by engineering conditions that produce them — prioritize sleep, consistent healthy habits, slack time, and small experiments. Small rituals and intentional choices matter more for long-term happiness than chasing big achievements.

Internal tools often make bad startup ideas

Philosophical Hacker • 69 HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Internal tools may not always translate well into successful startup ideas, as software engineers tend to prefer building tools themselves rather than buying them.
  2. Startup ideas stemming from internal tools that involve unpleasant tasks or non-career-advancing skills may have more potential for success.
  3. As companies face more pressure to create value, the trend of engineers building tools rather than purchasing them may shift, impacting the viability of internal tool startups.

Inside Pulley's AI-Native Engineering Team

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Using AI regularly helps small teams work efficiently. By leveraging AI tools, even a small engineering team can compete with much larger companies.
  2. It's important to foster a culture of experimentation with AI. When team members are excited about trying new AI tools and sharing what they learn, it boosts overall productivity.
  3. Skills are shifting from direct coding to more strategic tasks like writing specifications. As AI becomes more capable, being able to communicate ideas clearly and manage these tools is becoming crucial.

OpenAI could soon be worth a half-trilly

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. OpenAI is in talks to sell shares at a valuation of $500 billion, which is a significant milestone. This shows strong investor interest and confidence in the company's growth.
  2. The company has seen rapid revenue growth, recently hitting around $12 to $13 billion annually. With five million business customers now, OpenAI continues to show that it is meeting market demand.
  3. The release of new 'open' models is contributing to OpenAI's success, allowing it to establish a solid position in the competitive AI landscape.

Is the "1% Market Fallacy" Holding Your Startup Back?

Venture Curator • 159 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Beware of the '1% Market Fallacy' where startups believe capturing a small percentage of a massive market will guarantee success.
  2. Building a successful startup requires focusing on a specific, well-defined market segment to understand customer needs and create a competitive advantage.
  3. It's more effective for startups to prioritize capturing a significant share of a smaller market first before expanding to larger markets.

9 Greatest Mistakes to Avoid When Growing a Startup

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. It's important not to overthink decisions. Making quick choices can save time and help your business move forward more efficiently.
  2. Setting boundaries with clients is key. If you try to please everyone, you might get overwhelmed and burn out.
  3. Having a clear understanding of your finances before starting a business is crucial. It helps ensure you can sustain your operations and pay everyone involved.

Low-drag machines

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Startups thrive on uncertainty. It's not something to avoid; it's actually what helps them find new opportunities and grow.
  2. Traditional management practices from established companies can slow down startups. These practices often don't fit their need to adapt and pivot quickly.
  3. To be successful, startups need to embrace an 'uncertainty mindset.' This means understanding the difference between risk and true uncertainty, allowing them to create better strategies and operations.

#1: Directing Attention + first ever article

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. The publication '12 Challenges' has been rebranded to 'Directing Attention', aiming to create fun content about technology. It focuses on making tech exciting and offers a fresh perspective on the industry.
  2. The plan includes three types of content: playful tech analysis, satire, and interactive mini-sites. The writer plans to start by focusing on satire to quickly build an audience.
  3. A new website for 'Attention' is being created for maximum creative control, allowing for unique and interactive article presentations. This will help surprise and engage readers in new ways.