The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers #4

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. There are 10 noteworthy job changes each week that highlight shifts in the business world. These changes often show where companies are heading and who is taking on important roles.
  2. Some of the job moves involve leaders from well-known companies. Their experiences and skills may bring fresh ideas to their new roles, impacting industry trends.
  3. Monitoring job changes can provide insights into potential investment opportunities and emerging talent in various sectors, especially in tech and finance.

Codiga: How it Ended

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The author reflects on building Codiga, a small company that developed a code analysis product. Initially, they turned down an acquisition offer but later realized it was a good opportunity for both themselves and their team.
  2. Obsession and hard work are key traits for entrepreneurs. Being passionate about your product helps create something unique and successful.
  3. The journey of building a company can come with personal sacrifices. The author learned the importance of maintaining relationships and handling criticism, and ultimately feels proud of their accomplishments.

10X Acquiring ScaleBio And Q2 Results

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. 10X is buying ScaleBio for $30 million to help lower costs and drive growth. This move aims to help them scale their operations more efficiently.
  2. Their recent earnings report shows that there is a continuing decline in the demand for single-cell technology. This trend is concerning for the company.
  3. Acquiring ScaleBio is seen as a strategic step for 10X to adapt to market changes and keep their business competitive.

The Great Reset: From Startups to What's Next

European Straits • 60 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Europe has struggled to create big tech companies like those in the US and China. It's due to issues like culture differences and less investment, which make it harder for companies to grow big.
  2. The US has certain advantages, such as a large market and easier access to funding, that help companies succeed. In Europe, money tends to be concentrated with a few wealthy families, making startups struggle.
  3. Even if startups seem to be fading, there's still a chance for new tech and ideas to emerge, especially with things like AI. Companies are likely to focus on efficiency rather than just rapid growth.

The Long Game 171: Fatigue, Unfair Advantage, Vertical vs. General AI, Sales Learnings

The Long Game by Mehdi Yacoubi • 2 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Being physically tired from real work or regular exercise quiets overthinking and forces action, so most people would actually feel and perform better with more controlled physical fatigue.
  2. Identify the unfair advantages you already have — such as time, connections, money, or skills — and use them relentlessly instead of pretending everyone starts on an even playing field.
  3. General coding or program‑synthesis AI is becoming a powerful horizontal tool that can automate many tasks, but domain‑specific work still matters for enterprise data access, compliance, integration, and closing the last 5–10% of value.
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5 famous company pivots.

Jon’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. Instagram started as a check-in app but became popular for sharing photos. This change led Facebook to buy it for $1 billion.
  2. YouTube began as a dating site where users uploaded videos about their ideal partners. It quickly turned into a video-sharing platform, and Google bought it for $1.65 billion.
  3. Slack's founders shifted from making online games to developing a communication tool. This pivot resulted in a $27.7 billion acquisition by Salesforce.

The Reading Unlock

SatPost by Trung Phan • 254 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Entrepreneurs like Joe Coulombe, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk were inspired by reading single articles to start successful ventures.
  2. Reading diverse and random content can help build a unique insight stack when combined with other skills.
  3. Reading and continuous learning are crucial for developing insights that lead to successful ventures or investments.

The Hagakure #86: One Job

The Hagakure • 61 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Giving control to your team is important, but first, you need to make sure they understand their tasks clearly. This way, people can make better decisions without relying on just one person.
  2. To help your team succeed, they need competence in their roles. This includes being good at problem-solving, communication, and understanding processes.
  3. As a leader, your job is to create a clear vision and help develop your team's skills. This allows everyone to work better together and feel more empowered.

The Unbundling of Retail

Equal Ventures • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Economic fundamentals in retail are shifting, highlighting the limitations of a direct-to-consumer-only strategy.
  2. Traditional principles like vertical integration may not always lead to better outcomes in the retail industry, as seen with several DTC brands.
  3. Outsourcing non-core functions and embracing the 'Great Unbundling' can help emerging brands achieve economies of scale and operational excellence in the retail sector.

Series A activity: Week of November 13, 2023

Magid and Co • 39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The post provides data on Series A deals for the week of November 13, 2023.
  2. The focus is on Series A deals worldwide (excluding China) with funding over $5M and not for therapeutic companies.
  3. Readers can subscribe for free to receive more posts and support the author's work.

Don't panic

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Tech industries go through cycles of success and downturns, and it's normal for this to happen over time. Don't get too worried; things will recover again.
  2. Even though there are doubts about new technologies like AI, they can lead to significant advancements and solve real problems for people. Focus on what can be created, not just the challenges.
  3. Downturns can help companies become better and more disciplined. When money is tight, it encourages innovation and addressing genuine needs rather than just quick gains.

Unboxing my secret robot addiction - part 2

Robots & Startups • 39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. The post discusses a secret robot addiction and the impact of crowdfunding on it.
  2. There is a mention of falling for various robots and robot projects, like the unfunded Robogames documentary.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive early access to content, with full access becoming available to everyone after two weeks.

Sci-Fi Idea Bank

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 261 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Ideas for new technologies often appear in sci-fi before becoming real.
  2. Sci-fi is a goldmine of ideas for startups waiting to be built when the time is right.
  3. The Sci-Fi Idea Bank contains 3,567 sci-fi ideas that have inspired real innovations, with many more ideas left to be realized.

How One Founder’s Frustration Became A Global Open-Source EV Movement

The Green Techpreneur • 4 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Startups
  1. EV charging often fails not because of hardware but because many vendors interpret standards differently, creating software fragmentation and frequent charging breakdowns.
  2. EVerest turns complex charging standards into shared, working code so chargers and backends can interoperate, letting a global community find and fix bugs faster and making charging more reliable.
  3. Placing the core under open governance built trust and a sustainable model: the foundation stays free while companies buy enterprise tools like ChargeBridge and Pionix Cloud to deploy and scale.

Managing the Employee Incentive Pool

Nathan’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Managing the Employee Stock Option Pool (ESOP) is crucial for startup founders to prevent further dilution and attract key talent
  2. Equity distribution should be an integral part of your hiring plan, considering factors like vesting periods, refresh grants, and employee turnover
  3. Negotiating for a lower Employee Incentive Pool (EIP) percentage in subsequent fundraising rounds can help minimize dilution impact and improve share price

Latest from AI Roller Coaster: Disruptive Nausea

Day Zero: Always Learning • 85 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI infrastructure is getting super crowded and costs are rising, which may lead to a shake-up in who leads this space. Companies need to find new angles to succeed, like offering something unique or targeting a niche.
  2. AI observability is a hot trend right now, with many startups focusing on helping businesses check if their AI models are really working. Measuring success with AI tools is still a big challenge that needs to be figured out.
  3. The way companies operate is going to change a lot because of AI, creating a mix of specialized skills and generalist abilities. Traditional roles may get transformed or even replaced as companies rethink how they do business.

Summer 2025 Update

Kesav’s Lab • 16 implied HN points • 01 Sep 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Being in different environments like coffee shops or co-working spaces boosts my productivity. I find that I work better when I mix things up a bit.
  2. Attending events helps create chances for collaboration and opportunities. When I put myself out there, good things tend to happen.
  3. Austin has a great vibe for work-life balance. It's a relaxed place, while NYC feels fast-paced and intense, which can push me to be more productive.

Acceleration over Position

Deeply Nested • 83 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Focus on improving your team's acceleration instead of just hitting short-term goals. This will help you achieve better long-term outcomes.
  2. Hiring more people won't solve issues caused by technical debt or poor processes. Instead, it can actually make problems worse.
  3. Identify and address real obstacles to progress, like code complexity or support issues, so you can change direction effectively and make real progress.

The Ultimate Investors List of Lists 🚀

The VC Corner • 1 HN point • 27 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Finding the right investors is crucial for startup success. It helps to connect with the right people whether you're just starting out or already growing.
  2. Using curated lists of investors saves time and effort in your search. This way, you can focus more on running and building your business.
  3. Access to a variety of potential investors increases your chances of finding the right match for your startup's needs. More options mean better opportunities!

The Story of Nel

Deus In Machina • 72 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Real programmers often rely on their knowledge and skills rather than on tools like AI and autocomplete features to code. It highlights the importance of understanding the code at a fundamental level.
  2. Having face-to-face conversations and collaboration among team members helped boost productivity when technology failed. Working together led to better problem-solving and learning.
  3. Using simple, effective tools that fit your needs can lead to better coding experiences. Sometimes, going back to the basics can spark creativity and innovation.

Niche is the Next Big Thing

Equal Ventures • 59 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. Competition in the tech industry has intensified, making it essential for companies to find a sustainable advantage to generate long-term profitability.
  2. Focusing on niche markets can lead to less competition, higher profits, and sustainable growth compared to chasing large markets with intense competition.
  3. Dominating a niche market allows for the development of early competitive advantages, market dominance, and long-term profitability, providing a foundation for future expansion and success.

Alternative Investment Guide #3 - Equity Crowdfunding

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
💰 Finance Startups
  1. Equity crowdfunding lets everyday people invest in startups by buying shares. This means you can own a small part of a new company, hoping it grows in value over time.
  2. Investors can make money through equity ownership, dividends, or selling their shares later if the company does well. However, there's always a risk of losing your investment since many startups fail.
  3. Before investing, it's important to research the company and its team, as well as understand the risks involved. Doing your homework can help you find promising investments.

The Hagakure #85: In The Trenches

The Hagakure • 61 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. The author recently took a new job as a startup CTO and is sharing his real experiences in this role. It's a change from coaching others to being hands-on again.
  2. He wants to provide honest insights about the challenges he faces instead of polished advice. It's about showing the true ups and downs of the job.
  3. The author invites readers to join him on this journey and share what they want to learn about being in a leadership position. It's a way to connect and engage with everyone interested.

Announcing $175m more to Bridge the Digital Divide

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Equal Ventures raised $175 million to Bridge the Digital Divide - $100m for Equal Ventures Fund 2 and $75m for the Opportunity Fund to invest in analog markets like climate, insurance, retail, and supply chain.
  2. The firm aims to support founders in non-traditional technology markets and believes the time is right for innovation in these industries.
  3. Equal Ventures focuses on providing hands-on support, independent conviction, and a 'prepared mind' to startups, aiming for strong founder relationships and long-term success.

Unvested shares don't just "buy back" themselves

The Founder Memo • 19 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. When an employee leaves with unvested stock, the company usually needs to buy it back within a short time, like 90 days. If they don't, that stock could stay with the former employee forever.
  2. There are two main ways companies can handle unvested shares: by repurchasing them or by automatic forfeiture. It's really important to know which method your company uses.
  3. After firing someone, companies should quickly check their stock agreements to see what to do about unvested shares. Handling it properly can prevent bigger problems later.

All hail nuclear power

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Nuclear power is gaining traction as tech companies look to use it for sustainability and energy needs. This shift could help power data centers efficiently.
  2. Despite general market optimism, there are challenges and doubts about current investment strategies. Investors need to think critically about their options in a changing economy.
  3. The EU is facing criticism regarding its AI regulations, which might push tech development outside the region. This could lead to a lack of innovation and growth in Europe.

Absurd Seed Rounds Arguments

Venture Prose • 359 implied HN points • 05 Jan 21
💼 Business Startups
  1. Ownership percentage isn't everything. What matters is belief in your venture and ambition from investors.
  2. As a founder, maintain control of your cap table. Choose investors based on their value, not just their reputation.
  3. When raising a large seed round, consider working with multiple institutional investors to manage risks and dynamics effectively.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 51 - the final hurrah

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. CitNOW started from a small kitchen table business and grew into a successful company, eventually being sold to a private equity firm. This shows how businesses can thrive even in tough times.
  2. During the sale process, the founders were treated as outsiders, which created tension among the team. Good communication is key to maintaining relationships in business.
  3. When presenting to potential buyers, it’s important to focus on the future and not dwell on past issues. The right mindset can help create a positive atmosphere for everyone involved.

Venture Capital & Free Lunch

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 156 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capital is considered to be the best asset class due to its ability to fund innovation and high potential returns.
  2. Despite its risks and failures, venture capital has historically delivered strong returns and funded groundbreaking ideas.
  3. Venture capital's free lunch concept is the idea that through the failures and successes in investment, society benefits from innovation without direct costs.

ServiceTitan just kicked the IPO door wide open

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. ServiceTitan recently went public, and its stock price rose significantly on the first day, showing strong investor interest. This kind of IPO performance typically generates excitement in the market.
  2. The company managed to raise more money than expected, which can indicate positive investor confidence and a solid business outlook.
  3. With ServiceTitan's success, there's hope for more tech companies to follow suit and achieve similar or even greater valuations in the future.

From Zero to Six-Figure Exit in Just 6 Months

startupsemail • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Let the market guide your product development and be ready to pivot based on audience feedback.
  2. Highlight startup success stories like Questgen.ai, IndexGuru, and DocuWriter.ai.
  3. Gain valuable insights on growth strategies, SaaS sales, lifetime deals, and landing page optimization.