The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Series A activity: Week of July 17, 2023

Magid and Co • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The post shares data on Series A deals done in the last week of July 2023.
  2. The summary stats provide information on Series A deals worldwide, excluding China, where the amount raised is over $5M, and the company is not focused on therapeutics.
  3. The post encourages readers to subscribe for free to receive new posts and support the author's work.

Quitting

Seeking Solutions • 39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Consider the revenue multiple when evaluating a startup's valuation.
  2. Realistically project if the company can grow enough for you to make a return.
  3. Evaluate the company's spending efficiency and runway to decide if it's time to quit.
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Digest 5/20/23

axialdaily • 39 implied HN points • 20 May 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Axial partners with great inventors and invests in early-stage life sciences companies
  2. Be Biopharma focuses on developing engineered B-cells for cancer & rare diseases
  3. Scientist Stories highlight the role of nature in solving environmental challenges through new enzymes

Series B Activity: August 2023

Magid and Co • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
💰 Finance Startups
  1. Series B deals over $100M declined over the years - from 15 deals in 2021 to none in 2023.
  2. Series B deal volumes decreased significantly in two years, indicating a shift in deal trends.
  3. Data on Series B deals worldwide (ex-China) shows deals with a raised amount above $5M and non-therapeutics companies.

Can My Open Source Company Raise Series A?

Open Source Startup Podcast • 39 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Investors now require open source companies to have at least $100k ARR by Series A.
  2. Investors focus on metrics like users running the project in production and engagement in Slack or Discord.
  3. Other important metrics for open source companies include GitHub issues, stars, usage & retention, and unique contributors.

Google’s Missed AI Opportunity

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Google missed a huge chance by overlooking the Transformer paper in 2017, which cost them around $6.2 billion. This mistake allowed others to build successful AI startups.
  2. The authors of the Transformer paper have moved on to create their own companies, showing the impact of their work and how they’ve found success after leaving Google.
  3. Such missed opportunities highlight the importance of recognizing and supporting innovative research within companies like Google.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

Investing 101 • 69 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Different venture funds have unique strategies. Some focus on raising large amounts of capital for many investments, while others prefer to make fewer, more targeted investments.
  2. Success in venture capital isn't guaranteed, no matter how fancy the fund. It's crucial for firms to find their own style and approach to increase the chances of success for their startups.
  3. Having a clear focus can be a big advantage. Smaller funds can compete effectively by honing in on specific areas and being selective about their investments.

The Great Climate Tech Debate – “Digital” or “Frontier”?

Equal Ventures • 39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. The capital flow and returns in the cleantech market show that digital investments have outperformed frontier investments, with digital returning close to 3x the capital invested.
  2. Frontier tech companies in cleantech have faced challenges with manufacturing, production delays, and advancing technologies, leading to significant failures and losses.
  3. Successful companies in the cleantech bubble focused on digital and consumer products, leveraged existing technology for better user experience, and built strong brand relationships.

Nuke My Money

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Big tech companies are investing heavily in nuclear energy, especially fusion technology, which aims to provide unlimited zero-carbon electricity.
  2. Helion, a startup backed by Y Combinator, has gained attention and funding from major players like OpenAI and Microsoft for its fusion power developments.
  3. Google has also joined the race by partnering with TAE Technologies, another fusion startup, to enhance it with AI and computational resources.

What I'm doing in GTM as B2B SaaS founder as of Dec 25

nonamevc • 4 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Finding the right pricing strategy is key. It helps to define your product's position and understand customer willingness to pay.
  2. Using multiple channels for outreach lets you see what works best. Experimenting with content, LinkedIn presence, and cold outreach can help attract your first customers.
  3. Engaging authentically and sharing real experiences builds trust. Writing from a personal perspective and participating in niche communities can create stronger connections.

Move over SVB, time for some good news in robotics

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Startups in robotics face challenges raising funds, often dealing with slow progress and avoiding predatory lending terms.
  2. Despite the funding challenges, there is good news in the robotics industry, with new startups emerging and innovative projects like designing giant robots.
  3. The robotics landscape is slowly evolving, but there are positive developments that showcase growth and potential for the future.

India’s Operations Revolution: Lessons from Zepto, Rebel Foods, and the Dabbawalas

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Zepto has transformed grocery delivery in India with its promise of delivering products within 10 minutes. This model responds to customer demand for fast service, using small warehouses to ensure quick order fulfillment.
  2. Rebel Foods leads the cloud kitchen market by creating multiple food brands under one roof. This strategy maximizes kitchen use and caters to different tastes, enabling rapid growth in a competitive environment.
  3. The Dabbawalas have a long history of reliably delivering home-cooked meals in Mumbai. Their simple, synchronized system shows how effective human coordination can be, even as newer tech-driven services emerge.

The 21 GTM Channels to grow your SaaS

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 56 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. There are 21 different channels to grow your SaaS business. Some channels focus on direct interactions, while others rely on partnerships and external platforms.
  2. When choosing a channel, consider your product's complexity, market maturity, and your team's skills. Not every channel works for every product.
  3. It's important to engage with your customers through valuable content and be visible on social media to attract and retain them.

Ranking the best humanoid robots of 2024

Robots & Startups • 19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. There are currently 41 companies working on developing humanoid robots for commercial and industrial purposes. These robots are more affordable than the DARPA robots from previous challenges.
  2. The goal in humanoid robotics is to achieve sophistication while keeping the price under $50,000. This is a benchmark as cars, which are larger and perform autonomously, are priced similarly.
  3. Advancements in humanoid robots have been showcased in events like the Avatar XPrize. The aim is to combine sophistication and affordability in these machines.

Don’t Sell Yourself Cheap

Build To Scale • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. When pricing software, focus on value over cost. It's vital to find the right balance and not undervalue your product.
  2. Adapt pricing based on customer segments. Small businesses and larger enterprises have different budgets and needs, so consider offering various editions or plans.
  3. Avoid commodity pricing and aim for a pricing model customers can easily understand. Make sure pricing generates positive margins and evolves with your company.

Building Codiga: What Tools and Tech Stack for your Startup?

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Choose user-friendly tools like Google Workspace and Metabase for your startup. They save time and are easy for your team to use.
  2. Avoid trendy or expensive tools that complicate things and come with a steep learning curve. Stick to popular, reliable options that your team can easily adapt to.
  3. Use programming languages and frameworks that many developers know. This helps you find talent faster and keeps your focus on building your product instead of learning new tech.

🧠 I built a list of 180+ AI ideas. Steal one.

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 20 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. To start an AI business, focus on solving practical problems that people are already spending money on. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest solutions to annoying issues.
  2. Instead of getting stuck with too many ideas, pick one that addresses a real pain point. Talk to someone in the target audience to see if they would actually use it.
  3. It's not too late to jump into the AI field, but waiting too long can lead to stiff competition. The sooner you start, the better your chances of success.

What are the essential things investors need to know about the regulatory landscape?

Tech + Regulation • 19 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Understanding the regulatory landscape is key for investors in startups. Companies that plan for future regulations can reduce risks and stand out from competitors.
  2. New laws in Europe are making it harder for larger companies, creating chances for smaller businesses to thrive. Startups can take advantage of these rules to grow.
  3. Investors should ask about how companies are preparing for regulations, especially if they use AI or target specific audiences like kids. Knowing the compliance strategies can help in making better investment choices.

OSD 300: Open Source Defense Capital

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Modern tech is changing the civilian defense industry, making it more about community and content creation than just products. Companies are now focusing on building strong organizations and engaging their customers online.
  2. Founders in the civilian defense space face challenges due to a lack of resources and funding, which makes it harder for them to grow. This is different from the tech startup ecosystem, where support is abundant.
  3. To improve gun rights, it's important to create and promote high-quality gun products. Great products can help change laws and build a supportive community around them.

How Much Revenue Does AI Startup Sierra Need? $225M

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. AI startups like Sierra are trying to improve customer service, which can be cheaper than hiring lots of workers. That's smart because AI can save money in the long run.
  2. The valuation of Sierra seems very high compared to its current revenue. This might mean they are setting themselves up for a tough future if they don't meet those big expectations.
  3. There's a sense that some investors are overestimating startups based on past successes, hoping they will grow quickly without enough proof. This approach can be risky for everyone involved.

🚀 The Complete Weekend Micro-App Builder's Playbook: From Zero to Live SaaS in 48 Hours

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 16 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Launching an app is more about action than perfect coding. Don't get stuck overthinking; get out there and test your idea with real users.
  2. Identifying the right audience and focusing on their specific problems can give you a big advantage. Look for communities or interests you understand well.
  3. Validating your idea is key before building. Research competitors and test your concept with tough questions to make sure it's solid.

In Property Insurance, Climate Change is Everything

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💰 Finance Startups
  1. Insurers must adapt quickly to the impacts of climate change on property insurance, as changing weather patterns are leading to more natural catastrophe events and heavier losses.
  2. The property insurance market is experiencing shrinking margins, complex regulations, and increasing premiums due to climate change impacts, leading to carriers pulling back policies in high-risk areas.
  3. There is a need for more innovative approaches in underwriting and risk management, moving away from relying solely on historical zip code data and towards tailored risk assessment in the face of evolving weather risks.

What I learned from Failing Startups

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Never burn bridges, especially during a recession when sacrifices have to be made. Executing layoffs well can lead to the possibility of rehiring old employees who were let go.
  2. Failing startups can provide valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Embracing the challenges can lead to personal development and resilience.
  3. Maintaining positive relationships with ex-employees can be beneficial in the long term. Good terms with former coworkers can lead to potential opportunities in the future.

Kuration #282 Week Recap

KURATION • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Kuration presents top tech and media headlines from the past week.
  2. The newsletter includes links to articles about Apple, Google, TikTok, Samsung, Amazon, and more.
  3. Readers can catch up on the latest news and trends in the technology and media industries.

A Groundbreaking Week of AI Collaboration

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Many big companies are teaming up or buying each other to improve their AI skills. These moves help them stay strong in the AI market.
  2. NVIDIA recently bought a startup called OmniML that focuses on making smaller and quicker AI models. This could lead to new AI technology for cars and robots.
  3. The AI industry is rapidly changing with new partnerships and innovations. Companies are working hard to create better AI tools and applications.

PumpkinSeed Protein Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. PumpkinSeed is a startup focused on new protein sequencing technology. They use a method that analyzes light patterns to determine protein sequences without needing labels.
  2. The technology involves measuring the Raman spectra of peptides and using AI to interpret the data. This helps to figure out the order of amino acids in a protein.
  3. There's potential for the method, but questions remain about how easily it can be scaled for larger samples. The benefit and size of the market for this technology are still being evaluated.

Is $7.2B a lot of money for Squarespace?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Squarespace was recently sold for $7.2 billion, which some believe is a lot of money. They managed to increase their sale price by over 5% from a previous offer.
  2. The company showed strong growth, with its revenue growing by 20% year over year, and it has a solid cash position. This performance raises questions about whether they sold themselves too cheaply.
  3. Even though the sale price seems high, Squarespace might have been worth more based on its growth and financial metrics. Some think they could have waited for better market conditions before selling.

the end of zero-marginal costs + the end of your ai fund

State of the Future • 44 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Startups
  1. AI investing is getting more complicated and expensive because it requires a lot of computing power to operate. This has shifted the focus from free services with low costs to ones that need higher budgets.
  2. Startups may struggle with lower profit margins compared to past tech companies, which could make it harder for them to grow and attract funding. Investors are taking notice of these challenges.
  3. Public markets might offer better opportunities for investing in AI now, compared to private startups. Companies with solid infrastructure, like big tech firms, have an edge that makes investing directly in them more appealing.

Finding the way in

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Building products means you will make mistakes, but listening to users helps you learn what works. If a product isn't useful, people won't care about it.
  2. Incumbent companies can be tough competition for startups. Sometimes, it's better to target smaller, underserved groups that bigger companies ignore.
  3. Being a startup has its own strengths. You can focus on specific needs and spaces that might grow into a big opportunity over time.

State of AI: December 2025 newsletter

Guide to AI • 4 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI compute has entered a full-scale arms race: hyperscalers, labs and chip vendors are locking in multi-year capacity, driving massive hardware investments and prompting governments to tie AI planning to energy and national security, which is fragmenting global hardware markets.
  2. Frontier models are becoming more agentic and multimodal, with longer contexts and built-in tool use that let them plan and act across apps, while new open and high-quality image models are making real-world visual generation and editing practical for enterprises.
  3. Research is turning into powerful, practical tools—efficient local models, retrieval-augmented biology models and AI scientist systems—but audits and papers also expose limits and risks like planning failures, transparency lapses and reward-hacking that make safety and verification urgent.

Exploring the world of social apps

SarHaribhakti's Newsletter • 254 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Anu Atluru discusses the intersection of creativity, risk-taking, and medicine in tech and startup worlds
  2. She shares insights on the complexities and nuances of the advice culture in the tech industry
  3. Anu highlights the importance of experimenting with new app mechanics in the consumer social landscape