The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

AI in Action

Tippets by Taps • 6 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. AI tools like Claude and Cursor are really helping with coding tasks, but sales AI tools still have a long way to go. Many founders are using AI to save time and improve accuracy in their work.
  2. Custom GPTs are a favorite among founders because they solve specific problems quickly. People are moving away from traditional CRMs to more AI-native options that offer deeper insights.
  3. While AI is making strides in development, many sales tools are still underwhelming. Founders are frustrated that they have to customize solutions instead of relying on existing AI products to meet their needs.

Have a Board Meeting, Even Without a Board

Tippets by Taps • 4 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Quarterly 'Not a Board Meetings' are useful for early-stage founders to plan and reflect. They help create clarity and accountability about the business's progress.
  2. These meetings align stakeholders by providing a shared understanding among investors, preventing miscommunications. It's key for everyone to be on the same page.
  3. Running these meetings can improve communication skills and problem-solving abilities. They set up a good groundwork for when formal boards are created later.

IT is back in fashion

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 29 May 22
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Many tech workers in India have lost their jobs recently, with around 6,000 layoffs reported. This number might grow even higher as smaller companies struggle too.
  2. There's a trend of cost-cutting and funding issues impacting Indian tech startups. This situation is tough for many employees and companies.
  3. Despite the challenges, there is a small sign of recovery for larger Indian IT firms. It suggests they might start bouncing back soon.

Indian Space Startups: More Growth Required

Ill-Defined Space • 57 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. India's space industry has seen significant growth in the number of startups, but more is needed to compete globally.
  2. India possesses strong launch capabilities, with the ability to explore the Moon, but needs to increase launch frequency to match other countries.
  3. Although India encourages international spacecraft deployment, there are challenges such as limited rocket inventory that must be addressed for significant industry growth.

Willow and The Race to Quantum Advantage (Feat. Kris Kaczmarek)

State of the Future • 14 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Google's Willow project has made big progress by keeping error rates low, which is important for building better quantum computers. This means more qubits can work together, helping create more powerful systems.
  2. The number of qubits isn't the most important thing anymore; it's about the quality of those qubits. Focusing on how well they work is more useful than just counting them up.
  3. There's a race in the quantum world to be the first to show clear advantages in real applications. The first company that does this could grab a lot of attention and resources, which could change the game for others.
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Why I am starting a hardcore tech company in my 50s

I Am Not a Robot • 55 HN points • 26 Jul 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Started a tech company in 50s due to interest in AI and experience in information retrieval and coding.
  2. Focused on building stable and reliable AI systems, despite current trend of fast-paced development fueled by VC money.
  3. Plans to start as a service provider in AI to build resilient systems and eventually create a product, prioritizing problem-solving and teamwork over money.

Another Brick In The Wall

Gradient Ascendant • 16 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI models are hitting a point where progress is slowing down. This means that just getting more data or tweaking algorithms might not lead to big breakthroughs anymore.
  2. Even if AI isn't changing dramatically right now, it's still a useful tool for many people. Startups in this space might find it easier to succeed without the threat of a huge game-changing model wiping them out.
  3. With the slowdown in AI development, concerns about AI risks might lessen. Policymakers will have to address how people continue using current chatbots, even with their flaws.

16 Cybersecurity Startups Selected for Google Growth Academy

The Security Industry • 11 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. IT-Harvest is part of Google's Growth Academy for 2025, focusing on supporting cybersecurity startups. This helps them connect with experts and gain valuable resources.
  2. The platform has evolved to meet the needs of security teams, showing strong interest in their data tools and features. Users can now map their security tools to important frameworks like NIST CSF.
  3. They are using AI to streamline data collection and analysis, which makes understanding cybersecurity products faster and easier. This change has made their tools more appealing to companies and consultants alike.

Tracksuit

next big thing • 34 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Tracksuit is a brand tracking software company helping businesses monitor brand health more affordably and frequently than traditional services like Nielsen or Kantar.
  2. The company has shown rapid growth by focusing on brand marketing and offering a SaaS platform for brand marketers to measure and act on insights.
  3. Tracksuit's success is attributed not only to its product-market fit, but also to its high-performing team that has built a strong culture across different regions.

Building CAUSL - Episode 6: Revenue Targets

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Startups should set three types of revenue targets: a basic goal, a stretch goal, and a survival target. Each one helps guide your progress in different ways.
  2. Survival targets are crucial; they tell you the minimum income needed to keep the business going. It's more about what you need than what you want.
  3. Always keep an eye on your financial goals, because they shape the decisions you make today. Hitting your basic target is vital, but don't forget to aim higher!

Will AI replace my job?

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI is creating a lot of buzz, but many predictions about it replacing jobs might be exaggerated. It's true that some industries are changing, but it's not going to happen overnight.
  2. While AI technology has potential, it will take time to see its real effects in the workplace. Companies need to create products that actually add value with AI.
  3. Instead of replacing jobs, AI is likely to make many jobs easier and more efficient, just like calculators helped accountants without taking their jobs away.

The Tech Industry Winter is Good for Business

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The downturn in the tech industry can benefit other sectors as businesses focus on improving productivity instead of new digital investments.
  2. AI may see growth across various industries during a recession, especially with advancements like Generative AI and chatGPT.
  3. Despite setbacks for big tech companies, the tech industry slowdown can lead to innovation from startups, a focus on improving existing technology, and increased emphasis on productivity.

A conversation with Harry Stebbings, The Twenty Minute VC

next big thing • 48 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The post is a conversation with Harry Stebbings about venture capital, investing, AI-first companies, and more.
  2. The discussion covers topics like small funds outperforming large funds, the importance of product-market fit, and the hype cycle in AI.
  3. The post highlights the personal connection between the author and Harry Stebbings, spanning over 7 years.

Anthropological Intelligence

Gradient Ascendant • 13 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Many tech startups are not really pushing new technology; they're mostly testing if people will use what already exists in new ways. Uber and AirBnB combine known tech in ways that challenge social norms.
  2. AI startups are even more focused on understanding user relationships with technology. It's still unclear how people want to use AI, making early experiments tricky.
  3. The success of AI startups might depend not just on the technology but also on user appeal. AI that feels more charming or relatable might win out over others, even if the tech is similar.

Biomemory - Enzymatic Data Storage

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. A French startup called Biomemory has raised $18 million for its new enzymatic data storage technology. This is surprising because other companies in the same field are struggling.
  2. Biomemory's first product includes a card that can encode data into DNA, specifically a message of 'Hello World!' using a unique encoding method. This method has some inefficiencies, as it uses more bases than necessary.
  3. The startup faces challenges with encoding data, particularly with homopolymers, which might complicate their technology. Future developments could look into improving these encoding issues.

Building CAUSL - Episode 4: Building Publicly

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Building publicly can be risky because it exposes you to failure, but it can also be a powerful way to share your journey. People love to follow stories, especially ones that show growth and struggle.
  2. Authenticity matters a lot when sharing your story. By being honest and open about what you're experiencing, you build trust with your audience.
  3. Sharing your journey could inspire others to take risks too. Even if the outcome isn't perfect, the hope is that others will find motivation and encouragement in your story.

What is a “Prepared Mind” and why does it matter?

Equal Ventures • 59 implied HN points • 18 Apr 21
💼 Business Startups
  1. Having a "prepared mind" means having an informed perspective in a specific industry or space, enabling meaningful partnerships with founders.
  2. In traditional venture capital, past experiences of VCs in specific industries were crucial for adding value to startups.
  3. As venture expands to new sectors, having a "prepared mind" tailored to those industries becomes essential for effective support and investment.

Startups: The Door Is Closing

European Straits • 46 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The era of startups may be coming to an end, urging entrepreneurs to consider new strategies.
  2. Factors like shifting demographics, capital scarcity, and deglobalization are influencing the decline in innovation.
  3. Venture capital is evolving, with a potential reversion back to its original niche, impacting the fate of startups.

Building CAUSL - Episode 2: Overcoming Fear

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Facing fears is a normal part of starting something new. It’s important to acknowledge those fears and know that you're not alone in feeling them.
  2. The fear of regret can be stronger than the fear of failure. You might worry about failing, but often the bigger fear is not trying at all.
  3. Having support from loved ones can make a huge difference. You don’t have to face your fears by yourself; encouragement from others can help you take the leap.

SmallCon: Free virtual conference for GenAI builders ft. Meta, DoorDash, Mistral

TheSequence • 14 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. SmallCon is a free online conference for people interested in Generative AI. It's a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
  2. The conference will feature talks and discussions from big companies like Meta and DoorDash. Attendees will get insights on the latest trends and technologies in AI.
  3. You can register now to save your spot and gain knowledge on building effective AI models and applications. It's a chance to learn how to make the most out of small AI models.

Growth vs Scaling

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Growth means increasing output by adding more resources, like hiring more staff or spending more money, but it can lead to higher costs too.
  2. Scaling is about growing efficiently without raising costs much. It focuses on making processes better and using technology wisely.
  3. Companies need to know when to grow and when to scale. Successful ones keep checking and adjusting their approach to keep things running smoothly.

QuantumSi - Chips No More!

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. QuantumSi shared new information during their investor day, showcasing their advancements. They seem to be moving beyond traditional chips in their technology.
  2. The QuantumSi project is gaining attention, and many connections are being made in the community. It's a good time to get involved and learn more.
  3. Readers are encouraged to check out the investor day presentation for deeper insights into QuantumSi's direction. It might be useful for those interested in tech innovations.

Building CAUSL - Episode 1: The Woes of Admin Work

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Starting a company involves a lot of administrative work. It might seem boring, but it's essential to get things off the ground properly.
  2. It's important to consider using professionals, like accountants and lawyers, to handle complicated tasks. They can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
  3. Having a website and creating a business plan are important steps. They can make your business look more professional and help you plan your goals.

Watershed

next big thing • 32 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Footwork invests in exceptional companies that deserve exceptions.
  2. Watershed is a leading enterprise climate platform with a focus on reducing emissions.
  3. Investing in Watershed was a deviation from Footwork's core strategy due to potential market growth and team execution.

Anthropic's Claude Code has a High Ceiling

Machine Economy Press • 9 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Claude Code is a powerful new tool that helps developers code faster by understanding their code and assisting with tasks like fixing bugs and managing version control.
  2. The latest updates to Claude, especially version 3.7, enhance its ability to handle complex coding tasks efficiently, making it a valuable asset for startups looking to scale quickly.
  3. With strong backing and advanced features, Anthropic's Claude Code is likely to lead in the AI coding space, offering a reliable alternative to other existing tools.

SPACs a.k.a "Vegas Wedding Chapel of liquidity events"

Turnaround • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jan 21
💼 Business Startups
  1. Startups are increasingly staying private longer due to the availability of private money and growth of Venture Capital and Private Equity.
  2. SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, offer more certainty and speed for companies going public compared to traditional IPOs.
  3. SPACs may be seen as more expensive than IPOs due to higher fees, but have evolved and come under greater scrutiny by the SEC.

Startup Spotlight: Charcoal

Startup Strategies • 57 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Charcoal is a startup creating a smart desk for mindful users.
  2. Their desk offers a clean design, intuitive controls, and reminders for healthy habits.
  3. Charcoal's founders are based in Dubai and are catering to a more discerning audience of keyboard users.

Looking at Initials Again

The Security Industry • 10 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. The letter 'S' stands out in the security industry, followed closely by 'C' for 'Cyber.' This shows that more companies are focusing on these areas.
  2. Choosing a company name is important and can be tricky. It's smart to look at existing names in the industry to avoid confusion.
  3. There are a lot of companies with similar names, especially with the word 'Cyber' in them. A new tool could help find unique names for startups.

Money does not make a great product

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Money alone doesn't guarantee a great product. Instead, you need skilled experts and a dedicated team who really care about the work.
  2. A smaller, focused team can often create better outcomes than a large group. Quality and commitment are more important than throwing money at a problem.
  3. Dedication matters more than expertise. Strong work ethic is key, and having a passionate team can lead to innovative solutions and success.

The MKT1 B2B marketing tools survey + my future predictions

MKT1 Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. B2B marketing tools are rapidly changing, with more emphasis on AI features and automation. This makes it important for marketers to adapt and embrace new tools that enhance their processes.
  2. Data management and how information is used are becoming more automated. Future tools will blend functionalities, making it less about traditional CRMs and more about using AI to manage data seamlessly.
  3. Marketers need to be versatile, blending creativity with technical skills as new tools evolve. This means being able to design, create, and optimize content with ease using different AI-powered tools.

The Sky is NOT the Limit 🧑‍🚀🌍🚀

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. India is making impressive strides in space exploration. It's clear that the country has the potential to reach new heights.
  2. Skyroot Aerospace has made history by launching India's first private rocket into space. This marks a significant change in India's space journey.
  3. The startup landscape in India is likened to a rocket launch due to its challenges and risks, but success is possible.

Change your newsletter... Change your life?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 12 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Launching a new newsletter can boost your career and connect you with important topics like entrepreneurship. It's a great way to explore changes in the workforce.
  2. Returning to a platform like Substack can offer a supportive community that aligns better with your creative goals. It helps in building a business outside the usual 9-5 job.
  3. Personal and professional changes can feel invigorating and essential. Keeping up with clients' successes can motivate your own evolution in business.

Afridigest Intelligence: Nigeria's Bamboo acquires a US broker-dealer license

Afridigest • 11 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Bamboo, a Nigerian investment platform, recently got a US broker-dealer license. This is an important step for their growth and credibility in the market.
  2. The license will allow Bamboo to operate more effectively in the US financial space, which can help attract more investors.
  3. This achievement reflects the hard work of the Bamboo team and shows the potential of African fintech companies in the global market.

2023: Three Predictions

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Crypto is likely to struggle moving forward. Many projects turned out to be less valuable than they promised, and the hype around crypto is fading.
  2. AI technology is expected to keep growing. New tools and applications are popping up, and understanding machine learning will be key for future job opportunities.
  3. The startup scene is going to get tougher. Companies will face more challenges, especially those with inflated valuations, but there will also be chances for new, innovative startups to succeed.

Clear Eyes , Full Heart

Venture Prose • 2 HN points • 14 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Launching a fund entails building a functional partnership, and realizing when it's not working is important.
  2. Committing to doing the right thing by stakeholders, even in difficult situations, is crucial.
  3. Maintaining optimism and dedication, and sharing the journey with like-minded individuals, is fulfilling despite challenges.

TWH#48: OKRs Are Not OK

The Hagakure • 53 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. OKRs are commonly used in startups but often fail to work effectively due to misuse and lack of context.
  2. Senior leaders typically use OKRs for control and predictability, focusing on execution rather than learning and exploration.
  3. The VC-backed startup model emphasizes predictability and control over complex systems, which can hinder innovation and adaptive learning.