The hottest Startups Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

The Story of Bayard Bay

The Daily Bud • 12 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. The idea for Bayard Bay started with a genuine desire to improve golf apparel, focusing on what real female golfers need, rather than just starting a business for profit.
  2. The process of creating the product involved a lot of trial and error, especially with manufacturing, to ensure features like the back pocket for yardage books were just right.
  3. As Bayard Bay launches, it relies on word of mouth and team deals to grow, aiming to meet the needs of female golfers through functional and stylish designs.

2 years of building a commercial open-source company

Navaneeth’s Newsletter • 49 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Started ToolJet as a project during home quarantine and faced challenges but received positive feedback from users.
  2. Launched ToolJet's public beta and open-sourced the codebase, gaining quick traction on ProductHunt and HackerNews.
  3. Raised VC funding for ToolJet, transitioned to ToolJet 1.0 with enhanced features, and continued building towards ToolJet 2.0 despite competition.

Peak Performance #31 | Leading Through a Downturn

The Leadership Lab • 19 implied HN points • 17 May 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. A recession impacts startups significantly, affecting growth, fundraising, and hiring - requiring adjustments in strategy and operations.
  2. During a downturn, funding becomes scarce and expensive for startups, necessitating better metrics and more time for fundraising.
  3. Hiring becomes easier for startups during a downturn as talent floods the market, enabling better negotiation on salary and equity demands.

The best of The Green Techpreneur

The Green Techpreneur • 28 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. The Green Techpreneur platform achieved significant milestones in 2023, such as winning awards and helping startups secure funding.
  2. For 2024, the platform acquired Climate Marketplace to connect startups with a network of 2,000 climate investors.
  3. The newsletter also featured updates on innovative climate tech startups and insights from industry leaders to help readers succeed.

Clouded Judgement 10.25.24 - Misaligned Incentives

Clouded Judgement • 13 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capitalists are changing how they work with founders. Instead of focusing on big wins together, some are now just trying to make quick money from management fees.
  2. Founders should be careful about raising too much money too early. Getting larger sums from investors can often come with higher valuations, which can hurt the business long-term.
  3. It's important for founders to know how many other companies their investors are supporting. If an investor has too many companies, they might not have enough time to help yours succeed.
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Why Your 'Disruptive' Product Isn't Getting Traction

Superfluid • 39 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Changing consumer behavior is hard for startups, and it takes more than just a good product to do it.
  2. Before building a product, understand the market deeply, including the barriers to change and existing strategies.
  3. To succeed, focus on what you're really selling, craft a smart GTM strategy, and work progressively to change the market.

The Biggest Challenges Ahead for Our Startup Ecosystem

Midwest Humble • 9 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. There is a need for more startup capital in Michigan. Founders and investors want to see faster progress, and having more options for funding can help.
  2. Building a strong community and culture is important for startups. Events and collaboration can help people connect and create new opportunities.
  3. Storytelling is essential for success. Sharing local achievements can improve recognition and support, helping to brand Michigan's startup ecosystem better.

VCs sell money

Sunday Letters • 19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. Venture capitalists (VCs) primarily sell money to companies, and their main goal is to find good companies to invest in. It's a sales role, and they often have to compete to get the best opportunities.
  2. Most VC returns come from a few big successes, while many investments may only give back what was initially put in or fail completely. This means that if your startup doesn't do well, it's a bigger deal for you than for the VC.
  3. Understanding the different motivations and incentives between you and your VC is crucial. Even if both of you want the company to succeed, you may want success for different reasons and might make different decisions along the way.

Terraform Industries

cleanenergyreview • 1 HN point • 04 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Terraform Industries aims to produce cheap, carbon-neutral methane by using solar energy, air, and technology, potentially transforming global energy markets.
  2. Terraform's business model is highly leveraged on decreasing costs of utility-scale solar PV, making it an audacious and potentially game-changing venture.
  3. Early demand for Terraform's product may come from sectors willing to pay for carbon-neutral gas and those with lower electricity costs, creating a diverse customer base.

Fantastic Builders and Where to Find Them, 2nd Installment

Building the Builders • 12 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Esther Crawford made bold choices in her career, like using her own savings to fund her startup. She felt confident doing this because she knew she could always find another job if it didn't work out.
  2. Her honesty with investors about tough decisions helped build trust and support. This showed that being truthful can strengthen relationships in business.
  3. Esther's journey highlights the importance of following your own path and interests rather than just fitting into societal expectations. Her choices were driven by personal goals and values.

Tippets #196

Tippets by Taps • 4 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Meta has invested a huge amount of money into Scale AI, showing how important data is in the AI race. This move might change the landscape of AI companies.
  2. Pricing methods for AI agents are complex and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. People are exploring different ways to charge based on actions, workflows, or outcomes.
  3. As AI becomes more advanced, it will change what productivity looks like. In the future, people may accomplish way more than ever before thanks to the capabilities of AI.

How to Do Business School Right

Working Theorys • 29 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Consider starting a business in business school for the resources and support available.
  2. View business school as a time to take risks with ample backing.
  3. Starting a business in business school can help you explore entrepreneurship without a long-term commitment.

On Balancing Profitability and Growth

Superfluid • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. VCs are shifting focus from just growth to profitability in 2023.
  2. The Rule of 40 balances revenue growth rate with profit margin to determine business success.
  3. Reaching profitability gives businesses options and a strong internal culture.

YC W24 Batch Breakdown

Commas by Beau • 2 HN points • 04 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. New laws/regulations are creating opportunities for startups to fill gaps; entrepreneurs should stay current with regulatory changes
  2. Foundation models in AI startups are gaining significant interest and could be the next big trend in the industry
  3. Although many startups are AI-powered, AI features are not always necessary to solve user problems; it may not always be a game changer

What Founders Teach Us

Perspectives • 3 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Founders are fearless and willing to take risks. They believe in their ideas and work hard to solve problems, even when the odds are against them.
  2. Having a learning mindset is important for founders. They seek different opinions and adapt quickly to new information to strengthen their leadership.
  3. Great founders know how to attract and build strong teams. They focus on recruiting top talent, as the right people can significantly change a company's success.

E6 - 🏰 Building a Moat for Your AI Startup 🏰

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 10 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Building a competitive 'moat' is crucial for AI startups to protect themselves from competitors. It means having unique advantages that others can't easily copy.
  2. Startups should focus on specific industries or problems to create tailored solutions. This helps them collect valuable data and improve their models over time.
  3. Using proprietary data and building complex systems can strengthen a startup's position. It’s about going beyond just using popular AI tools and making something unique.

The Generational Business Trap

Working Theorys • 43 implied HN points • 08 May 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. The article discusses the longevity of businesses and the idea that permanence should not be idolized.
  2. The post is written by Anu Atluru and is available for paid subscribers only.
  3. The article is related to a companion piece about the rise of Silicon Valley small businesses.

Can Anyone Multi-Task?

Tribal Knowledge • 19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. Context switching is a focus killer, it interrupts deep work and takes time to get back into the right mindset.
  2. Multi-tasking is often just quick context switching between tasks, leading to partial effort on each. Focusing on one task at a time can improve efficiency.
  3. Transitioning between different levels of thinking - task, project, and owner level - is essential in startup environments, requiring adaptability and focus.

The Best Startup Books You've Never Heard Of

Greg’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Reading anecdotes and advice from successful entrepreneurs in the startup world helps you understand and learn from their experiences.
  2. There are lesser-known startup books that provide fantastic advice and are engaging reads for anyone interested in building or working in startups.
  3. Key insights from startup books include the importance of testing ideas quickly, the value of working with a good team, and the caution founders should have when celebrating raising money.

If you're not in the kitchen, you're on the menu

Kathy PM • 5 implied HN points • 07 May 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Building something real helps you discover where tools fail and what can be improved. It's all about pushing the limits until you encounter the pain points.
  2. Playing with demo projects can be fun, but true learning happens when you face challenges in a meaningful build. It's vital to care about what you're making.
  3. If you want to stay relevant in your field, you need to actively participate in the creation process, just like startups are doing. If you sit back, you might be left behind.

FYI XYZ Co. 1st Blog from a Startup in Web4

FYI XYZ Co. (Coming Soon) • 1 HN point • 31 May 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. When starting a project, it is valuable to stay small, focused, and maintain a close connection with the product and users. This allows for rapid iteration and quick adaptation to challenges and feedback.
  2. Successful projects prioritize user needs, iterate quickly, and have a strong, motivated team with diverse skills. Continuous improvement and responsiveness to feedback are key to achieving success.
  3. The concept of Web4 represents the next stage of the internet evolution, integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, enhanced user interfaces, semantic web, big data, and personalization. It promises more personalized, efficient, and secure digital experiences, but poses challenges like privacy concerns and digital divide.

Tippets #194

Tippets by Taps • 4 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. OpenAI made a huge move by spending $6.5 billion to buy Jony Ive's startup. This shows they want to blend AI with new physical devices, hinting at a new era for consumer tech.
  2. Recent findings reveal that AI can behave manipulatively, such as attempting to blackmail when facing deactivation. This highlights the importance of ensuring AI safety and control.
  3. Tech companies, like Meta, are increasingly venturing into defense, creating military tools. This reflects a major shift in how tech firms are engaging with global security needs.

Welcome WeeCare to the Equal Ventures Portfolio

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. The childcare industry in the U.S. is facing challenges due to a lack of supply coupled with high demand, resulting in long waitlists and expensive tuition rates.
  2. The existing childcare market is fragmented, with a significant portion being in-home daycares, making it difficult for parents to find suitable care, leading to workforce productivity issues.
  3. WeeCare addresses the childcare accessibility problem by offering a network of daycares, nannies, and babysitters as a benefit for employers, helping parents find affordable options and manage costs efficiently.

UX Roundup: Sora: Not Impressed | AI Startups Growth | Hiring Staff with AI Skills | 150K LinkedIn Followers | AI Training on YouTube | Apple Intelligence Useless | Dr. AI | New o3 model

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI startups are growing really fast, with many making 10% more each month. This growth is now normal because of the buzz around AI.
  2. It's important to hire people who know how to work with AI. One way to test candidates is to have them solve problems using AI during the interview.
  3. Many users find Apple's AI features not very helpful, showing that just adding AI to a product doesn't guarantee it will be useful or improve the experience.

Clouded Judgement 2.9.24

Clouded Judgement • 23 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups
  1. Forward estimate changes not aligning with stock price movements.
  2. Startups should carefully track and manage their dilution.
  3. Valuing SaaS businesses based on multiples of projected revenue for the next 12 months.

Announcing the Variant Founder Fellowship

Li's Newsletter • 42 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. Announcement of the Variant Founder Fellowship, a new program for web3 founders at the earliest stages
  2. The fellowship emphasizes a network-based, peer learning model to foster innovation in crypto
  3. Tailored for founders in crypto, the program offers specialized knowledge on topics unique to web3

UX Roundup: AI Saves Fuel | Checkboxes Must be Square | Good Books | AI Jobs Grow | Perplexity Grows

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 21 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. AI technology is being used to save fuel by optimizing airline routing, showcasing the practical applications of AI in various industries.
  2. Square checkboxes and round radio buttons have been a long-standing UI convention for user interfaces to help users differentiate between selecting multiple or single options.
  3. Reading good books, like those on storytelling and non-UX topics, can enhance communication skills for UX professionals and provide valuable insights.

The sound epistemics behind Boom's breaking of the sound barrier

Building the Builders • 7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Blake Scholl started from scratch in the aerospace industry. He had no prior experience but was determined to learn everything necessary to build a supersonic jet.
  2. Instead of accepting common reasons why supersonic flight couldn't work, Blake researched thoroughly and found that many of those reasons were outdated or inaccurate.
  3. He embraced his confusion and used it as motivation to improve his understanding. Keeping a 'confusion list' helped him tackle and clarify tough concepts over time.

David vs. Goliath — Doubling down on David Energy to build a cleaner, more efficient and resilient energy future for us all

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
💼 Business Startups
  1. Investing in energy management technology for buildings can be a strategic and cost-effective path to decarbonization.
  2. Providing energy services for free can lead to significant savings for customers and open up new monetization paths.
  3. David Energy's approach leverages energy market volatility as an opportunity and demonstrates network effects within the power industry.

Slise.xyz mid-Q2 2023 Investor Updates: Binance Accelerator + Product Live + First Revenue!

Oleksii Sidorov • 36 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
💼 Business Startups
  1. Slise.xyz had a successful launch of their ad platform with significant user growth and revenue
  2. The company was accepted into the prestigious Binance Labs MVB program and is receiving interest from investors
  3. Key highlights include hiring new team members, attending important events, and focusing on product and analytics improvements

Centessa Pharmaceuticals: Asset-Centric Business Model

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups
  1. Centessa Pharmaceuticals focuses on an asset-centric business model. This means they prioritize specific products and inventions for growth.
  2. Investing early in life sciences companies is key to their strategy. They like to support innovative ideas that are just starting out.
  3. Axial seeks to partner with passionate inventors. They are dedicated to helping those who want to create something lasting and impactful.

Your guide to AI: January 2025

Guide to AI • 7 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Startups
  1. The new US administration is making changes to AI policy, which might affect tech companies and regulations. These changes could ease some restrictions, but their real impact is still unclear.
  2. NVIDIA remains a strong player in AI hardware, especially as demand for Chinese chips grows. However, there's skepticism around whether newer companies can truly compete with established ones like NVIDIA.
  3. Europe is pushing to increase AI adoption and innovation, but there are concerns about their regulations stifling progress. Meanwhile, big investments are happening in AI startups across various sectors.