The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Unbundling the University, Part 2

The Good Science Project • 33 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Universities hold a lot of power over research, making it hard for new technologies to develop outside of these institutions. This limits the ability to change how research works.
  2. Most funding for research goes through universities, which creates barriers for people and organizations trying to do innovative work. It makes it tough to get money unless you're linked to an academic institution.
  3. Academic rules shape how research is done and valued. The focus on novelty can lead to creating interesting ideas that may not always be useful, which isn't helpful for advancements in technology.

July Summary

The Hive • 58 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. The author became the sole owner of Pico after splitting with the co-founder.
  2. In July, MRR decreased but new subscribers and visitors increased.
  3. Future focus for August is on improving the functionality of Pico and growing revenue.

🎮The Power of Play: How Gamification is Revolutionizing the Workplace

Work3 - The Future of Work • 58 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Gamification can make dull and repetitive work more engaging by applying game-like mechanics.
  2. Employees, especially Gen Z, seek mission-driven jobs and may feel disengaged due to lack of autonomy at work.
  3. Implementing gamification in the workplace can involve rewards for assessments, fun training methods, stimulating goal-setting, and a feedback reward system.
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Intercom’s "top to bottom" AI bet 🏊‍♀️

The SaaS Baton • 58 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Intercom is exploring the impact of integrating generative AI on product strategy and cost structures.
  2. Maze learned to differentiate between churn they wanted to improve and churn they didn't.
  3. When fundraising, focus on pitching vision or traction but not both, aim to get the first check early, and recognize when investors are not interested.

Beni Makes Secondhand Shopping Seamless

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Beni aims to reduce carbon emissions from the clothing industry by making secondhand shopping seamless through a browser extension.
  2. The browser extension targets 'aspirational secondhand shoppers' who understand the value of secondhand but find it time-consuming and inconvenient.
  3. Beni's goal is to transform norms of consumption by making secondhand shopping the new norm and helping to increase the share of circular business models in the fashion industry.

Venture Debt BDCs, Vertical SaaS AI, Crypto

Bigfoot Capital • 58 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Venture debt BDCs in Q2 2023 saw $6.3B borrowing, but lower than previous years' pace
  2. BDCs had $1.335B in available liquidity and $1.167B in unfunded commitments by Q2 end
  3. AI in vertical SaaS may accelerate adoption, with current slow tech adoption rates and potential for enhanced product value

Why dream?

Nick Merrill • 58 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Technology
  1. Ancient beliefs about dreams varied - some thought they were divine visitations, others viewed them as projections of the unconscious.
  2. Modern computational theories of dreaming focus on adaptiveness and imagination, suggesting dreams help learning and problem-solving.
  3. Computational accounts of dreams may overlook the importance of reflective consciousness in understanding the mind.

Gonna have fun fun fun!

Silicon Reckoner • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. The discussion is about the expectation of fun and enjoyment in mathematics, especially concerning formal proofs and proof assistants.
  2. There is an exploration of the interaction between formalization, mathematical communication, and technology, emphasizing the potential impact on author-reader dynamics.
  3. The text questions the philosophical implications of automatic translation between different forms of mathematical proofs, highlighting the nuances and potential losses in communication and understanding.

AI as a tool vs. human obsolescence

Imagination Rabbit (Z) • 58 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. AI can be a powerful tool for creatives to enhance their original ideas, not replace them.
  2. The rise of advanced AI tools may lead to the creation of fully automated 'content creators' without the need for human involvement.
  3. Individuals who prioritize genuine creativity and authenticity over following trends or chasing popularity will remain relevant in a world dominated by AI-generated content.

Obviously Better Stuff

Parachute • 58 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Technology
  1. Building obviously better stuff is an important climate tactic.
  2. Creating better products has led to the adoption of greener options historically.
  3. It's important to prioritize making obviously better products over green-washed alternatives.

A re-cap of 2023...

Default Wisdom • 244 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The author reflects on the concept of 'main character syndrome' and the importance of narrative in life.
  2. The author highlights various pieces of their writing from 2023, covering topics like AI, digital culture, and more.
  3. The author provides predictions for 2024, discussing shifts in culture wars and emerging societal trends.

High-cost AI is potentially bullish

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. High-cost AI tools like Perplexity and OpenAI are now charging much more for premium features, signaling a shift in how AI services are valued. As companies raise prices, it suggests they believe they offer significant value to users.
  2. Despite adding jobs in June, many industries still showed little growth, reflecting potential weaknesses in the overall labor market. This static situation raises questions about how strong employment will be in the future.
  3. Companies like Microsoft are laying off staff despite strong profits, indicating a change in how businesses view hiring. This trend could mean employers prioritize productivity from fewer employees, which may change the job market dynamics.

One more IPO for the road

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💰 Finance Technology
  1. WeRide and Pony.AI are two self-driving companies going public after some ups and downs in their stock prices. WeRide's stock is doing okay since listing, while Pony.AI is also gearing up for its IPO.
  2. Investors are showing strong interest in these companies because they focus on the growing robotaxi market in China. People want to invest directly in self-driving ventures instead of just betting on big companies like Alphabet.
  3. Both companies have potential for growth and are attracting capital to expand their services. This excitement around self-driving technology might lead to significant developments in the future.

Seizing the Means of Perception

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. AI presents huge harms — from job losses and surveillance to massive energy use and even existential risks — that are already reshaping society and the economy.
  2. At the same time, AI is a powerful media tool that can democratize storytelling and spread ideas quickly, so it can be used for good or ill depending on who controls it.
  3. There’s a short window to learn and experiment with AI storytelling so ethical creators can seize cultural influence, build alternatives, and counter the sway of wealthy, malicious actors.

20251228

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
⚔ Fiction Technology
  1. We are drowning in curated bookmarks and AI nudges that keep us consuming and saving experiences instead of living them, turning daily life into a distracted, chaotic loop.
  2. Small, deliberate acts—like practicing gratitude or writing a thank-you note—can snap people out of that loop and make ordinary moments feel meaningful.
  3. When given the chance, communities quickly rally to preserve things they care about, showing how resilient and generous people can be in a crisis.

Your local bodega owner is safe for now

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. AI is impressive but has limits. For example, it can't yet manage a store better than a human owner, so your local bodega is safe for now.
  2. Companies like Meta are in a fierce competition for AI talent, offering huge salaries to attract the best minds. This could change the future of AI development significantly.
  3. Younger generations are leaning towards socialism partly due to issues like student debt and unaffordable housing. It's important to understand their perspective and offer better solutions.

How MLB Turned a NASCAR Track Into a Baseball Stadium (in Just Two Months)

Huddle Up • 25 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Technology
  1. MLB transformed a NASCAR track into a baseball stadium in just two months, showcasing incredible planning and effort. This shows that big changes can happen quickly with focus and teamwork.
  2. The game at Bristol Motor Speedway is historic because it's the first MLB game in Tennessee, drawing fans from all over the country and breaking attendance records. This highlights the growing popularity of baseball in new places.
  3. MLB has been hosting games in unique venues to attract more fans and create special experiences, which suggests that finding new ways to enjoy sports can keep audiences engaged.

My Chapter On 'Lost Decades' In New Book on Heisei Era

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
💾 History Technology
  1. The chapter focuses on why Japan experienced 'lost decades' and the potential for future improvement.
  2. Initially, there was denial about the situation, but eventually, leaders recognized the need for fundamental reform.
  3. Despite past challenges, there are signs of positive societal changes offering Japan an opportunity for revitalization with the right policies.

A Protein Printer

Asimov Press • 322 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🔬 Science Technology
  1. A protein printer is a new technology that can convert digital bits into physical molecules, potentially revolutionizing biology.
  2. The protein printer could make proteins without using DNA or cells, thus reducing costs significantly.
  3. Engineering a protein printer involves reimagining the ribosome to quickly convert digital bits into physical molecules with high precision.

Alibaba's Reorg Hot Mess

Interconnected • 246 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Alibaba's corporate reorganization has faced challenges and setbacks
  2. Cancellation of AliCloud spinoff impacted Alibaba's stock price
  3. Alibaba is navigating an identity crisis between growth and shareholder value narratives

Persuasion Markets: A Manifesto

Three quarks • 25 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. Persuasion markets let people earn money by sharing their opinions. Instead of just betting on outcomes, you can now influence those outcomes and get rewarded for it.
  2. These markets work differently from traditional prediction markets. They don't need outside judges to decide who wins since they're based on the votes made by participants themselves.
  3. The goal of persuasion markets is to create fun and engaging experiences where communities can come together, share ideas, and earn value while doing what they love.

the cuban message crisis

bad cattitude • 207 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Social media can be a double-edged sword for those seeking attention and engagement.
  2. Engaging in debates and discussions on social media can expose individuals' lack of critical thinking skills.
  3. Twitter can be a challenging arena where individuals might face unexpected criticism and scrutiny.

Surveillance Education (w/ Nolan Higdon and Allison Butler) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 89 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Technology in schools can invade student privacy. Many tools are designed for safety but can monitor students in ways they might not agree with.
  2. Surveillance tools can discriminate against students of color and those from poor neighborhoods. They often increase the risk of negative consequences for these groups.
  3. The culture of constant monitoring can stifle curiosity and free expression in classrooms, turning them into places where students just comply rather than learn actively.

dbt Labs acquires Transform - who's next?

Data Thoughts • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. dbt Labs has bought Transform, and more companies in the data field might be sold or closed soon. This could lead to big changes in the industry.
  2. Data teams are seen as a 2nd order need for businesses, meaning they aren't absolutely necessary. Companies may cut these teams first when they need to save money.
  3. To get the best value from tools, data practitioners should focus on essential needs rather than extra features. This means keeping an eye on what really matters in the data ecosystem.

Q&A with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna

More Than Moore • 93 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. IBM is focusing on consulting, cloud services, AI, and research, as it no longer has a consumer division. Companies turn to IBM for help in improving efficiency and upgrading their technology.
  2. The launch of new AI models, like Granite, shows IBM's commitment to innovation in AI. They believe smaller, more efficient models are the future, making AI cheaper and easier to use.
  3. IBM is changing its approach to partnerships, focusing on collaboration with other companies instead of competing. This strategy helps enhance their offerings and build stronger business relationships.

Unveiling the Mystery of Compressed Regions

Vesuvius Challenge • 20 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. They are using very small scans to understand why some layers of ancient papyrus look blurry. This helps them figure out how to get clearer images.
  2. The blurriness in the scans seems to come from the structure of the papyrus fibers, which scatter the X-rays. Identifying this can help improve future scanning methods.
  3. The team is developing tools to manage and analyze the huge amounts of data from their scans. This makes it easier to work with and improves their chances of reading the ancient texts.

About that ISDA Pt 5: Section 1: Interpretation

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Section 1 of the ISDA Master Agreement introduces key concepts and rules, important to understand but should not be tampered with.
  2. The hierarchy clause in Section 1(b) establishes a clear order for precedence of documents within the ISDA Master Agreement, preventing inconsistencies.
  3. The 'Single Agreement' concept in Section 1(c) lays the foundation for efficient capital management in master trading agreements, ensuring smooth termination and settlement of transactions.

ServiceTitan S-1 Breakdown

Tanay’s Newsletter • 82 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. ServiceTitan is a software company that helps tradespeople like plumbers and electricians run their businesses better. They provide tools for managing customer relationships and service workflows.
  2. The company has been growing quickly, with a revenue increase of 24% in the last year. They make money from subscriptions, payment processing fees, and professional services.
  3. ServiceTitan is preparing for an IPO and plans to manage investor concerns about profitability. They have strategies in place to handle potential valuation drops and minimize shareholder dilution.

My Path to CTO, Part I

The Engineering Manager • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. It's important to explore your interests and be open to new opportunities, even if they seem random. This can guide your career path unexpectedly.
  2. Different experiences and passions can help you stand out in your field. Being unique can lead to new chances and growth.
  3. Listening to your gut and knowing what you want from work is crucial. Sometimes, experiences show you what you want to avoid in your career.