The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

August Summary

The Hive • 19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. August saw consistent trends from July with high churn and new users.
  2. The main goals are to make Pico more powerful and increase revenue.
  3. Key developments include launching custom backend generation and incorporating new features in Pico.

How to Run an Angel Syndicate: Part 1 - The Syndicate Tech Stack

The Odin Times • 19 implied HN points • 14 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Running an angel syndicate requires specific software tools and a thoughtful tech stack.
  2. Key considerations for optimizing your tech stack include low running costs, maximum utility per tool, and minimizing the number of tools used.
  3. Tools recommended for angel syndicate operations include those for LP onboarding, LP management, deal flow distribution, data room management, analytics & tracking, and SPV administration.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Yessi Perse: New Dark Age

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. The artwork 'New Dark Age' is a video game exploring themes of techno-feudalism and a digital world ruled by Big Tech corporations.
  2. The game is designed as a walking simulator with 5 levels representing major digital companies like Meta and Google, portraying them as modern-day kingdoms.
  3. In this 'New Dark Age,' digital technology dominates, leading to labor challenges, surveillance systems, and a shift towards neo-feudalism where corporations act as sovereigns.

Top questions ahead of Battlefin NYC 2023

The Data Score • 19 implied HN points • 16 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Prepare for Battlefin NYC 2023 conference about generating value from data and technology.
  2. Key questions revolve around data quality evolution and connecting investor outcomes with relevant data and models.
  3. Contact Jason DeRise for more info and to share insights at the event.

Announcing Odyssey Energy Solutions' Series A

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 19 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. The clean energy transition is expected to rapidly grow in emerging markets, with renewables meeting the majority of new power demand.
  2. Odyssey Energy Solutions offers a platform that streamlines the development, financing, and operation of clean energy projects in emerging markets.
  3. Despite early struggles, Odyssey Energy Solutions successfully secured a Series A funding of $14.5M to expand its offerings and reach into new markets.

Four days without phones

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The experience of being without phones for four days was challenging and uncomfortable, emphasizing reliance on technology for basic functions like time and navigation.
  2. Spending time without smartphones led to a greater reliance on in-person interactions with strangers for basic needs like directions and recommendations.
  3. Despite initial intentions to disconnect, the allure of smartphones and the convenience they bring made it difficult to make a permanent switch to a simpler phone.

Auth0: Product-led Authentication

The Product Person • 19 implied HN points • 09 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Auth0 simplifies authentication complexities for enterprise companies at a cost.
  2. Auth0 successfully implemented a product-led growth strategy to attract high-quality leads.
  3. After being acquired by Okta, Auth0 faced challenges integrating their developer-first approach with Okta's sales-led model.

An Introduction

Irrational Analysis • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
💰 Finance Technology
  1. The author shares their journey of pursuing their dream job of chip designing and how it led to their current obsession with semiconductors and investing.
  2. The newsletter 'Irrational Analysis' focuses on high-risk, high-reward investing with a strong emphasis on technology-driven investment analysis over traditional metrics.
  3. Transparency is vital to the author, who discloses all active positions and emphasizes that the newsletter's content is based on public information and independent research.

Debunking the Myth of Network Effects

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Network effects can be powerful in digital platforms but may not always lead to the expected outcomes. A merger between pet-sitting platforms revealed that horizontal preferences and platform differentiation can play a significant role in user behavior.
  2. The strength of network effects can be challenging to quantify due to external factors influencing participant value. Understanding factors like switching costs and repeat exchanges is crucial in assessing the true impact of network effects.
  3. Having multiple competing platforms can be more beneficial than having a single dominant one. This diversity can foster healthy competition, innovation, and prevent monopolistic practices, highlighting the importance of antitrust regulations.

Pinduoduo: When Business Success Comes with Hacking

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Pinduoduo allegedly had a hacking team that exploited vulnerabilities in Android systems to gather user data and influence user behavior for profit.
  2. The head of security at Pinduoduo, a genius hacker, was dismissed for refusing to conduct hacking attacks, showcasing ethical principles in the face of company pressure.
  3. Pinduoduo's growth model involved combining social commerce with exploiting mobile vulnerabilities, leading to rapid success and potential security concerns, especially as team members moved to its subsidiary Temu.

Underdog Founders - Charlotte left Meta to build Jackett

ChatGPT4 as a CEO and Underdog Founders • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Charlotte left a comfortable job at Meta to build Jackett, an AI-powered platform to empower teachers and save time on assessments.
  2. Jackett's mission is to unlock students' potential by automating educators' tasks through AI, helping teachers create custom problems quickly.
  3. Despite challenges, Charlotte secured funding, focused on the impact in India, and Jackett is now used by thousands of teachers, saving hundreds of hours monthly.

All-in Summit Highlights

Nathan’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. All-in Summit featured top speakers and great networking opportunities, with discussions on macroeconomics and policy.
  2. Luxury beliefs have become a status symbol, replacing luxury goods for the elite, showcasing a disconnect from real-world consequences.
  3. Insights from Larry Summers highlighted economic predictions, the challenge of 'soft landings', and the impact of luxury beliefs on social mores.

Is Colorado The Most Repair-Friendly State in the US? Recent Victories Say “Yes.”

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. Colorado is making significant strides in becoming the most repair-friendly state in the US, passing laws supporting agricultural and power-wheelchair repair, setting an example for others to follow.
  2. Massachusetts has historically been a leader in progressive policies, including same-sex marriage legalization and universal healthcare, and has been at the forefront of the right to repair movement, influencing national policies.
  3. The Federal Trade Commission is actively supporting the right to repair movement, testifying in states like California, highlighting the importance of consumer access to repair information and parts.

Student assignments in a time of language modelling

imperfect offerings • 19 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Educators can design accountable writing assignments to help students develop critical thinking skills and focus on aspects of human writing that large language models struggle with.
  2. Encouraging students to write from different positions or points of view, reflecting on personal experiences, and engaging in writing as part of a community can enhance accountability and support the development of writing skills.
  3. Using language model tools critically involves questioning their accuracy, biases, and potential impacts, while utilizing them creatively should be balanced with considering the limitations and risks associated with these tools.

What happened in marketing: Meta trumps fact checking, TikTok shutdown and AdTech at CES

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Meta is changing its policies around content moderation and fact-checking, which is causing concern among advertisers. They want more freedom and less control over what can be shared.
  2. TikTok is facing potential bans in the US due to national security worries, which has many users worried about the future of the platform.
  3. CES 2025 brought new advertising technologies and trends, showing a shift towards innovative ad solutions and increased spending, especially in online platforms.

Ultima Genomics...$80 Genome...$0 Genome...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Ultima Genomics has improved its sequencer, allowing more output per run and lowering costs significantly. This means sequencing the genome will cost around $80 now.
  2. The new technology uses larger features which help boost throughput without needing complex techniques. This makes the process simpler and more efficient.
  3. While these changes are great for users, their long-term impact on the company’s survival is uncertain. It’s important that they remain financially viable to continue providing these benefits.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #101

Creative Destruction • 28 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Our culture often encourages constant consumption instead of creative thinking. This focus on consuming information can limit our ability to produce and solve problems.
  2. We have created a divide between age groups, leading to 'age apartheid.' This separation makes society more isolated and misses opportunities for different generations to connect and support each other.
  3. The trend towards 'cozy tech' might feel comforting, but it can also promote isolation. Instead of fostering genuine connections, it encourages us to retreat into our own comfortable spaces.

Intel to IPO the FPGA Group

More Than Moore • 93 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Intel is planning to IPO its FPGA Group, following a similar model as with Mobileye.
  2. The Programmable Solutions Group, formed from the Altera acquisition, has been a consistent revenue generator for Intel.
  3. Intel's reorganization will provide better financial transparency and strategic flexibility for the FPGA business unit.

AI as Long Wall

What Is Called Thinking? • 128 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Technology
  1. AI will have a significant cultural and technological impact in the upcoming years.
  2. The risk of over-reliance on AI is the potential loss of diverse skills and knowledge.
  3. Diversification of skills and knowledge is essential to counterbalance the potential negative impacts of AI.

A New Armonica Patent

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. A new patent for the Armonica indicates a shift from using tortuous nanopores. This may lead to new ways of detecting DNA or other biopolymers.
  2. The earlier version used a complicated meandering structure to slow down the passage of DNA, which helped with detection.
  3. The latest approach seems to be different, suggesting potential improvements in the technology.

When is the "Right time" for Culture Change?

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Delaying cultural change can hinder productivity by increasing irrational thought-patterns and the challenging tasks ahead.
  2. It's essential to address difficult tasks promptly, such as learning new technologies or improving recurring processes, to avoid accumulating a backlog of tasks.
  3. Take proactive steps to prevent delaying important changes and maintain a balance in addressing various tasks effectively.

BYD has some interesting models in 2025

TP’s Substack • 22 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. BYD is launching many exciting new models in 2025, including the powerful Han L and Tang L. These cars offer impressive performance and fast charging.
  2. There are significant improvements coming to existing models, like better interiors and advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing the driving experience.
  3. Denza, a BYD brand, will release a new flagship SUV, the N9, along with other models to compete in the premium market. They are focusing heavily on technology and performance.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #98

Creative Destruction • 30 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. People today really want authentic experiences and connections because everything often feels fake. We are drawn to true human interactions more than ever.
  2. Sustainability and beauty should go hand in hand. When something is beautiful, people care for it better, and true beauty reflects love and harmony in nature.
  3. We're starting to see a shift from rigid communication styles like lectures to more engaging conversations. People prefer friendly chats that feel genuine over formal speeches.

Five unlikely books to understand how AI transforms the economy

Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech • 8 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Understanding AI's impact on the economy requires looking beyond typical AI books. Focus on how technology reshapes industries and organizations instead.
  2. Books that discuss system design, constraints, and structural changes are vital for grasping how new technologies like AI will influence business.
  3. Key insights can come from reading unexpected subjects, like the economics of digital media or the history of shipping containers, which show the broader effects of technology.

Before the Crowd Shows Up

Working Theorys • 62 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Arriving early to new arenas can offer unique opportunities.
  2. In the early stages of new arenas, there is potential for valuable connections and experiences.
  3. Being an early adopter in new arenas involves risk but can lead to significant rewards.

Learning to learn, playing slowly

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 10 Oct 21
🚌 Education Technology
  1. When learning something new, it's easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. Taking a slower approach can actually help you learn better.
  2. Playing slowly is key to mastering skills, like music or coding. It allows you to understand the basics without getting frustrated.
  3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes when learning. Embracing the messiness helps you improve and learn faster in the long run.

Stripe's slower growth

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Stripe's growth is slowing down, affecting its short-term IPO plans
  2. Stripe processed transactions worth $817 billion in 2022, with a 26% increase from the previous year
  3. Stripe's customer count is up by 19%, but it's lower than the previous year

BYD operates on a different pace than everyone else

TP’s Substack • 27 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. BYD is launching many new models quickly, with around 8 new ones expected soon. This shows they are operating at a fast pace compared to other car makers.
  2. They are introducing exciting features like Lidar and powerful motors on their vehicles, which will improve performance and technology. This means buyers will have more options for advanced features.
  3. Legacy car manufacturers need to speed up their development processes to keep up with BYD and other Chinese companies. If they don't adapt quickly, they risk being left behind in the evolving auto industry.

The Psychology of Apple's Packaging

SatPost by Trung Phan • 69 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Apple prioritizes packaging as a form of theater to create memorable unboxing experiences.
  2. The design of Apple packaging is deeply rooted in human psychology, focusing on creating a luxury, multi-sensory experience.
  3. Apple's packaging reflects the company's commitment to perfection and attention to detail, reflecting their dedication to creating a high-quality product.