The hottest Venture Capital Substack posts right now

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Mullet Capitalists

The Generalist • 620 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Strategies Market Analysis
  1. Mullet Capitalism is a new trend in venture capital where firms combine a traditional business with venture investments. This means they can use their existing business to identify promising startups and invest in them.
  2. Many emerging managers in the venture space are facing tough times, and Mullet Capitalism offers a fresh approach for them to adapt and thrive. It highlights the importance of blending stable income with the potential for high returns in investments.
  3. Examples of Mullet Capitalists include recruiting firms and media companies that also invest in startups. These firms leverage their industry connections and insights to make informed investment decisions while providing valuable services.

Do you want to pay startup prices for public companies?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Earnings Public Companies Venture Capital
  1. Palantir's stock has skyrocketed, making it the most expensive on the S&P 500. This raises questions about whether its high valuation is justified based on its earnings.
  2. The stock market is behaving irrationally, sometimes valuing companies like startups even when they are publicly traded and have slower growth forecasts.
  3. Investors should be careful with risky trades like shorting stocks because the market can stay irrational longer than you can handle.

OpenAI Clocks $3.4B in Revenue 🤖, NATO Innovation Fund💸, Future of Work🌐

The VC Corner • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Revenue growth Innovation
  1. OpenAI has generated a revenue of $3.4 billion, showing significant growth and impact in the tech industry.
  2. B2B influence marketing is becoming popular and is reported to give a high return on investment, with some companies seeing an average ROI of 6.5 times.
  3. The NATO Innovation Fund is a key player in supporting advancements and innovations in various sectors, emphasizing the importance of technology in global strategy.

How much capital can startups profitably eat?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Investment Trends Market Analysis Financial Performance
  1. Startups seem to have a limit on how much money they can handle, known as being 'founder constrained'. This means that there are not enough strong ideas or founders to support the cash available.
  2. There has been a drop in the success rate of startups getting further funding after their initial rounds. This is particularly true for those that started during the funding boom in 2021.
  3. Venture capital returns from funds initiated in 2021 are underperforming, likely due to an excess of companies funded without sufficient quality ideas or founders backing them.

How startups beat incumbents⚔️, Bootstrapped vs. VC-Backed Startup🤔, Thinking about founder dilution👨‍💼

The VC Corner • 599 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Funding Entrepreneurship Market Strategy
  1. Startups can succeed against big businesses by leveraging innovation and agility. They often adapt faster to market changes than larger companies.
  2. There are two main types of startups: bootstrapped, which rely on their own funds, and VC-backed, which get money from investors. Each has its own advantages and challenges.
  3. Founders need to think carefully about dilution, which is when they give away part of their company to investors. This can affect their control and ownership in the long run.
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52 Tiny Venture Lessons

The Generalist • 860 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Market Trends Startup Culture
  1. Look for unique people when investing. Different or strange backgrounds often lead to surprising success, so don’t just focus on traditional markers like good grades.
  2. Create your own investing strategy. Trying to copy what others do won't work for you, so find a method that fits your own strengths and experiences.
  3. Help without overstepping. It’s important to support startups when they ask, but don't check in too often or interfere unnecessarily.

Silicon Valley's Slaughterhouse

Where's Your Ed At • 15430 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Tech industry Venture Capital Startups Software Industry
  1. Elon Musk is involved in a legal battle over accusations of anti-semitism and his actions have had significant impacts on advertising revenue and Twitter's valuation.
  2. Silicon Valley culture has devolved into a profit-driven, empty innovation environment fueled by venture capital, lacking real societal impact.
  3. The tech industry, led by venture capital, has created a culture of labor exploitation, hollow promises, and superficial startup culture, with the focus on profitability rather than meaningful innovation.

Is this the end of SaaS?🤔, Venture debt investments swell in Europe💰, Navigating Corporate Venture Capital💡

The VC Corner • 439 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investments Startups Corporate Finance
  1. There are concerns about the future of Software as a Service (SaaS) and whether it might be declining. It's important to think about how technology changes can impact business models.
  2. Venture debt investments are increasing in Europe, showing that companies are looking for alternative ways to raise money. This means more options are available for businesses instead of just traditional equity financing.
  3. Understanding corporate venture capital is crucial for startups. It helps to know how big companies invest in smaller businesses to drive innovation and growth.

Why I've Joined Pattern Ventures as the Firm's Newest GP!

patternventures • 119 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Finance Startups Entrepreneurship
  1. The venture capital world is changing, with smaller emerging managers expected to yield better returns than larger, established firms. Smaller funds need less total value to achieve strong returns, making them more appealing.
  2. Finding the right emerging managers is really tough. Not all of them will succeed, so it's important to pick those with unique skills and a track record of success.
  3. Emerging VC firms now have a lot of opportunities, especially with many new operators starting their own funds. The early-stage landscape is hot right now, and there's excitement about investing in it.

Resilient Cyber Newsletter #12

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Security Venture Capital Software Development Data Privacy
  1. Many companies believe they are prepared for cyber threats, but actually, most lack strong leadership involvement in their cybersecurity efforts. That's making them more vulnerable.
  2. Despite spending a lot on security solutions, many enterprises still face breaches, showing that having many tools doesn't always mean better protection.
  3. There's a debate about how founders should manage their startups. Some say founding leaders need to be hands-on rather than relying on traditional management styles that don’t always work for fast-growing companies.

The Slow Cancellation of Innovation: A critical look at modern funding

The Good Science Project • 74 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Innovation Funding Venture Capital Research Science
  1. Innovation funding is struggling because it often favors older, established ideas over new and creative ones. This means that new and exciting projects may not get the support they need.
  2. Many young scientists and entrepreneurs are finding it harder to get funding. They face longer waits and tougher competition, which can hold back breakthrough ideas that could change the world.
  3. New funding models are trying to support fresh ideas, but they often end up using the same old criteria for judging who gets funded. This makes it tough for unconventional thinkers to get recognized and backed.

How VCs Build Soft Power

The Generalist • 780 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Personal Branding Soft Power Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship
  1. Soft power is important for venture capitalists because it helps them stand out in a competitive market. It’s not just about money but also reputation and influence.
  2. Building soft power takes time, but new VCs can start quickly by finding their unique voice and using online platforms to share their ideas.
  3. Learning from experienced investors can help avoid common pitfalls. They share their mistakes and successes to help others grow their soft power effectively.

For the brand, I guess

benn.substack • 690 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Startup Culture Market Trends
  1. Venture capital firms need to be great at selecting good startups, but they also have to attract those startups. If they don't seem appealing, they might miss out on investment opportunities.
  2. Investors can stand out by offering more money, being flexible with terms, providing helpful support, or showcasing their reputation. However, being popular or having a strong brand has become increasingly important.
  3. There’s a shift in venture capital where having a strong presence online and being an internet celebrity matters more than traditional methods. Companies now look for people who can bring attention and create buzz.

How To Determine If You Have The Product-Market Fit - From a16z & Sequoia Capital. | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 419 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Tech news Decision-making
  1. Product-Market Fit is crucial for startups; it means customers are buying and using the product enthusiastically.
  2. Metrics are key to determine Product-Market Fit; track factors like customer acquisition cost, customer lifetime value, and retention rates.
  3. If you haven't achieved Product-Market Fit, focus on customer feedback, keep your team lean, and avoid ineffective shortcuts.

Oh god, the VCs have discovered Christianity

Alex's Personal Blog • 164 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Venture Capital Censorship
  1. Some venture capitalists are backing a project called New Founding that seeks to create a Christian community in Kentucky. They aim to build businesses that align with their values while opposing what they see as leftist censorship.
  2. The idea of merging Christianity with business is met with skepticism, as many feel it won't lead to a more open society. The author reflects on their own experiences with conservative Christians and predicts these efforts will not promote true freedom of expression.
  3. Recent social progress, like women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, is valued, and the author emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold these advancements instead of reverting to past restrictive views.

CIA-adjacent VC community convenes in Boston during ice storm

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 691 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Venture Capital Cybersecurity Defense Technology Policy
  1. A group of former CIA members and venture capitalists met in Boston to discuss new tech ideas for military and safety purposes. They talked about big topics like cybersecurity and defense technology.
  2. One interesting pitch was about using micro nuclear reactors to power U.S. military bases. They also discussed how these reactors could be involved in cryptocurrency mining.
  3. The importance of developing U.S. technology to stay competitive against countries like China was a hot topic. Everyone agreed that the U.S. must innovate to keep up.

Your startup idea probably isn’t venture-scale

Lenny's Newsletter • 3537 implied HN points • 16 May 23
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Investment Strategies
  1. Having a venture-scale startup idea involves aiming for $100 million annual revenue and $1 billion+ valuation in 10 years.
  2. Venture-scale investors look for a large market, a scalable business model, high growth potential, the ability to turn capital into growth, and a path to going public.
  3. Not all startup ideas need to be venture-scale; many ideas can still build a great revenue-generating business without the pressure and expectations of venture capital.

Everyone Thinks They Are Underfunded

Superfluid • 13 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup Growth Market Trends Investment Analysis
  1. Many businesses feel underfunded, but the real issue is how capital is allocated, not its availability. Some sectors get much more funding than others, leaving some companies behind.
  2. There's a growing trend where venture capital is moving towards non-traditional tech areas. Companies in industries outside the usual tech focus can attract investment if they use technology creatively.
  3. If you're a founder feeling underfunded, remember there are other funding sources besides VCs. Being resourceful and strategic can help you grow your business sustainably, even without large amounts of capital.

How to get to Product Market Fit: what it is, step by step guide and success cases like Notion, Canva and Stripe

The VC Corner • 659 implied HN points • 04 May 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Product Management Market research Entrepreneurship
  1. Product Market Fit (PMF) means having a product that people really want or need. It's not just about making the product; you also have to learn how to sell it well.
  2. To achieve PMF, start by identifying a specific problem people face and create a strong solution. It’s important that the problem is significant enough for people to want to pay to solve it.
  3. Successful startups often follow a process to reach PMF, which includes finding a niche, validating pricing, and continuously improving the product based on customer feedback.

How to Break into VC🎓, Europe VC Dealmaking Funnel🔍, The Billionaire Battle For AI's Future⚔️

The VC Corner • 359 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Entrepreneurship
  1. To get into venture capital, you need to build connections and understand the industry well. Networking and learning from experiences are crucial steps.
  2. The European venture capital market has a specific deal-making process that can be different from other regions. Knowing this funnel can help you navigate opportunities better.
  3. There's a growing competition among billionaires for AI technology. Understanding this battle can give insights into where future investments might be directed.

data-driven VC is over

State of the Future • 323 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Market research Entrepreneurship Tech Trends
  1. The way we research and develop investment ideas in venture capital is changing. Now, smaller firms can compete with big players because information is easier and cheaper to access.
  2. As everyone starts using the same data and insights, decision-making might become more about trusting your instincts than just following numbers. Investors might need to rely on what's not obvious or data-driven.
  3. The most successful investors in the future will be those who combine experience and wisdom with their specialized knowledge. It's not just about the data anymore; understanding what truly matters will set them apart.

Demystifying Venture Capital: Realities and Challenges of the sector

The VC Corner • 299 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Networking Fundraising
  1. The venture capital market is very crowded, making it hard to find unique investment opportunities. To succeed, it's crucial to stand out from the competition.
  2. Many venture capitalists have never built a company themselves, which may limit their ability to help startups effectively. Practical experience is important in providing useful guidance.
  3. Successful founders are good at raising money quickly so they can spend more time on their products. They focus on building strong connections with the right investors to make fundraising easier.

Steve Jobs’ 9 Product Development Tactics For Startups & The 4 P’s of AI | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 339 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Startup Venture Capital Product Development AI
  1. Start with the customer's experience in mind: Steve Jobs emphasized beginning with the customer experience and working backward to the technology.
  2. Avoid asking customers what they want: Instead of focusing on functional needs, look at emotional and social goals to drive innovation.
  3. Disruptive innovation is key: Jobs believed in disrupting industries with low-cost, simpler solutions to stay relevant and drive success.

Stages of Board Deck Preparation📝, How to be helpful as a VC📚, Secondary Market VC Funds🔄

The VC Corner • 279 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Strategies Market Trends
  1. Preparing a board deck requires several key stages to make sure everything is clear and organized.
  2. As a venture capitalist, being helpful includes providing valuable insights and support to the startups you invest in.
  3. Secondary market VC funds allow investors to buy and sell stakes in venture funds, providing more flexibility and liquidity.

State of Pre-Seed🌱, Gulf money is flooding into European startups🌏, Looking for AI use-cases🧐

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Investments Entrepreneurship Technology
  1. Gulf countries are investing a lot of money into startups in Europe right now. This means European startups have more funding opportunities to grow.
  2. There's a strong interest in finding use-cases for artificial intelligence. Companies are looking for new ways to apply AI technology effectively.
  3. The pre-seed funding stage is important for new businesses to get started. This is when they first seek money to develop their ideas and products.

How to Raise Your First Fund💼, 2024 Midas List🏆, Analyzing Startup Financials 📊

The VC Corner • 319 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Strategies Financial Analysis
  1. Raising your first fund can be a challenging but rewarding process. It's important to prepare thoroughly and understand your investors' needs.
  2. The 2024 Midas List highlights top performers in venture capital. This list can give insights into successful investors and trends in the industry.
  3. Analyzing startup financials is vital for making informed investment decisions. A solid grasp of finances helps in assessing a startup's potential for growth.

How to Invest in Space Tech: The Case of Rocket Lab

Space Ambition • 179 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
💼 Business Investment Venture Capital Technology Startups Market Analysis
  1. Rocket Lab focuses on launching small payloads which is a growing need in the satellite market. This makes their service essential for companies needing timely deliveries.
  2. The company's innovative technology, such as 3D-printed engines, allows them to offer flexible launch options. This gives customers more control over their launch schedules.
  3. Despite some competition, Rocket Lab has a good chance to become a leader in its niche. Their strong team and existing client commitments make them an appealing investment.

How Successful Startups Solved the Chicken and Egg Problem: A Case Study of Tinder, Uber and Airbnb! | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 359 implied HN points • 30 May 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Marketplaces
  1. The Chicken and Egg Problem is common in marketplace-type businesses, requiring both supply and demand to succeed.
  2. Successful startups like Tinder, Airbnb, and Uber found creative solutions to attract their first users and overcome the challenge of building a two-sided platform.
  3. Timing is crucial for startups; being in a small market that is growing quickly can greatly increase your chances of success.

The 49-Year Unicorn Backlog🦄, AI has a gross margin problem🤖, The Path to CFO📚

The VC Corner • 379 implied HN points • 26 May 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Finance Economics Management
  1. There is a significant backlog of unicorn startups that have yet to go public. This may impact the market's dynamics.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is facing challenges with its gross margins. Companies need to find ways to improve profitability as costs rise.
  3. There are clear steps and paths for finance professionals aiming to become CFOs. Understanding the necessary skills and experiences is crucial for career advancement.

OpenAI in Davos…Looking Back on 10 Years of Unicorns With Aileen Lee...Stripe and SpaceX’s Secondary Pricing

Newcomer • 1238 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups Cybersecurity Venture Capital Space Exploration
  1. OpenAI has faced challenges as a 'big tech' company early in its life, including raising significant funds and experiencing executive drama.
  2. OpenAI removed its 'Don't Be Evil' slogan and is now collaborating with the Department of Defense on cybersecurity projects.
  3. Aileen Lee's research on unicorns reveals that strong unicorns are more involved in enterprise tech than consumer tech, with many 'papercorns' yet to prove their value.

Consumer Investing Struggled Even in the Boom Times. 2023 Was Worse. Can AI Save It?

Newcomer • 1316 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Investing Startups AI Consumer Tech Venture Capital
  1. Consumer investing in 2023 struggled, especially in sectors like e-commerce and social media.
  2. Investors are looking towards AI-powered consumer startups for a potential resurgence in 2024.
  3. The focus is shifting towards AI tools that benefit hobbyists, workers, and small businesses, rather than consumer-facing AI apps.

Megarounds make a comeback💰, The State of GenAI🤖, Doing Diligence Well🕵️

The VC Corner • 559 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Trends Technology Trends Financial Analysis
  1. Megarounds, which are large funding rounds for startups, are becoming popular again. This means investors are feeling more confident about investing in big projects.
  2. The state of Generative AI (GenAI) is evolving quickly. It shows a lot of potential for various applications in tech and business.
  3. Doing proper diligence is important for investors. It helps them make smart decisions before putting money into a startup.

Don't be evil*

benn.substack • 920 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate ethics Startup Culture Venture Capital Technology impact Market Dynamics
  1. Google succeeded for a long time because it was run by good people, or maybe because it just made such a great product that they didn't need to cut corners.
  2. When businesses are struggling, they might feel tempted to act unethically just to survive, but that's often because they don't have enough resources rather than failing morals.
  3. High ambitions can often lead companies to change in ways they didn't expect, sometimes moving away from their original ideals while trying to succeed.

0 To $100 Million In 9 Months 🚀, AI for social good🌍, Governments are the biggest source of VC funds🏛️

The VC Corner • 359 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups AI Funding Economic Growth
  1. A company can grow from nothing to $100 million quickly, showing how fast business can change these days.
  2. Using AI can be very beneficial, especially when it is aimed at making the world a better place.
  3. Governments are providing a lot of money for startups, more than traditional venture capitalists.

Antler's Framework for Finding the Right Problem to Solve | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 319 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Entrepreneurship Tech news Investing
  1. Great companies focus on solving heartfelt problems to create successful and lasting businesses.
  2. Identifying a heartfelt problem involves looking beyond surface-level solutions and understanding the emotional, functional, frequent, urgent, and unavoidable aspects of the problem.
  3. To determine if a heartfelt problem is worth solving, conduct market research, speak with target customers, and focus on building relationships within the industry by understanding the core customer problem.

Apple’s Virtual Reality Headset Arrives Amid CES Buzz...Khosla Ventures in the Spotlight...Fewer Startups Landing Seed Funding

Newcomer • 1061 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups Venture Capital Artificial Intelligence Virtual reality Consumer Tech
  1. Apple is releasing a new virtual reality headset, but there are doubts about its success compared to AI tech.
  2. Microsoft offers resources and funding to startups interested in AI through its Founder Hub program.
  3. There has been a significant decline in the number of new startups receiving seed funding in recent years.

Resetting expectations for VC investing in health tech

Second Opinion • 1729 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
💼 Business Venture Capital Health tech Investing Entrepreneurship Funding
  1. Not every startup in health tech needs to be backed by venture capital.
  2. Health tech industry may not yield many billion-dollar exits, but there are numerous smaller exits ranging from $40 to $500 million.
  3. Venture capitalists should consider alternative sources of capital like private equity, government grants, family offices, and angel investors for health tech startups.

Guest Essay: VC Contagion

Newcomer • 1808 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Business Models Market Trends Investor behavior
  1. Venture capital supports unsustainable models to achieve scale, like with tech giants Apple, Google, and Amazon.
  2. Companies like Uber and Airbnb, initially fueled by VC funding, now face challenges as they struggle with profitability.
  3. VC funding has fueled a culture of excessive capital consumption, leading to concerns about sustainability and the future of innovation.