The hottest Venture Capital Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Marc Andreessen's Guide to Finding Product-Market Fit! | VC Remote Jobs

Venture Curator • 399 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Funding Job Opportunities
  1. Product-market fit means creating a valuable product that customers love and recommend.
  2. Experts emphasize the importance of finding product-market fit before focusing on scaling or fundraising.
  3. Metrics like retention rates, net promoter score, and customer feedback are key indicators of product-market fit.

My Definition of Data Modeling (for today)

Joe Reis • 530 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Data Modeling AI Venture Capital Data Management
  1. Data modeling has various definitions by different experts and serves to improve communication, provide utility, and solve problems.
  2. A data model is a structured representation that organizes data for both humans and machines to inform decision-making and facilitate actions.
  3. Data modeling is evolving to consider the needs of machines, different use cases, and a wider range of modeling approaches for various situations.

Spotlight: Adam Niewiński - Co-founder and Managing Partner @ OTB Ventures

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Startups Technology
  1. Investments in SpaceTech are expanding, especially in areas like in-orbit economy and debris removal. This is important for making space activities sustainable.
  2. European DeepTech startups are well-positioned to compete globally, but they need better funding and support from institutions. There's a gap in spending compared to the U.S.
  3. Investing in specialized areas like Industrial Automation is promising due to the massive data generated. Innovations in this sector can lead to smarter operations and decision-making.

The VC Corner 📰 #10

The VC Corner • 479 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Valuation Generative AI Investing
  1. Figma is lowering its company value, which shows that even well-known startups can face tough times. It's important for businesses to be realistic about their worth.
  2. Knowing how to value your startup is crucial for attracting investors. Different factors play a role in determining a startup's value.
  3. Generative AI is becoming a big topic and resource for many. Understanding it can help startups leverage technology for growth.

The Family

Venture Prose • 1058 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Management Leadership
  1. The Family organization had a lot of ambitious individuals and a strong sense of community, but struggled to find a sustainable business model.
  2. Despite the energy and enthusiasm within The Family, they faced challenges with loose processes, lack of focus, and poor accountability.
  3. Individuals within The Family, like Oussama, played significant roles in both the success and failure of the organization, showcasing the importance of leadership and responsibility.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why we need more startups and venture capital in cybersecurity, and what needs to change for the industry to mature

Venture in Security • 511 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Startups Venture Capital Industry challenges Innovation
  1. The cybersecurity industry benefits from a large number of startups that lead to innovation and competition.
  2. Venture capital is crucial for cybersecurity startups to innovate, educate the market, and speed up the adoption of best practices.
  3. Investors need to better evaluate security startups, and the industry needs a reset of expectations to address real problems like navigating undifferentiated tools and poor go-to-market approaches.

The Software Slog

Buck on Software • 884 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Software Tech industry Venture Capital SaaS Investing
  1. The software industry may be facing a period of slow growth and low returns, akin to a tiring and boring slog.
  2. Consensus estimates predict a rebound in SaaS growth, resembling past historical market cycles.
  3. Zombie SaaS companies, sustained by oversized funding, create challenges for non-zombie competitors in terms of price competition and talent acquisition.

Guide to A.I. Supremacy: I'm analyzing & tracking a more exponential future 🔮

AI Supremacy • 432 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Startups Robotics Healthcare Venture Capital
  1. The author is analyzing and tracking emerging and exponential technology, particularly artificial intelligence.
  2. The newsletters cover various topics such as startups, AI, robotics, quantum computing, and innovation.
  3. There are special offers available for full access to the newsletters with discounts for subscription.

🚀 Propel Your Space Startup Journey with Space Ambition's Fellowship Program 🌌

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Programs Innovation
  1. There is a fellowship program for people interested in starting space-related businesses. It offers guidance and support to help turn your ideas into reality.
  2. Participants will receive personalized feedback and insights on how to attract investors. This can help make your startup idea more appealing.
  3. The program includes online classes, individual coaching, and access to a network of resources. This structure is designed to assist you every step of the way in launching your space venture.

The inside story of why this once high-flying digital health startup failed

Second Opinion • 589 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Failure Venture Capital Policy
  1. Entrepreneurs should not avoid discussing failure, as it is part of the journey.
  2. Founders should be cautious of taking on too much at once, especially in terms of lobbying for policy changes while building a business model.
  3. When fundraising, founders should carefully consider investor relationships, future funding needs, and the value placed on patient experience.

‘American Dynamism’: How VCs Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Defense Tech...Hot Startup Funding Rounds...Byju's Leads EdTech Rout

Newcomer • 432 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Technology Government Innovation
  1. Defense tech has become popular among venture capitalists due to global tensions and the U.S. government's increased investments.
  2. Success stories like SpaceX and Palantir have boosted investor confidence in companies focused on government contracts.
  3. Selling to the government, while lucrative, can be a slow and complex process due to procurement challenges.

Newcomer Is Hiring!

Newcomer • 845 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
💼 Business Journalism Venture Capital Freelance
  1. Newcomer is hiring for various roles like reporter, interns, and freelance writers.
  2. The company has experienced significant growth in revenue, is profitable, and is expanding its editorial team.
  3. Roles include full-time reporter, freelance opportunities, and intern positions for Summer 2023.

Why Do You Need a Moat? & Why Are Founders Afraid to Talk About It? | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Tech Innovation Investment Analysis
  1. Having a moat is crucial for startups to maintain a competitive advantage over competitors, and founders should be able to clearly communicate this to investors.
  2. Successful companies need strong moats, which are built by having bold statements or visions that provide a unique and valuable experience for customers.
  3. Equity among co-founders should be split equally or close to equal, focusing on the work and challenges ahead rather than early contributions.

The Venture Capitalist's Death Trap: Follow-on Investments | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Product-Market Fit
  1. Poor decisions in follow-on investments can be the biggest risk of value destruction for VCs.
  2. Time and effort in VC decision-making are often misaligned, with more focus on initial investments than follow-on.
  3. Two simple methods to determine Product-Market Fit are through retention curves and Net Promoter Scores.

How to Talk About Valuation Numbers When Investor Ask? | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 479 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investing Funding Entrepreneurship
  1. When discussing valuation with investors, it's important to provide general ranges without giving a specific price to anchor their expectations.
  2. VCs may ask about your past funding to assess fit and potential valuation issues, so it's beneficial to be transparent about your previous funding details.
  3. A delicate balance is required when discussing existing investors participating in a new round to ensure harmony between new and existing investors.

Why Do Great Ideas Often Fail The 'Elevator Pitch' Test? | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Market Strategies Investor Relations
  1. Raising capital is a sales process where founders sell trust and confidence in building something valuable. Understanding VC decision-making dynamics increases the likelihood of closing deals.
  2. Knowing the structure and decision processes of VC firms can help founders navigate partnerships and improve their chances of success.
  3. The key to success in VC pitch meetings is building relationships with various partners within a firm to gain broader support and increase the probability of getting to a 'yes.'

Building Mighty Small Businesses

Investing 101 • 110 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Small business Startups Economic Trends
  1. The American Dream means having the freedom to live as you wish, owning a home, getting an education, and starting a business. Many people still seek these goals, especially the chance to run their own business.
  2. Venture capital often pushes founders to aim for very large, unrealistic goals, which can lead to many startups failing. Most entrepreneurs should focus on building small, sustainable businesses instead.
  3. It's easier to start a small business today than ever before due to new tools and platforms. Don't feel pressured to chase after massive funding; instead, choose a path that fits your goals and lifestyle.

JPM, Stifel, & Lead Bank Join As Speakers at Newcomer Banking Summit

Newcomer • 353 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Banking Startups Venture Capital Financial Technology
  1. JPM, Stifel, and Lead Bank will be speaking at the Newcomer Banking Summit on March 14 in San Francisco.
  2. The event will feature speakers like Jackie Reses, Melissa Smith, and Matt Trotter.
  3. The summit will delve into the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank crisis, the changing landscape of banking for startups, and the future of financial technology companies and banks.

kitten corner: frozen assets

bad cattitude • 150 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Being an angel investor means you're thinking about supporting new businesses. It's important to do your research before deciding.
  2. Pitching to you shows that startups are looking for funding and believe in their idea. This can be an exciting opportunity if you choose wisely.
  3. Always ask questions and get advice from experienced investors. They'll help you understand the risks and rewards involved.

Marc Andreessen Joining Character.AI Board + Other Hot AI Fundraising Rounds Afoot

Newcomer • 727 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
💼 Business Tech startups Investments AI Summit Venture Capital
  1. Andreessen Horowitz won the investment round for Character.AI led by Marc Andreessen.
  2. Multiple hot AI fundraising rounds are happening, including investments in Perplexity AI and LangChain.
  3. Other notable investments include Sequoia leading an investment in Dust and Index backing a startup by David Schreiber.

The Great Sobriety for Venture Investing, Where To Start with AI, & Undeniable Data

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 707 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Venture Capital AI Data Investing Startups
  1. The venture capital world is facing harsh realities and there are lessons to be learned about creating great products from failed ventures.
  2. Adopting AI requires a '4 P's' framework: Play, Pilot, Protect, Provoke.
  3. Financing for startups should prioritize product-led growth, focus, and discipline over raising large amounts of capital.

The VC Corner 📰 #13

The VC Corner • 319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Strategies Market Trends SaaS
  1. Y Combinator wants startups to focus on finding the right product metrics. This will help them measure success and make better decisions.
  2. Understanding the SaaS IPO landscape is important for startups. It gives insights into how to get ready for going public and attract investors.
  3. Raising capital can be easier with the right tools like Fundingstack.com. They help connect startups with a large network of investors.

Are You Working On A 'Tarpit Idea?' | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Entrepreneurship Job Opportunities
  1. Tarpit ideas can be deceivingly appealing at first but end up draining time and resources.
  2. Consumer ideas are common tarpit ideas due to the high bar set by successful consumer products and the crucial factor of timing.
  3. Recognizing and avoiding tarpit ideas, such as those with survivor bias or difficulty in scaling, is vital for a startup's success and founders should pivot strategically based on supply and demand dynamics.

12 Things That Get VCs To Write A Check (Backed By 100+ Founder Interviews) | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 199 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Tech news Job Opportunities
  1. Successful VC fundraising starts by identifying the right fit - pay attention to signals VCs give about the types of startups they want to fund.
  2. Pitch big visions to VCs, focusing on disruptive opportunities with outsized returns to stand out in the competitive startup landscape.
  3. Key factors for VCs to invest include unique insights, good timing, clear messaging, scalable growth plans, strong moats, early traction, and founder's passion.

How Did Successful Startups Use Paul Graham’s “Do Things That Don’t Scale” Strategy? | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 239 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Investment Job Opportunities
  1. Successful startups often implement Paul Graham's 'Do Things That Don't Scale' strategy in their early stages to focus on learning and validating their business model rather than on rapid growth.
  2. Startups like DoorDash, Airbnb, Groupon, Reddit, and Zynga have effectively used manual and non-scalable tactics to kickstart their businesses before reaching product-market fit.
  3. Founders of successful startups need to embrace the less glamorous, hands-on work in the early days, shifting focus from high-flying leadership to getting deeply involved in all aspects of the startup.

How Startups Like Reddit Raised Funding With Just an Idea, Without Writing A Line Of Code? | VC Remote Jobs & More

Venture Curator • 399 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Funding Venture Capital Investors Technology
  1. Investors may fund startups based solely on the idea, without requiring traction or revenue.
  2. Startups aiming for funding should focus on a scalable business model with evidence of potential growth.
  3. Key aspects for successful startup ideas include solving popular, urgent, and growing problems, starting with the problem before the solution, and having a clear unfair advantage.

Four Reasons People Leave Venture Firms

Venture Reflections • 20 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Performance Management Interpersonal Relationships Financial Incentives Career Advancement
  1. People often leave venture firms due to interpersonal conflicts. Sometimes, team members just don't get along, leading to a toxic work environment.
  2. Poor performance or low expectations can drive people out of a firm. If someone's work isn't meeting the firm's goals, they might be asked to leave.
  3. Many individuals seek more control over their careers. They may leave to find better opportunities or build firms that align with their values.

Notes on Chapter 28

Life Since the Baby Boom • 230 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Startups Investment
  1. Len lands a new job as a Venture Capitalist Assistant, where he will help a company get more funding. He feels excited and valued in this role, especially after his TV appearance as an 'Internet investing wizard.'
  2. The company Len is working with, NetsForAll, is fictional, but it reflects the early days of Internet Service Providers. This shows how innovative ideas were emerging before the Internet became widely known.
  3. Len gets to meet important people in the Internet business and share stories from his past experiences, like solving a big embezzlement case. This mix of new opportunities and past accomplishments makes him feel fulfilled.