This Week in Startups

Inside Substack’s $100M Push to Fend Off Beehiiv | E2153

113 snips
Jul 18, 2025
Dive into the dynamics of indie publishing as a major player seeks $100 million to fend off competition. Explore the rivalries between Substack, Beehive, and Patreon, and how they navigate the evolving media landscape. Unpack the implications of AI on content monetization and the societal effects of meme culture. Plus, a look ahead at the self-driving revolution, with insights on Uber's latest partnerships and the bright future of automated driving. Get ready for some thought-provoking insights!
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ANECDOTE

Coldplay Kiss Cam Viral Incident

  • At a Coldplay concert, a kiss cam caught two people who quickly fled when spotted together, sparking viral internet attention.
  • The CEO caught on the cam was exposed, igniting a wave of viral ridicule and scrutiny on social media.
ADVICE

Limit Meme Sharing Time

  • Memes about private mistakes have a 72-hour window to play out; after that, extend human grace and move on.
  • Prolonged ridicule harms people’s lives and should be consciously ended to allow recovery.
INSIGHT

Substack's Growth and Competition

  • Substack raised $100 million at a $1.1 billion valuation with $45 million run rate, showing strong growth and market interest.
  • It competes closely with Beehive, a no-revenue-share SaaS platform, and Patreon in the creator economy space.
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