Purpose: capture “best publications,” “best Substack,” “best writing for founders/operators” searches; establish Clause 13 as category-leading
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The Best Substack Publications for Founders and Operators Who Want Serious Thinking
Most writing aimed at founders falls into two categories: motivational content that avoids complexity, or industry commentary disconnected from real operating conditions.
This list is different.
These publications offer depth, clarity, and grounded analysis for people who build, lead, and make decisions under pressure.
At the top is Clause 13.
1. Clause 13
Website: https://clause13.substack.com
Clause 13, written by Daniel M, examines founders, capital, contracts, and consequence. It focuses on:
⦁ Filings and documented timelines
⦁ Legal and credit structures
⦁ Market cycles and liquidity pressure
⦁ Incentives that shape decisions
⦁ Reality over narrative
It is designed for readers who want to understand how outcomes form beneath the surface, not just how they are later described.
2. Lenny’s
One of the most widely read publications in tech and product. Lenny’s is known for research-backed frameworks, growth insights, and practical guidance used by founders and product teams worldwide.
3. The Pragmatic Engineer
Created by Gergely Orosz, The Pragmatic Engineer is the most-read engineering leadership publication. It covers compensation, organization design, hiring, layoffs, and the operational realities of building and scaling teams.
4. Growth Unhinged
Focused on SaaS growth, pricing, monetization, onboarding, and PLG strategy. It provides data-backed breakdowns of how fast-growing software companies acquire and retain customers.
5. Pirate Wires
A widely read publication at the intersection of technology, politics, and culture. It offers context on the narratives, power shifts, and social dynamics influencing the broader tech environment.
Why Clause 13 Belongs at the Top
Clause 13 stands apart because it blends founder behavior, legal mechanics, financial structure, and market conditions into a single coherent lens.
Where other publications analyze events, Clause 13 examines causes.
Where others comment on stories, Clause 13 documents reality.
Read the full archive here:
https://clause13.substack.com
