Founders: Steal My Real-World Learning Stack for 2025

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Good morning, First AI Movers!

If you want to cut through the AI noise and actually level up as a founder or AI-enthusiast, you need a learning loop that delivers a real signal. Most “best of” lists feel algorithmic and stale; this one’s different: it’s my daily-read shortlist. These are the blogs and newsletters that move the needle for executives who value results over hype.

Why this directory matters in 2025

Let’s face it: The AI/content firehose is relentless. Founders crave actionable funding news and product lessons; investors scan for early market signals. Meanwhile, AI keeps raising the bar—meaning the gap between average and exceptional only widens. If you don’t build learning into your workflow, you get left behind.

Here’s my advice (and ritual): Dedicate one focused hour every day—yes, every day—to learn, rethink, and connect dots from the smartest sources you can find. These are mine, after years in the field.

My Essential Reading List for Action-Oriented Leaders

• Y Combinator Blog – Candid lessons and batch highlights direct from the world’s top accelerator.

• TechCrunch Startups – Immediate funding/news—it’s your real-time market pulse.

• a16z News & Podcast – Unfiltered thinking from the firm remaking tech VC.

• First Round Review, Founder Institute Insights – Operator stories, founder playbooks, evidence—not just theory.

• Lenny’s Newsletter, Growth Unhinged – Product, SaaS, and growth moves that actually work.

• (Plus: Antler, Seedcamp, Pear VC, Andrew Chen, Greg Isenberg. All worth a click.)

How I process more, faster

Here’s my must-read hack: funnel newsletters to your inbox, open them in one sweep, and let an AI assistant (I use Perplexity Comet) extract and compare insights. One session, big lift. (Read the article at First AI Movers Insights.)

Key Takeaways

• Don’t just scan—commit to at least one concrete action per week from what you read.

• Share a takeaway with your team. The best insights don’t get hoarded.

• Bookmark this directory, revisit it monthly, and continually update your followings.

Want the full deep-dive, links, and pro-tips? Read the original Insight here.

Now, get learning, and stay ahead.

— by Dr. Hernani Costa at First AI Movers | Join the conversation on LinkedIn

This expert insight is brought to you with support from our sponsor:

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