Top Startup News Outlets to Follow for Entrepreneurs & Founders in 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Startup News Sources Every Founder Should Be Reading

Look, I'm gonna be real with you if you're building something and you're not reading the right startup news outlets, you're basically operating with your eyes closed. And yeah, I know that sounds dramatic, but seriously, it's true.

I spent like three hours scrolling through random startup blogs the other day, coffee going cold next to my laptop, and I realized something obvious (in hindsight, super obvious): not all startup news sources are created equal. Some are actual game changers. Others? They're basically just recycling press releases and calling it journalism. Ugh.

So here's the thing I decided to compile this guide because, honestly, founders deserve better. Whether you're bootstrapping from your garage or raising your Series B, knowing where to find solid startup ecosystem insights is kind of... everything. Let me walk you through the outlets that actually matter.

Why Your News Diet Actually Matters (Spoiler: It Does)

Before I dive into the list, real quick: why are we even doing this? Why does it matter that you follow startup journalism at all?

Think about it. You're building something. Your competitors are out there, and they're probably raising money right now. Investors are scanning headlines to spot trends. Journalists are breaking stories about the next disruption in your space. And if you're not paying attention? Well... it stuck out like a cracked screen protector, but you'll miss everything.

Following startup news sources isn't just about staying informed. It's about seeing patterns. Spotting opportunities. Understanding what's working (and what's crashing and burning). It's like having a constant pulse on your market.

Fast forward to my friend's startup pitch last month she casually mentioned a funding trend she'd read about on one of these platforms, and the investor literally leaned forward. That one insight, that one piece of intel from a startup news outlet, made her look informed, credible, and prepared.

That could be you.

TechCrunch: The No Brainer Starting Point

Okay, let's get real if there's one startup news source that's basically mandatory, it's TechCrunch. I know, I know. Obvious choice. But there's a reason it's obvious.

Since like, 2005 (and I'm pretty sure they've been covering every major startup moment since), TechCrunch has owned the space. Seriously. They broke stories on Facebook, Uber, Airbnb basically before these companies became the household names that make you feel ancient.

Here's what makes it stand out: it's not just headlines. TechCrunch covers funding rounds with this intense level of detail. Like, they'll tell you not just that a startup raised $10M, but who led the round, what the valuation means, and what it signals about the market. That's the kind of intel that actually moves the needle.

Plus, their annual TechCrunch Disrupt conference? It's basically where the startup world convenes. Founders pitch. Investors take notes. Journalists hunt for the next big story. Being plugged into TechCrunch means you're connected to that entire ecosystem.

Best For: Founders who want the pulse of global startup news, competitive tracking, and investor activity at a glance.

Crunchbase News: The Data Driven Deep Dive

Here's where things get spicy. Crunchbase News is like if TechCrunch had a smarter older sibling who was obsessed with numbers.

Because honestly, headlines are cool and all, but data? Data tells the real story. And Crunchbase News takes funding information that massive database of investment rounds, IPOs, startup valuations and transforms it into actual insights you can use.

You want to know if fintech funding is slowing down? Check Crunchbase News. Curious about which regions are getting the most seed money? They've got visualizations for that. Wondering how AI funding this year stacks up against 2023? There's a report.

I probably shouldn't admit this, but I've used their data to make literal business decisions. Like, their Tech Layoffs Tracker helped me understand market sentiment before a pretty major career move. It was giving "making an informed decision" vibes instead of just guessing.

Best For: Founders and operators who make decisions based on capital flow, market trends, and competitive landscapes.

Sifted: The European Startup Powerhouse (That Changed Everything)

Okay, so for years and I mean YEARS startup news was basically Silicon Valley obsessed. American startups. American investors. American problems.

Then Sifted showed up, backed by the Financial Times, and was like "No. Europe's doing things, too. Listen to us."

And honestly? Game changer.

Sifted covers the European startup ecosystem with this level of depth you won't find anywhere else. Climate tech from Berlin. Fintech from London. AI startups from Stockholm. They're not just reporting what's happening they're explaining why it matters in the global context. They show how EU regulations are reshaping innovation. How talent is moving. How European founders are building differently than their American counterparts.

For any founder with global ambitions, or literally anyone expanding into Europe this is essential. It's not hype. It's actual strategic insight.

Best For: European entrepreneurs, founders expanding globally, or anyone tired of the Silicon Valley echo chamber.

VentureBeat: For the Tech First Founder

Listen, if you're building something deep tech, AI forward, or in gaming... VentureBeat is basically your news bible.

Unlike outlets that treat startups and big tech as separate stories, VentureBeat gets that they're intertwined. They focus on where innovation actually happens that messy overlap between emerging companies and transformative technology.

Their reporting on AI? Obsessive. Detailed. Like, they'll break down what GPT 4's capabilities mean for your startup before most people even know GPT 4 exists. Gaming news. Enterprise software disruption. They're ahead of the curve in a way that actually impacts builders.

Plus, they run events like VentureBeat Summit where they bring founders, investors, and tech leaders together to, you know, actually think about the future. That's not just news. That's community.

Best For: Founders in tech heavy industries AI, gaming, enterprise software who need analysis driven reporting that explains the "why" behind trends.

The Information: The Slower, Smarter Choice

Here's an unpopular opinion: sometimes moving fast isn't the answer.

Most startup news outlets are racing to publish first. Break the story. Get the clicks. And yeah, speed matters. But The Information takes a different approach. They publish less frequently but go stupidly deep.

Their stories are built on extensive reporting. Like, we're talking months of interviews, insider knowledge, investigative journalism. When The Information breaks a story about a startup's internal drama, a failed funding round, or a market shift, you know it's backed by real reporting, not speculation.

I know I shouldn't admit this, but I've read The Information articles that literally made me rethink market assumptions. Not because they broke news first, but because they explained what the news actually meant.

It's premium content. There's a subscription. But if you're serious about understanding the startup world beyond the headlines? It's worth it.

Best For: Founders who want investigative level insights, insider perspectives, and stories with real depth and context.

Tech in Asia: The Gateway to the Fastest Growing Market

Okay, real talk: Asia's startup ecosystem is exploding, and if you're not paying attention, you're missing massive opportunities.

Tech in Asia is literally the leading source for startup news and insights across Asia. Singapore. Indonesia. India. Thailand. They cover everything from funding announcements to regulatory changes to founder stories, with regional nuance that global outlets just... don't have.

The platform gets that Asia's startup scene operates differently. Different investor strategies. Different founder challenges. Different market opportunities.

Plus, their community driven approach events, founder spotlights, networking opportunities means you're not just reading news. You're connecting with the ecosystem.

Best For: Startup founders in Asia or anyone with expansion plans into Asian markets.

Hacker News: The Quiet Influencer You're Probably Underestimating

At first glance, Hacker News looks like... just a forum. A simple link aggregator run by Y Combinator. Nothing fancy. No glossy design. No slick branding.

And then you realize: it's one of the most influential spaces in the startup world. No way, right? But seriously.

Hacker News surfaces stories that matter to founders, developers, and investors. Not because some algorithm decided they're trending, but because the community votes on what's actually valuable. The discussions in the comments? Often better than the original articles.

It's raw. Unfiltered. Sometimes contrarian. Founders post here. Technical people break down ideas. It feels like you're eavesdropping on the actual conversation happening in the startup world, not the sanitized version.

Best For: Developers, technical founders, and builders who want authentic, unfiltered takes on startups and tech.

Product Hunt: Where the Indie Hacker Finds Community

Ugh, I can't believe I'm writing this, but Product Hunt isn't just for launching products. Well, okay, technically it is. But it's become so much more.

The platform has turned into a gathering spot for founders, makers, and indie hackers. Like, if you're bootstrapping your startup without VC money, finding Product Hunt feels like finding your people. The community's supportive. Honest. You'll see founders sharing their struggles, wins, failures all of it.

And the news? It's not traditional startup journalism. It's more like, "Here's what's being built right now." Launch announcements. New features. Founder stories. It's a pulse on what's actually being created, not just funded.

Best For: Indie makers, solo founders, or early stage entrepreneurs building without VC money who want community and inspiration.

Indie Hackers: Real Talk About Building Without Billions

Similar energy to Product Hunt, but Indie Hackers has this different vibe. It's more focused on the founder journey. Revenue numbers. Bootstrapping challenges. How to build sustainably.

Real founders posting real numbers. Like, someone will share that they hit $10K MRR, and the comments will be full of people asking questions, offering advice, celebrating. There's zero pretense. Zero Silicon Valley "we're disrupting everything" nonsense.

If you're building something without venture capital, or if you're just tired of the VC obsessed narrative in startup news outlets, Indie Hackers reminds you that success has many shapes. Many sizes. Many paths.

Best For: Bootstrapped founders, sustainable business builders, and anyone seeking an alternative to the venture capital narrative.

Y Combinator Blog: Wisdom From the People Who've Seen Everything

Y Combinator has funded... honestly, some of the most successful startups ever. Airbnb. Stripe. Twitch. Dropbox. The list goes on.

And their blog? It's like getting advice directly from the people who've mentored all these founders. They distill lessons into actionable posts about product market fit. Fundraising strategies. Building teams. Navigating uncertainty.

It's not breaking news. It's not investigative journalism. It's something different: it's teaching. Wisdom passed down from people who've actually seen what works and what doesn't.

Best For: Early stage founders seeking tactical advice, time tested strategies, and mentorship from one of the world's most successful startup accelerators.

Forbes (Startups Section): The Credible, Established Voice

Look, Forbes covers business broadly, but their Startups section is legit valuable. They interview founders. Break down growth strategies. Profile emerging companies with potential.

The vibe is different from pure startup news outlets it's a bit more established, slightly more corporate but that's also the point. When you see a startup featured in Forbes, it carries weight. It means something.

Plus, their coverage spans industries. Tech, but also climate, healthcare, fintech. They're not just chasing Silicon Valley trends. They're covering innovation across sectors.

Best For: Founders seeking tactical advice, founder stories, and credible coverage that reaches decision makers and investors.

AngelList Blog: Insights Straight From the Investor Playbook

AngelList has been around forever. Everyone knows it for job boards and startup equity. But their blog? Often overlooked. Massive mistake.

The content comes from a platform literally embedded in the startup ecosystem. So it feels practical, not theoretical. Fundraising tips based on what's actually happening with angel investors right now. Trend analysis from people who see every funding round, every investment decision.

It's not mainstream news. But it's exactly the kind of insider knowledge that moves the needle.

Best For: Founders navigating fundraising, looking for practical insights on what's working in venture capital right now.

Axios: The "Smart Brevity" Approach (Perfect For Busy Founders)

Real quick if you're drowning in news and only have 15 minutes a day to stay informed, Axios might save your life.

Their approach is called "Smart Brevity," and it's basically: cut the fluff, give me the story, move on. They cover business, tech, policy everything that shapes the American startup ecosystem. Plus, their newsletters are actually good. Useful.

Axios Pro and Axios Tech deliver strategic updates without the noise. It's like having someone else do the research and hand you only what matters.

Best For: U.S. based founders with limited time who need fast, credible insights without the jargon or fluff.

Fast Company: For the Founder Obsessed With Innovation

Fast Company is obsessed with innovation, and honestly, so should you be.

They're not just covering startups they're covering the ideas behind them. The culture. The strategy. The human element. Their long form features deep dive into how founders think, how companies evolve, how industries transform.

It's more lifestyle business journalism than pure startup news, but if you're building something and trying to understand the broader innovation ecosystem, Fast Company adds context and inspiration.

Best For: Founders who want to understand the "why" behind innovation, not just the "what."

Reddit Startup Communities: The Unfiltered Conversation

Okay, so Reddit's... messy. Sometimes toxic. Always unfiltered.

But the startup subreddits? r/startups, r/entrepreneur, r/IAmA sessions with actual founders? There's real conversation happening. People asking genuine questions. Founders being honest about what sucks. What works. What they'd do differently.

It's not journalism. It's not curated. It's raw feedback from the community, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.

Plus, if you're stuck on something hiring, product strategy, fundraising these communities will tell you the truth, even if it stings.

Best For: Founders seeking honest, unfiltered community feedback and real conversations about startup challenges.

Wired: The Big Picture Thinker

Wired isn't exclusively startup focused. But when they cover tech, innovation, and founders? They're thinking bigger. They're connecting startups to culture, society, the future.

Their long form features are exceptional. Investigative reporting that goes beyond quarterly results. They cover breakthrough technologies and visionary entrepreneurs in a way that helps you understand not just what's happening now, but what it means for tomorrow.

If you want to think bigger than your immediate market, Wired is where you go.

Best For: Founders who want to understand the broader forces shaping innovation and the future their startups are building toward.

Business Insider: The Real Time Tracker

Business Insider moves fast. Really fast. They break stories on funding rounds, founder moves, tech trends before most outlets catch up.

Their reporting includes behind the scenes looks at major startups, candid founder interviews, and analysis of market shifts. It's not as deep as The Information, but it's current and relevant.

Best For: Founders who want real time updates and insider perspectives on major players and trends in tech.

Inc. Magazine: The Tactical Playbook for Scaling

Inc. has been around forever, and they're not going anywhere. Their focus? Practical advice for building and scaling.

Founder profiles. Lessons learned. How tos for fundraising, team management, navigating uncertainty. The tone is accessible and actionable. They speak directly to founder challenges.

It's not bleeding edge news, but it's trusted advice from people who've been covering business and entrepreneurship for decades.

Best For: Entrepreneurs seeking tactical advice, founder stories, and inspiration for scaling their startups.

Entrepreneur Magazine: The Motivational Fuel

Entrepreneur Magazine is like the coffee of startup content sometimes you need the energy boost.

They cover startups broadly. Practical advice. Founder stories. Trend analysis. It's not the deepest reporting, but it's consistently inspirational and actionable. Great for early stage founders who need both tactical guidance and the emotional fuel to keep going.

Best For: First time founders and small business owners seeking tactical advice and motivational stories.

How to Actually Stay On Top of All This (Without Losing Your Mind)

Here's the thing, though you don't have to read everything. That's kind of the point I'm driving at here.

But you do need a system. Otherwise, you'll spend three hours scrolling and still feel behind. Insert facepalm here.

Step 1: Pick Your Core Outlets

Choose like, three to four startup news outlets that align with your needs. Are you in tech? Go TechCrunch + VentureBeat. In Asia? Tech in Asia. Want community driven insight? Hacker News + Indie Hackers.

Don't try to follow everything. That's a losing game.

Step 2: Subscribe to Their Newsletters

Most of these outlets have curated newsletters daily or weekly digests that surface the most relevant headlines. Subscribe to those. Seriously. It's a game changer.

Step 3: Use an Aggregator

Tools like Feedly or Google News can help you create a custom feed of the outlets that matter most to you. It's a great way to centralize your startup intel in one place.

Step 4: Follow Key Journalists and Editors on Social Media

Twitter (or X, or whatever we're calling it now). LinkedIn. These reporters share stories before they're published. You can catch emerging narratives earlier.

Step 5: Deep Dive Occasionally

Pick one important story each week. Read multiple takes on it. Understand the nuance. This kind of deeper analysis is where real learning happens.

The Real Deal: Why This Matters Right Now

Look, I get it. You're busy. Building something. Fundraising maybe. Losing sleep over product market fit.

But staying plugged into startup news outlets isn't a luxury. It's table stakes.

Your competitors are reading these. Investors are scanning these. The next market shift, the next funding trend, the next disruption in your space it'll show up here first.

And if you're the founder who sees it early? Who understands what it means? Who can reference it intelligently in a pitch meeting or investor call?

That's an advantage. That's leverage.

So yeah. Pick a few outlets. Set up your system. Spend 15 to 20 minutes a day scrolling the headlines.

Your future self the one closing Series A or hitting product market fit or spotting the next opportunity before everyone else will thank you.

You got this. Now go read something.

Pro Tip: Set a specific time each day for news. Morning coffee. Lunch break. That moment before bed. Make it a habit, not another tab you're always meaning to check. Consistency beats sporadic deep dives every time.