Weekend Reading
Writing worth reading 8th/9th November 2025
Fountain Pens Are More Popular Than Ever—and Purists Are Fuming by Soobin Kim & Timothy W. Martin
“China has muscled into industries from fine wines to designer handbags to luxury watches. Its pens—which look like the real thing but often sell for just a few bucks apiece—can force consumers to wonder what exactly they’re getting from the entrenched brands, said Willy Shih, a professor at Harvard Business School specializing in manufacturing and supply chains.” …
Trends – Artificial Intelligence AI by Mary Meeker, Jay Simons, Daegwon Chae, & Alexander Krey
“The outline for our document is on the next page, followed by eleven charts that help illustrate observations that follow.
We hope this compilation adds to the discussion of the breadth of change at play – technical / financial / social / physical / geopolitical.
No doubt, people (and machines) will improve on the points as we all aim to adapt to this evolving journey…”
“Ven after his parachute opened, Tyler Stark sensed he was coming down too fast. The last thing he’d heard was the pilot saying, “Bailout! Bailout! Bail—” Before the third call was finished, there’d come the violent kick in the rear from the ejector seat, then a rush of cool air. They called it “opening shock” for a reason. He was disoriented. A minute earlier, when the plane had started to spin—it felt like a car hitting a patch of ice—his first thought had been that everything was going to be fine: My first mission, I had my first close call...”
Founders (need) Focus
This week we shared that we’re starting Founders Focus, a new membership program from 9others; a space for you to carve out time to work on the hard things that really matter. Check out the announcement here.
What does it do?
Founders Focus keeps you focused, accountable and connected.
Who it’s for?
Founders Focus will suit Solo Founders, Remote (Co) Founders, and Freelancers, Coxs and Side Hustlers.
Qs?
Read more and check out the FAQs on the 9others Notion, here.
We hope you’ll join us.
Upcoming meals with 9others
Thursday 13th November 2025 — Manchester. — details and signup here.
Thursday 22nd Jan 2026 — Sam’s Montpellier. — details and signup here.
A Winter Party with a few more than 9others
Thursday 20th November 2025 —Dalston London. — details and signup here.