Emily Sundberg has successfully transformed her Substack newsletter, Feed Me, into a burgeoning media empire, achieving a projected revenue of seven figures this year. Known for her sharp, irreverent style, Sundberg has become a significant voice in the intersection of culture and business. Her daily newsletter has garnered a diverse readership, making it a vital platform for discussions around finance, ambition, and power.
Sundberg launched Feed Me while working at Meta, where she was employed in marketing. Following a layoff in 2022, she decided to focus entirely on her Substack. What initially began as a side project quickly grew into a primary venture, resonating with a wide audience that spans from Wall Street professionals to service industry workers.
Blending Insights with Entertainment
Identifying a gap in how business and culture were traditionally covered, Sundberg merged financial fluency with cultural curiosity. She recognized that her conversations with friends—often sprinkled with humor and insight—were what people wanted to read. This realization enabled her to craft content that is both informative and entertaining, appealing to those who are eager to understand the business landscape without the dryness typically associated with financial news.
In her newsletter, Sundberg often shares insights from her group chats, drawing on dialogues with industry insiders and friends. “I don’t write for gatekeepers or other journalists,” she states. “I write for my readers: people who are smart, curious, and want to be in the know.” This approach has cultivated a loyal readership, with Feed Me ranking among Substack’s top 10 business and culture newsletters.
Sundberg’s irreverent style has often drawn comparisons to male counterparts, prompting her to reflect on the perceptions of her work. “I’m not saying anything crazier than what male journalists or podcasters say every day. I’m just doing it in my voice,” she asserts.
As part of her expansion strategy, Sundberg has launched a podcast called Expense Account, produced in collaboration with Substack. Hosted by Jason Lee, the show builds on the themes explored in her newsletter, offering a humorous and sharp commentary on New York’s restaurant scene, with Alison Roman as its inaugural guest.
A Growing Influence and Future Prospects
Sundberg’s endeavors have paid off significantly. Feed Me now reaches over 150,000 readers and is projected for substantial revenue growth, reflecting a more than 60% increase in readership over the past year. This growth aligns with Substack’s overall success, which surpassed five million paid subscriptions as of March 2025.
The newsletter’s appeal transcends geographical boundaries, attracting subscribers from major cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles. Sundberg’s ability to create engaging content has allowed her to forge a unique identity in a crowded media landscape, focusing on intimacy rather than scale. She maintains an active tip line to stay connected with her audience, fostering a sense of community among readers and industry insiders.
Sundberg also emphasizes the effort and discipline required to build her platform. “I’ve worked really hard to make this happen. It took a tremendous amount of work and sacrifices that aren’t always evident,” she explains. Her commitment to her craft is evident in her early morning calls to confirm stories and her relentless pursuit of the next big tip.
In conclusion, Sundberg’s journey exemplifies how independent media can thrive in today’s digital landscape. Her ability to blend cultural commentary with business insights has not only established Feed Me as a leading voice but also redefined the possibilities for creators in the media space. As she continues to innovate and connect with her audience, Sundberg is undoubtedly shaping the future of independent journalism.
