Emily Sundberg Transforms ‘Feed Me’ Into a 7-Figure Substack Success

Emily Sundberg has successfully built her Substack newsletter, “Feed Me,” into a thriving business, projected to generate seven figures in revenue this year. Originally launched while she was still employed at Meta, Sundberg’s newsletter has evolved into a significant cultural platform, attracting over 150,000 readers and ranking among Substack’s top business and culture publications.

Sundberg’s approach combines sharp commentary with a light-hearted take on finance and business. Her newsletter features a blend of industry insights, expert interviews, and job boards, creating a space where readers from diverse backgrounds—including Wall Street professionals and bartenders—can engage with content that speaks to their interests. She describes “Feed Me” as “the pulse of the culture,” where conversations about money, ambition, and power take center stage.

From Side Project to Media Empire

Sundberg initially launched “Feed Me” as a side project while consulting for brands like Shopify. Following her layoff in 2022, she decided to dedicate herself fully to the newsletter. This pivot proved fruitful, as she identified a niche in the market where business and culture intersected, often overlooked by traditional media.

“I realized I could merge financial fluency with cultural curiosity,” Sundberg explains. Her insights were molded by conversations in her social circles—group chats filled with lively discussions about the business behind cultural phenomena. This blend of irreverence and authority has resonated with her audience, as she aims to inform and entertain simultaneously.

Sundberg’s unique voice has garnered attention, with some describing her style as “provocative.” She asserts that her frankness is not a departure from the norm but rather a reflection of what her male counterparts express regularly. “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.”

Expanding Horizons with New Ventures

In addition to her newsletter, Sundberg has recently launched a food podcast titled “Expense Account,” produced in collaboration with Substack. The podcast builds on her existing column and features guests like chef Alison Roman, broadening her media reach. This expansion showcases her commitment to creating engaging content that resonates with her audience and reflects her entrepreneurial spirit.

The growth of “Feed Me” aligns with Substack’s overall expansion, which reported over five million paid subscriptions as of March 2025. Sundberg’s subscriber base spans major cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles, where the industries she covers are most vibrant. Her engaging content continues to attract a diverse audience, a testament to her ability to tap into current trends and issues.

Sundberg’s discipline is evident in her work ethic. She often draws inspiration from athletes, citing Kobe Bryant’s philosophy on dedication. This mindset underscores her approach to writing and content creation, emphasizing the importance of commitment and resilience in a competitive landscape.

As Sundberg reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the sacrifices made along the way. “It took a tremendous amount of work and sacrifices that aren’t always evident,” she admits. The dedication required to produce a daily newsletter often involves late nights and early mornings, confirming stories and seeking out the next big tip.

Despite these challenges, Sundberg remains passionate about her work. Her journey exemplifies how a creative idea can evolve into a successful enterprise, setting a new standard for independent media. “I started writing during COVID,” she recalls. “Most of my ideas came from my newsfeed. It was like the whole world was opening up every time I tapped my phone.”

Today, Sundberg is not only feeding an audience with her insights but also redefining what it means to be a creator in the digital age. Through wit, honesty, and a keen sense of the cultural zeitgeist, she continues to influence the conversation around business and creativity, inspiring a new generation of writers and media professionals.