Public Benefit

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Solt DB was built for people, not algorithms.

Many digital media platforms are optimized for engagement algorithms, not nuanced discussions with real people. That's a great way to both ruin public trust and feed technological hype and fears, especially in living technology.

Solt DB was built from the ground up to align our incentives with the public interest and the stewardship of the information commons. We're legally structured to pursue purpose through public benefit, not just profits.

For example, we don't monetize our public content. That allows us to think clearly about the bioeconomy without external influences and hold companies and executives accountable. Our unique business model means you'll never be interrupted by ads, clickbait, or corporate sponsors. Aren't nerds bullied enough?

Solt DB is a public benefit company.

No
ads, sponsors, or cheerleading
100%
transparent investments (members only)
Free
high-quality content

Human intelligence to overcome a noisy internet.

Solt DB doesn't use artificial intelligence for any part of its work or website. The finch is powered by human expertise, creativity, and relationships.
Primary sources only. Our research and public content relies solely on trusted primary sources. We read them with our eyeballs.
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Attribution. Whether using an emerging artist's photo (with permission) or relying on external datasets, we give credit where it's due.
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No AI slop. The writing process forces us to structure thoughts and understand the topic at hand. Why would we give that up to thinkless machines?
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No vibe-coding. Our website isn't perfect, but it's unique. We improve it over time by understanding best practices and optimizing the user experience.

Supporting local biotech entrepreneurism.

Solt DB supports Nucleate Pittsburgh, a student-led organization that helps emerging scientists explore career and entrepreneurship opportunities in the bioeconomy.

Speaking truth to power since 2014.

Most tech and financial media platforms today have become drivers of technological hype, rather than referees on greedy business culture and the general lack of corporate governance. Our founder's hype-busting track record includes critical reporting of:
A logo of industrial biotech company Solazyme.
Solazyme's manufacturing miscues (2014), which weren't transparently communicated to investors. A careful analysis of the company's bioprocess metrics and downstream processing hurdles shed light on the problems. The company pivoted multiple times, changed its name to TerraVia, and eventually declared bankruptcy.
A logo of biotech conglomerate company Intrexon.
Intrexon's financial irregularities (2016), which were detailed in regulatory filings and tips from high-level employees. The company sent our founder a cease and desist letter in an attempt to stop his work. Shortly after an investigation from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Intrexon restructured into separate entities. The cease and desist is framed in our office.
A logo of industrial biotech company Amyris.
Amyris' chronic mismanagement (2018+) and destruction of shareholder value. The synthetic biology pioneer underdelivered on financial targets for nearly a decade, abused partnerships, and misused Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans intended for small businesses. An article from Solt DB in late 2022 preceded the removal of the longtime CEO, bankruptcy, and delisting from the Nasdaq.
A logo of contract research organization Ginkgo Bioworks.
Ginkgo Bioworks' low foundry success rate (2022), which was discovered through a routine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. A document revealed the company had only commercialized three of over 21 flavor and fragrance ingredients from 2016 through 2022, which helps to explain the pivot toward pharma. An article from Solt DB in late 2022 detailed the findings.

Our values are non-negotiable.

Accountability and competence are simple concepts. When companies, founders, and executives throw tantrums over being held accountable, the finch stands firm with the little guy. Like the bioeconomy workers who pay the consequences of poor executive decisions.

Avoiding Big Tech when possible.

Data security and user privacy aren't afterthoughts around here. For example, our data analytics anonymize all site visitors (it's creepy otherwise), while public content can be enjoyed without giving us your email address or being tracked by ads.
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