About Us

A logo of Gouldy the Finch, one of Solt DB's mascots.

We grew tired of the hype, so we gave tech bros the bird.

Solt DB is a biotech equities research firm. The finch helps investors understand the science behind their investments and helps scientists understand the business of biotech.

Founded as a public benefit company, Solt DB uses an engaging writing style and data visualizations to explain nerdy topics in the bioeconomy. We generate 100% of revenue from memberships to investment research. Our unique business model means you'll never be interrupted by ads, clickbait, or corporate sponsors – even if you never become a paying member. That also means the finch is fiercly independent. We routinely hold bad actors accountable with fair, objective reporting. We're not afraid to stake out new arguments that go against herd thinking. And we always stand up for the little guy.

Members have access to a comprehensive biotech investing approach spanning expert research, financial modeling, and portfolio frameworks. We demonstrate our approach with a long-term, real-money portfolio called Finch Trades. By transparently showing every transaction and position build out – and measuring the performance of every invested dollar against four passive investing benchmarks – members see how a successful biotech investing strategy can be implemented in the messy real world.

Solt DB is a biotech equities research firm and public benefit company.

2022
Platform Launch
Pittsburgh, PA
Location
100%
Independence
Solt DB graduated from Ascender, a Pittsburgh startup incubator, in 2024

See the bioeconomy more clearly.

We don't tell you about biotech. We show you.

Solt DB creates interactive data visualizations to discuss and analyze living technology in vivid detail. From individual company insights to broad trends across competitive landscapes, the finch helps you objectively understand the bioeconomy – even when trends don't match the headlines.

Click or hover these charts to view data labels.

Insights into today's trends, down to the cell.

Solt DB uses the same illustration tools as scientists publishing in the world's top journals -- a first in finance.

The combination of simple language and clear visuals allows investors of all backgrounds to more deeply understand the biotech stocks they own, while scientists can gain a better grasp of the business of biotech.

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.
Why Join?
Public Benefit
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