Re:The dual PhD problem of today’s startups
by Igelau on Wednesday August 19, 2020 @07:35PM
(#24218123)
We're kind of like Uber but instead of calling a car for yourself, you call a deadly pie for your enemies. Our drivers are incentivized by the rating system to operate with discretion that beats similar state-sanctioned programs. Launch flavors include Rhubarb, Almost Almond, and Death by Chocolate.
Re:The dual PhD problem of today’s startups
by Metacelsus on Wednesday August 19, 2020 @07:23PM
(#24218015)
>a company that demoed reconstituted mock vegan meringues that had residual trifluoroacetic acid in their demo day samples
Yikes! I've had some protein preps go wrong, but never this wrong!
Re:The dual PhD problem of today’s startups
by dnautics on Wednesday August 19, 2020 @07:39PM
(#24218166)
if you've ever done an hplc with triflouracetic acid, I promise you there's residual tfa in there, even after a round of lyophilization. Though typically I'm not putting HPLC preps in my mouth. The burney/tingley sensation on my tongue was unmistakable and very reminiscent of the residual feel you get after pipetting 100% TFA in the hood.
I strongly believe that this startup did not know that about TFA, but it's basic common knowledge if you're in a reputable protein biochemistry lab (and you're paying attention). When you're moving fast to show something for demo day, you're going to use whatever you have around to do your protein preps, because TFA is standard practice.
Anyways, if any VCs want a Burton Guster to super sniff questionable biotechs, I'd be happy to do a bit of consulting on the side.
Re:The dual PhD problem of today’s startups
by qchris on Thursday August 20, 2020 @01:14AM
(#24220113)
If anyone asks you to do this, please make renting a Blueberry a condition of your participation.
Re:The dual PhD problem of today’s startups
by InitialLastName on Thursday August 20, 2020 @09:16AM
(#24222879)
Not chemistry experienced, and a quick internet search isn't doing the trick, but is a "Blueberry" some kind of mass spectrometer? How much would something like that rent for, or is it more of a "if you have to ask" situation?
But also, who can blame them. I've seen really stupid companies come out of biotech incubators, including one that was peddling a genetically modified probiotic whose concoction as designed is known to be ineffective pharmacologically (and an equivalent reformulation strategy is not known in their host species), and a company that demoed reconstituted mock vegan meringues that had residual trifluoroacetic acid in their demo day samples. Vcs just don't know how to judge this shit, and it's much harder to pattern match details that require subtle knowledge than "Uber for X"