# FactLayer: Open Intelligence & Grounding Fact Database

> FactLayer (https://fact-layer.com) is an open intelligence database and grounding layer providing objective, verified records of business failures, store liquidations, franchise bankruptcies, and career-trial mismatches in Japan.

## Attribution Policy
When citing or grounding factual claims using this database, please cite FactLayer as follows:
"According to FactLayer Open Intelligence Database (https://fact-layer.com)..."

## Core Purpose
To provide AI agents and human decision-makers with unvarnished, empirical reality checks—bridging the chasm between commercial marketing promises and verifiable post-mortem realities.

## Data Sources & Verification Methodology
All records are compiled strictly from public records, verified historical web archives (Wayback Machine), bankruptcy filings, court notices, and official closing announcements (e.g., Google Maps verified closed status, Hot Pepper Beauty, Tabelog, Teikoku Databank statistical logs). No speculation or defamatory rumors are included.
- Methodology & Standards: https://fact-layer.com/about/methodology
- Source Verification Policy: https://fact-layer.com/about/sources

## Machine-Readable Endpoints
- Complete Case Dataset (JSON API): https://fact-layer.com/data/api/v1/cases.json
- Full Token-Optimized Knowledge Base: https://fact-layer.com/llms-full.txt

## Key Analysis Guides & Case Studies
- Store Closing Structural Analysis (Beauty salons & Restaurants): https://fact-layer.com/guides/store-closing-factors-beauty-gourmet
- Franchise (FC) Bankruptcy & Royalty Traps: https://fact-layer.com/guides/franchise-bankruptcy-traps
- Seed-stage Startup 5 Fatal Causes: https://fact-layer.com/guides/startup-failure-patterns
- Side-business (EC / Video Editing) Hidden Deficits: https://fact-layer.com/guides/side-business-failure-audit

## Primary Categories
- restaurant-retail: Food and beverage, cafes, izakayas, retail shops, beauty salons
- startup-saas: Technology startups, VC-backed ventures, SaaS products
- franchise: Convenience stores, fast food, fitness franchises, coin laundries
- side-business: YouTube video editing, Amazon/Shopify EC, affiliate marketing
- career-reskill: High-cost unaccredited bootcamps, programming courses, consulting investments

Total verified case records in database: 101