For fearless bio-innovators and cutting-edge startups, the journey from groundbreaking discovery to market-ready solution is often fraught with obstacles. One of the most daunting is securing suitable, affordable, and flexible laboratory space. At BADASS Labs, we’re not just offering benches and equipment; we’re redefining the very ecosystem of biotech innovation, proving that a zero-equity, founder-first approach can accelerate success.
The Crushing Reality for Biotech and Climate Tech Founders
You have the vision, the science, and the drive to change the world. But turning that vision into a reality hits a wall of practical challenges. Imagine spending months, even years, searching for lab space that won’t drain your precious seed funding. Traditional options often mean:
- **Exorbitant Costs:** Setting up a fully equipped wet lab can cost millions, a prohibitive barrier for early-stage companies.
- **Equity Dilution:** Many incubators demand a slice of your company, eroding your ownership before you even launch.
- **Limited Access & Flexibility:** Restrictive hours, outdated equipment, or rigid lease terms stifle rapid experimentation and growth.
- **Isolation:** The lone wolf approach rarely works in science. Without a supportive community, innovators struggle to find mentorship, collaboration, and shared wisdom.
Dr. David Kiewlich, BADASS Labs’ founder, experienced these exact pain points firsthand, spending 18 frustrating months trying to find suitable lab space for his own ventures. This deeply personal struggle fueled the creation of an incubator designed to eliminate these barriers.
BADASS Labs: Igniting Innovation Without Compromise
We are the anti-incubator incubator. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) on a mission to empower scientific rebels and accelerate breakthroughs for humanity. We believe your intellectual property and your equity are yours to keep. That’s why BADASS Labs operates on a fundamentally different model:
- **Zero Equity, No IP Claims:** We never take a dime of your equity or claim any rights to your intellectual property. Your success is your own.
- **World-Class Infrastructure, 24/7 Access:** Gain unrestricted, round-the-clock access to state-of-the-art wet labs, premium equipment, and office space that rivals top research institutions. We handle the maintenance, so you can focus on the science.
- **Flat-Fee, Friction-Free:** Our transparent, flat-fee pricing includes all support services. There are no hidden costs, no surprise charges. Just clear terms that allow you to budget and plan with confidence.
- **Stay as Long as You Need:** We don’t believe in forced graduation dates. Our flexible terms (3-month minimum) mean you can stay with us as long as it takes to achieve your milestones and scale successfully. “Succeed or learn, there is no fail” is our mantra.
- **Unparalleled Success Rates:** While the industry average for biotech startup success hovers around 10%, BADASS Labs members achieve an astounding 89-95% success rate. This isn’t luck; it’s the result of removing obstacles and fostering true innovation.
- **A Community That Lifts All Boats:** We’ve built a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration thrives. Our members have collectively raised over $900 million, a testament to the power of shared resources, mentorship, and a community dedicated to mutual growth.
From advanced cell therapies and AAV manufacturing to revolutionary climate tech like battery materials and carbon capture, our members are at the forefront of scientific discovery. We are proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, actively creating pathways for underrepresented communities in biotech, ensuring diverse perspectives drive future innovation.
Join the Revolution: Your Breakthrough Starts Here
BADASS Labs isn’t just a place to do science; it’s a launchpad for world-changing ideas. We remove the bureaucratic hurdles and financial burdens, so you can dedicate your energy to what truly matters: making scientific history.
Ready to join the ranks of fearless innovators? Discover how our shared lab space in Alameda can be the catalyst for your startup’s success. Whether you’re a pre-seed founder or scaling to Series B, we provide the infrastructure and support you need to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of companies does BADASS Labs support?
We support a wide range of early-stage biotech and climate tech startups, from pre-seed to Series B. This includes innovators in cell and gene therapy, oncology, AAV manufacturing, sustainable bio-manufacturing, battery materials, biofuels, carbon capture, and more. If you’re a scientific rebel with a disruptive vision, we’re here for you.
What does “zero equity, no IP claims” truly mean?
It means exactly what it says. Unlike many incubators, BADASS Labs does not ask for any ownership stake in your company, nor do we claim any rights to your intellectual property. Your breakthroughs and your company’s value remain entirely yours. Our mission as a nonprofit is to advance science for humanity, not to profit from your success.
How does the 24/7 unrestricted equipment access work?
Once you become a BADASS Labs member, you gain secure, round-the-clock access to our facilities and a comprehensive suite of world-class equipment. This flexibility allows you to conduct experiments on your schedule, optimizing your research timeline and accelerating your progress without waiting for limited operating hours or equipment availability.
What makes BADASS Labs different from other biotech incubators in the Bay Area?
Our nonprofit, zero-equity model is a significant differentiator. We prioritize founder success over financial gain. Combined with our 89-95% success rate, over $900M raised by members, 24/7 unrestricted access to cutting-edge equipment, flexible terms, and a deeply supportive community, BADASS Labs offers an unparalleled environment for biotech and climate tech startups to thrive.
Ready to join BADASS Labs? Schedule a tour of our Alameda facilities, connect with our community of fearless innovators, or apply for lab space today.