You have a vision. You are working on a life-changing solution that will change healthcare, transform sustainability, or create a whole new era of bio-innovation. However, getting that vision from concept to reality can be difficult and expensive, especially when it comes to securing the right lab space. Scientists and bio-innovators have long faced an antiquated system that creates obstacles and delays them from accessing their dream labs, whether it’s through asking for equity in exchange for lab access or just having to go through an arduous process to find lab space.
The Struggle of Finding Lab Space
Many biotech entrepreneurs find themselves in this predicament: they’ve spent months (even years) seeking lab space. Often, they’re forced to take out a loan, give up equity, or pay thousands of dollars for limited lab space and equipment access. This is the reality faced by Dr. David Kiewlich, a founder and former scientist at BADASS Labs. Dr. Kiewlich sought for lab space for 18 months and was forced to give up a portion of his company for equity or intellectual property ownership.
This is the system of today’s biotech labs, especially in California’s Bay Area. It limits who can innovate and grow science companies, especially those of color, who don’t have the privilege to give away equity or sell their IP in exchange for lab space. This stifles the development and growth of scientific breakthroughs and startups.
What BADASS Labs Offers
Here at BADASS Labs we have created a different way to innovate. We are the #1 nonprofit biotech incubator and we put our founders at the center of our business model. As a coworking lab with state-of-the-art biotech lab and climate lab spaces, we enable biotech and climate startups to build labs in a safe, collaborative, and community-driven environment.
The following features are what we think makes BADASS Labs unique in the industry:
We do not take equity in your company or ask for ownership of your intellectual property. We know how important this is to our entrepreneurs because we were in the same space and struggled for the same reason. Our mission is to empower innovation by creating a level playing field for all founders to thrive.
We have access to our labs and offices 24/7. We also have the same equipment and infrastructure as the world’s top research labs for wet labs. With our state-of-the-art wet lab and office spaces, you can have the resources you need, when you need it. We have locations in Alameda, California, Salt Lake City, and more.
We charge our members a flat fee for lab access. There is no hidden fees or surprise costs. With our flat fee structure and all included support services, our members know exactly what their budget needs to be, and we’re able to help guide them as they build a successful lab. There is no forced graduation timeline; our minimum contract is 3 months.
BADASS Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our mission is to advance science for humanity. By being a nonprofit, we’re able to offer affordable access to lab space to our member organizations and individuals without the constraints of profitability. Our success is measured by the successes and failures of our founder members. We’re committed to lifting all boats; it’s the foundation of the collaborative, inclusive environment we’ve created. And we actively support diversity, making sure our members include people of color and LGBTQIA+ scientists. Our success speaks for itself. While 10% is typical for startups, 89-95% of BADASS Labs companies succeed. BADASS Labs scientists have raised over $900M, working in biotech, cell therapies, gene therapy, oncology, AAV manufacturing, climate tech (battery materials, biofuels, carbon capture), and sustainable bio-manufacturing. We provide more than lab space. We provide an environment where scientific rigor and entrepreneurial spirit meet. We encourage you to try and succeed or try and learn – in BADASS Labs, there is no fail.
Frequently Asked Questions About BADASS Labs
- How is BADASS Labs different from other incubators? BADASS Labs is not only a nonprofit but, unlike the majority of incubators, doesn’t claim an equity stake in your company and never makes claims on your IP. We offer 24/7 unrestricted access to a world-class, fully equipped wet lab environment, because there is nothing else like it in the Bay Area. We want to be solely focused on your success as a scientist, researcher, and entrepreneur without worrying about the cost of equipment or taking up equity.
- What kind of companies does BADASS Labs support? We support pre-seed to Series B early-stage biotech founders, scientists exploring entrepreneurship, and climate tech/sustainability innovators who might want to leverage their scientific work in these areas. Our community includes companies working on cell and gene therapies, oncology, AAV manufacturing, battery materials, biofuels, carbon capture, and sustainable bio-manufacturing.
- What does “24/7 unrestricted access” truly mean? It means exactly that – when you join BADASS Labs, you will have 24/7 unrestricted access to your own lab and our suite of equipment. We know that great scientific and bio-discovery work doesn’t always happen during traditional business hours.
- What are the financial terms for joining BADASS Labs? We operate on a flat-fee basis, with no hidden fees or variable pricing. This fee gives you access to all our labs, our equipment, and support. We require a minimum 3-month commitment to our program but there’s no forced graduation; you can join our community of scientists and stay as long as it takes to accomplish your mission.
- How does BADASS Labs support diversity and inclusion? We support diverse communities of people, including people of color and LGBTQIA+ scientists. We strive to make sure there is always a pathway to participation and support for our diverse communities in biotech.
Are you ready to disrupt your industry? Don’t let your access to lab infrastructure limit your innovation or hold you back. Join a community of scientific rebels and bio-disruptors who are accelerating their science and changing the world, and become a part of BADASS Labs today. Contact us to schedule a tour of our Alameda facilities, meet our community of scientists, and apply to take advantage of our labs and our support.