Financing Your Lab Expansion: How to Make the Most of Flexible Options

Scaling a biotech lab is a thrilling milestone—new experiments, bigger breakthroughs, maybe even a shiny new centrifuge. But the price tag? That can feel less exciting. Between equipment upgrades, space renovations, and compliance needs, costs pile up fast. How do you grow without breaking the bank?

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we’ve guided biotech startups and academic labs through expansions of all sizes. Our Jump Start Program offers discounts, flexible financing, and expert support to make lab growth manageable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through cost-saving measures and financing solutions—pulled from our Lab Checklist and Jump Start New Lab Guide—so you can expand with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Understand why lab expansion costs add up

Growth sounds great until you see the bill. New benches, advanced instruments, and safety upgrades all demand investment. Add in unpredictable expenses—like delays or regulatory surprises—and your budget can spiral.

Pro Tip: The Jump Start Lab Checklist includes a “Cost Forecasting Tool” to help you spot big-ticket items early. Knowledge is your first line of defense.

Step 2: Start with a scalable budget.

Budgeting for lab expansion isn’t just about cutting corners—it’s about planning for now and later. Break your needs into phases: must-haves today (e.g., a reliable incubator) versus nice-to-haves tomorrow (e.g., that high-end sequencer).

Storytime: We worked with a small biotech that needed to double their lab space post-Series B. By phasing their equipment purchases and tapping into Thermo Fisher’s flexible payment plans, they saved 20% upfront and scaled smoothly over 18 months. Today, they’re a leader in gene editing—all without a budget meltdown.

Step 3: Prioritize cost-saving equipment choices.

A cost-effective lab setup starts with smart picks. Opt for multi-use tools—like a centrifuge that handles multiple protocols—over niche gear. Refurbished or leased equipment can also slash costs without sacrificing quality.

The Jump Start New Lab Guide suggests starting with versatile essentials and building out as revenue grows. Bonus: Our Jump Start discounts make those essentials even more affordable. Curious? See how here.

Step 4: Explore flexible financing options.

Financing biotech labs doesn’t mean locking into rigid loans or draining your cash reserves. Look for leases, deferred payments, or subscription models that match your cash flow. These options let you access innovative tech now and pay as your lab scales.

At Thermo Fisher, we’ve seen startups thrive by pairing our financing solutions with Jump Start’s tailored discounts. It’s like having a financial safety net—built just for biotech.

Step 5: Leverage a partner like Jump Start.

Expanding a lab isn’t just about money—it’s about time and sanity, too. Chasing vendors, haggling over prices, and juggling timelines can derail your focus. That’s where the Jump Start Program shines.

Think of us as your single resource: discounted equipment, financing flexibility, and setup support, all in one. We’ve helped biotech startups and academic labs expand seamlessly—our experience becomes your advantage. Ready to save big? Join Jump Start today.

How Thermo Fisher makes expansion easier

Lab growth is a bold move, but it doesn’t have to be a budget buster. With decades of experience, Thermo Fisher knows how to stretch your dollars and simplify the process. Our Jump Start Lab Checklist and New Lab Guide are packed with cost-saving wisdom—and Jump Start brings it all to life with real support.

Explore more resources on our Jump Start Program hub, or take the next step and register now. Let’s make your lab expansion a win—for your science and your bottom line.

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