Once a biotech startup advances from exploratory science into preclinical development, everything changes. The pressure mounts—not just to generate data, but to do it quickly, consistently, and under tighter scientific and regulatory standards.
Suddenly, the lab you set up during your seed or Series A phase might not be enough. You need higher throughput, better instrumentation, and infrastructure that supports repeatable, defensible work. But buying everything outright? That’s rarely the smartest move.
In this post, we’ll explore how leasing can help preclinical biotechs scale lab capacity, stay nimble, and meet rising quality and compliance demands—without tying up capital or slowing momentum.
Why the Preclinical Stage Changes Everything
Pressure to move fast—and get it right
By the time a biotech startup reaches the preclinical stage, the stakes are significantly higher. Investors expect progress toward the clinic. Potential partners want clean, validated data. And internal teams are shifting from exploration to execution.
This is where the demands on your lab infrastructure really start to change. Instead of just generating early signals, you now need to:
- Produce high-quality, reproducible data
- Support multiple programs or modalities in parallel
- Meet emerging standards for validation and compliance
- Accelerate timelines to reach IND or partnership-readiness
These demands introduce new operational complexity. You may need to expand beyond a shared incubator or optimize the footprint in your current lab space. You may need to bring specialized workflows—like sequencing, chromatography, or automated sample prep—in-house to control quality and timing.
And critically, you’ll need access to state-of-the-art lab equipment to do all of that well. But equipping a full preclinical lab can involve hundreds of thousands in capital expenditures—an upfront cost that can limit flexibility and delay action when speed matters most. But equipping a full preclinical lab can involve hundreds of thousands in capital expenditures—an upfront cost that can limit flexibility and delay action when speed matters most.
And while it might feel like the right time to invest heavily in infrastructure, acquiring too much equipment—or overbuilding too early—can actually increase your risk.
The Risk of Overbuilding Too Soon
Capital efficiency matters more than ever
As biotech companies enter preclinical development, there’s often a rush to scale up quickly—more lab space, more headcount, more equipment. It’s a natural response to new expectations from venture capital investors and future pharma partners. But growing too fast—or too rigidly—can create long-term friction.
Buying large quantities of lab equipment upfront might seem like a way to gain control and efficiency. But it often leads to:
- Underutilized instrumentation that sits idle between experiments
- Locked-in workflows that can’t adapt to changing programs
- Limited cash flow for hiring, CRO work, or expanded research initiatives
It’s not just about cost—it’s about control. Overspending on fixed infrastructure can box you into decisions that are hard to undo, especially if your programs pivot, partnerships shift, or timelines stretch unexpectedly.
At the preclinical stage, it’s rarely clear which piece of the platform will win out. That’s why operational flexibility—paired with speed—is more important than ever.
Leasing helps avoid overbuilding by allowing you to scale in phases. You can equip your lab to meet immediate R&D needs while keeping capital in reserve for whatever comes next—whether that’s expanding to a second site, adding automation, or transitioning to early clinical trials.
Preserve Flexibility for What’s Next
Adapt to program shifts without losing momentum
In preclinical biotech, change is a constant. You might expand a program faster than expected, pivot away from a modality, or bring new capabilities in-house as part of a partnership or IP strategy. What looks essential today might be obsolete—or inadequate—six months from now.
That’s why the ability to adapt your lab setup is critical. Leasing enables that flexibility.
When you lease, you’re not locked into fixed assets or rigid timelines. If a program ends early, you’re not stuck with unused equipment. If you shift focus or scale up, you can:
- Upgrade instrumentation mid-lease
- Add capacity across multiple lab sites or office spaces
- Return or replace tools you no longer need
It’s an operational model that supports scientific agility—and it’s especially valuable as you approach inflection points like IND-enabling studies, licensing discussions, or moving into clinical trials.
Think of leasing as a tool not just for acquiring equipment, but for de-risking decisions in a stage marked by evolving needs, compressed timelines, and rising investor scrutiny.
Some FAQs
What types of lab equipment do preclinical biotechs lease?
Commonly leased equipment includes sequencing platforms, chromatography systems, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, incubators, and automation tools. Leasing gives you access to the specialized tools you need to scale internal R&D.
How does leasing improve capital efficiency?
Leasing turns large equipment purchases into manageable monthly payments. This reduces capital expenditures (CapEx), preserves cash, and improves financial flexibility—especially valuable for companies heading into clinical development or fundraising.
Can I lease equipment just for one program?
Yes. Leasing works well for time-bound needs—such as IND-enabling studies or biomarker discovery. You can lease equipment aligned to specific project timelines, then return or upgrade it as your focus shifts.
What happens if our priorities change mid-lease?
Many leasing agreements allow for flexibility. You may be able to upgrade, return, or swap out leased equipment depending on the terms. This is especially helpful if your programs pivot or your lab space changes.
Do leasing companies help with sourcing equipment?
Yes. Excedr and other life sciences-focused providers can handle sourcing, vendor coordination, and equipment delivery—saving your ops and lab teams significant time.
Is leasing better than renting or buying used?
It depends on your stage and goals. Leasing often provides higher-quality equipment than rentals and avoids the risks of owning used gear with limited support. It also comes with better financial structure and flexibility than a full cash purchase.
How quickly can leased equipment be delivered?
Depending on availability and vendor lead times, leased equipment can often be delivered within weeks. Excedr works with you to expedite procurement and reduce build-out delays.
Final Thought
Strategic leasing powers smarter scale
At the preclinical stage, you’re not just doing more science—you’re laying the groundwork for the future of your company. That means every operational decision carries more weight. Build too slowly, and you risk falling behind. Build too rigidly, and you limit your ability to adapt when things change—as they inevitably will.
Leasing lab equipment gives preclinical biotechs a way to scale intentionally:
- You get the tools you need, when you need them
- You preserve capital for research, hiring, or external partnerships
- You create room to adjust workflows as your science—and your team—evolves
In a capital-intensive industry where financial flexibility, operational agility, and execution speed are all competitive advantages, equipment leasing helps you deliver on all three. When you approach scale with precision, you don’t just grow—you optimize for what’s next.
Ready to scale your lab without locking up capital? Excedr helps preclinical biotechs access state-of-the-art lab equipment through flexible leasing options.
So you can expand your R&D, stay on timeline, and preserve cash for what matters most. Our team works with early-stage and growth-stage biotech companies to build labs that are agile, cost-effective, and built to perform.