Raising a Series A is a major milestone. It means your science has promise, your team has traction, and your investors believe you can scale. But it also marks the beginning of a new kind of pressure: operational scale, team growth, and proof that your platform or pipeline can deliver.
For many Series A biotechs, one of the first big moves is building out internal infrastructure—especially the lab. And while it’s tempting to go all in, scaling smart means staying focused, preserving flexibility, and continuing to deploy capital where it has the most impact.
This post explores how leasing lab equipment can help Series A biotechs scale intentionally—by reducing upfront costs, accelerating setup, and giving teams the tools they need to move fast without overcommitting.
The Challenge of Scaling After Series A
Growth brings new pressure—and new complexity
Once a biotech startup raises its Series A, the expectations change. You’re no longer just proving the science—you’re expected to operationalize it. That usually means:
- Expanding R&D programs
- Hiring additional scientists and operational staff
- Bringing more work in-house
- Building out your own lab space
- Preparing for preclinical or early clinical development
All of this requires time, space, and—most of all—equipment.
But here's the challenge: your Series A round might feel big, but it's still finite. Between hiring, rent, insurance, and consumables, capital disappears quickly. If you spend too much on upfront equipment purchases, you risk limiting your ability to scale or extend runway when timelines shift.
At the same time, you can’t afford delays. You need to generate data, validate your approach, and move toward the next milestone—whether that’s IND-enabling studies, licensing discussions, or preparing for Series B.
This is where smart infrastructure decisions make all the difference.
Why Leasing Makes Strategic Sense
Scale your lab without overspending
At the Series A stage, the goal isn’t just to build infrastructure—it’s to build strategic infrastructure. You need the tools and systems to support your science, but you also need to preserve capital for the unexpected: new programs, extended timelines, regulatory shifts, or evolving team needs.
Leasing lab equipment helps you strike that balance.
Instead of spending hundreds of thousands—or even millions—on upfront equipment purchases, leasing allows you to pay monthly. This approach shifts equipment from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operating expense (OpEx), preserving cash while still giving your team access to the tools they need.
Leasing also supports strategic flexibility:
- You can scale your setup gradually as programs mature
- You can upgrade or swap instrumentation as your needs evolve
- You avoid the risk of overbuilding too early and tying up valuable space
In a Series A environment, where burn rate, runway, and key metrics are constantly under scrutiny, leasing offers a way to invest in growth without compromising financial discipline.
Accelerate Setup and Execution
Don’t let procurement slow your science down
Building a new lab—or expanding an existing one—can take months. Between real estate negotiations, equipment procurement, delivery timelines, and validation protocols, the process often moves slower than the science demands.
Leasing helps remove one of the biggest bottlenecks: waiting on capital approvals or long procurement cycles. Instead of delaying purchases until budget clears or equipment ships, leasing lets you get what you need upfront and spread the cost over time.
For Series A biotechs, this means:
- Getting your lab operational faster
- Starting experiments sooner
- Staying on track for preclinical, regulatory, or investor-driven milestones
In an industry where speed to data = speed to value, time saved is real strategic advantage. Leasing also simplifies vendor management. Many leasing companies—like Excedr—act as equipment procurement partners, sourcing from multiple providers and handling logistics, financing, and coordination for you.
That means fewer delays, fewer administrative headaches, and more time spent on the work that moves your programs forward.
Some Common FAQs
What equipment can biotech startups lease?
Biotech companies can lease nearly any lab instrument—centrifuges, freezers, biosafety cabinets, HPLC systems, incubators, microscopes, and more.
How long is a typical lease term?
It depends. Lease agreements can be short- or long-term. Short-term leases are typically 12 months or less, while long-term leases are usually 2–5 years. Biotech startups should opt for term lengths that align with R&D or fundraising timelines, giving flexibility to upgrade or adjust equipment as needs change.
Are lease payments tax‑deductible?
Yes, leases structured as operating leases let you treat payments as operating expenses (OpEx), reducing taxable income—though you should consult your tax advisor for your specific case.
What happens at the end of a lease?
You typically have the option to renew at a discounted rate, return the equipment, or purchase it at fair market value or a nominal buy‑out price. Some leases also allow an upgrade or swap.
Can I lease used or refurbished instruments?
Yes—many leasing providers offer both new and certified pre‑owned lab instruments. This can help startups reduce costs while still accessing reliable scientific.
How quickly can I get equipment after signing?
Once your lease is approved—often within a few days—equipment can be sourced and delivered quickly. Many providers coordinate sourcing, vendor logistics, and setup on your behalf, reducing downtime.
Is leasing a liability on the balance sheet?
Under the ASC 842 accounting standard, many operating leases now appear on the balance sheet. However, they’re still treated differently than debt, and the structure often provides more flexibility than taking on a loan or capital purchase.
Final Thought
Build with intent—and keep momentum
At the Series A stage, it’s easy to equate growth with ownership. But building a lab isn’t about having everything on hand—it’s about having the right tools at the right time, without compromising your ability to pivot, hire, or invest in the next step forward.
Leasing lab equipment gives Series A biotechs the ability to:
- Scale infrastructure intentionally, not impulsively
- Reduce capital pressure while still equipping the team
- Accelerate setup and keep experiments—and milestones—on track
- Preserve optionality for future growth, relocation, or restructuring
Most importantly, leasing creates space for smarter decisions. Instead of reacting to infrastructure demands with expensive purchases, you can align your equipment strategy with your scientific and business goals.
When you scale with focus and flexibility, you stay in control—and stay ahead.
Scaling your biotech after a Series A? Don’t burn through capital on expensive equipment purchases. Excedr helps life sciences companies build operational infrastructure without tying up cash.
With Excedr, you can:
- Lease lab equipment with custom terms that match your R&D timelines
- Reduce CapEx and preserve runway for hiring, research, and regulatory work
- Access cutting-edge instrumentation from top providers
- Launch your lab faster—with less administrative overhead
Our team helps Series A startups outfit their space with the tools they need—strategically, cost-effectively, and on schedule.