From University Lab to Independent Lab Space: A Radiant Botanics Case Study
From UC Berkeley to a Dedicated Lab Space
Radiant Botanics, a plant-based science company transitioning out of UC Berkeley, needed to secure its first independent laboratory space. After initially considering several lab incubators, the company determined that a dedicated facility would provide greater control over its operations while creating a stronger foundation for future growth.
As a first-time lab tenant, Radiant Botanics also needed to navigate the complexities of the life science real estate market, from evaluating available lab space and understanding occupancy costs to negotiating lease terms and preparing for the responsibilities of operating an independent facility.
Labspace Directory worked with Radiant Botanics throughout the process, helping the company identify a lab that met its scientific, operational, and financial requirements and guiding the team from the initial search through lease negotiations and move-in.
The Challenge: Finding the Right First Lab
Radiant Botanics needed to secure a facility within a relatively short timeframe. The search focused on laboratory spaces under 5,000 square feet that could accommodate the company's immediate testing needs while providing room to support its next stage of growth. Key requirements included:
Existing laboratory infrastructure
Accompanying office space
Good natural light
An occupancy cost aligned with the company's budget
Flexibility to support future operational needs
Beyond identifying the right physical space, Radiant Botanics needed to quickly become familiar with the financial and operational considerations associated with leasing and occupying an independent laboratory.
Unlike an incubator environment, a dedicated lab lease can introduce responsibilities related to insurance, maintenance, utilities, infrastructure, permitted use, security deposits, operating expenses, and other occupancy costs. Understanding these obligations was an important part of evaluating each potential facility.
The Strategy: Navigating the Life Science Real Estate Market
Labspace Directory helped Radiant Botanics understand how laboratory properties are marketed and evaluated, including how rental rates and operating expenses are structured, how landlords assess prospective tenants, and how the business terms negotiated in a proposal ultimately carry through to the lease.
This allowed the company to evaluate opportunities based on more than asking rent alone. Lease term, security requirements, permitted use, infrastructure responsibilities, insurance, maintenance obligations, and future flexibility were considered alongside the suitability of the laboratory itself.
Labspace Directory represented Radiant Botanics in discussions with landlords and listing brokers, helping the team objectively compare opportunities, identify potential costs and risks, ask the right questions, and negotiate terms aligned with the company's operational and financial goals.
With our experienced tenant representation brokers managing the real estate process, the Radiant Botanics team could remain focused on its science while making informed decisions about its first dedicated facility.
The Solution: Securing a Dedicated Laboratory
After touring a focused selection of available laboratory properties, Radiant Botanics identified a space capable of supporting both its immediate testing requirements and longer-term objectives.
Labspace Directory submitted a proposal on the company's behalf and advised the team through proposal and lease negotiations. Throughout the process, the company received guidance on its available options, the financial implications of proposed terms, and the responsibilities it would assume as a first-time independent lab tenant.
Once the lease was completed, Labspace Directory continued assisting Radiant Botanics through the move-in process to help the company transition into the facility and begin operations. (See Related: Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for 10,000 SF Life Science & Lab Spaces with Buildout)
The Results: A New Platform for Growth
Within three months, Radiant Botanics completed its laboratory search, finalized its lease, and moved into its first independent lab. The new facility gave the company a dedicated hub where its team could conduct testing, establish independent operations, and build a platform for its next stage of growth.
For Radiant Botanics, the move represented more than securing additional space. It marked the transition from an academic environment into a dedicated laboratory designed to support the company's evolving scientific and business objectives.
Finding Your Company's First Lab Space?
Moving from an incubator, university, or shared laboratory into your first independent facility introduces a new set of real estate, financial, and operational considerations.
Labspace Directory helps life science and biotechnology companies identify available lab space, evaluate facilities, navigate lease negotiations, and make informed real estate decisions as they grow. Whether you're searching for your first dedicated laboratory or preparing for your next expansion, our team can help you develop a real estate strategy aligned with your scientific, operational, and financial goals. Connect with the Labspace Directory Team >