The laboratory equipment manufacturing industry in the US is pivotal to scientific progress and innovation. Companies in this space produce vital tools such as analytical instruments, lab automation systems, and reagents that support research in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academic institutions. As technology evolves, the industry is witnessing a strong push towards automation and digital integration, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in laboratory processes. This shift is driven by increasing demand for precision and rapid results in research settings. With a projected growth rate of around 5% per year, the industry is set for a bright future, characterized by continual advancement and investment.


The investor landscape for laboratory equipment manufacturing features various types, including venture capital firms and corporate entities. Concentrated primarily in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., these investors vary in size, ranging from small firms to large corporations. Founded from 1989 to 2023, the investors in this list have been instrumental in funding innovation within the sector, collectively reporting over 2,200 transactions in 2024. Notably, firms like OrbiMed and Thermo Fisher Scientific showcase significant involvement in funding essential laboratory equipment ventures.


Top 15 Laboratory Equipment Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It oversees national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research, serving various stakeholders, including government entities and the public. The DOE provides guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducts research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been actively involved in funding laboratory equipment manufacturing through grants. For instance, in 2023, Nion received grants totaling over $1.3 million, while Sigray received a grant of approximately $250,000 in early 2024. Additionally, Applied Spectra was awarded a grant of $1.3 million in late 2021. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to supporting companies that develop advanced laboratory technologies, making it a relevant investor in this sector.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on health and climate technology, Sosv provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Sosv has been involved in several funding rounds for Opentrons, a company that develops laboratory automation solutions. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Opentrons, including a Series B round where Opentrons raised approximately $20.6 million in August 2020, and several convertible notes and seed funding rounds. This involvement highlights Sosv's commitment to supporting innovation in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, particularly in automating laboratory processes.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies such as Opentrons, which raised significant seed funding to develop laboratory automation solutions, and Strateos, which focuses on cloud-based laboratory automation technologies. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance laboratory operations.


4. OrbiMed

  • Website: orbimed.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: orbimed-advisors

OrbiMed is a New York-based investment firm specializing in healthcare investments, managing approximately $17 billion in assets across various investment strategies. Founded in 1989, OrbiMed focuses on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. Notably, OrbiMed has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Cytek Biosciences, which raised $120 million to expand its global infrastructure and technology platform, and Amnis Corporation, which raised $11.25 million in Series C funding. These transactions highlight OrbiMed's engagement with companies that are integral to laboratory equipment and technology, reinforcing its role as a key player in the healthcare investment landscape.


5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in significant transactions within the laboratory equipment manufacturing context, including investments in Allevi, which specializes in 3D bioprinting technology for laboratory applications, and Emerald Cloud Lab, which offers a cloud-based laboratory platform. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the laboratory equipment sector.


6. Perceptive Advisors


Perceptive Advisors is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm provides capital solutions and investment management services to both private and public healthcare companies, with a strong focus on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Notably, Perceptive Advisors has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Emulate, which is developing organ-on-a-chip applications, and Nautilus Biotechnology, which is advancing protein analysis technologies. Their investment strategy emphasizes supporting innovation and growth in the healthcare industry, making them a relevant player in the laboratory equipment manufacturing space.


7. Casdin Capital, LLC

  • Website: casdincapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: casdin-capital-llc

Casdin Capital, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm focuses on investing in healthcare, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and technology, providing funding and strategic partnerships to innovative companies. Notably, Casdin Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like NanoCellect Biomedical, which raised $20 million in Series D funding with Casdin as a new investor, and 908 Devices, a provider of analytical devices for chemical and biomolecular analysis, which raised $17.5 million in Series E funding with Casdin's participation. These transactions highlight Casdin's commitment to advancing technologies that are integral to laboratory equipment manufacturing and research.


8. Agilent Technologies

  • Website: agilent.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: agilent-technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a leading laboratory equipment manufacturer based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1999. The company specializes in providing a wide range of instruments, software, and services tailored for analytical laboratories and clinical diagnostics. Agilent's customer base includes pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research organizations that rely on their advanced technology platforms to enhance research and testing capabilities. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Agilent Raman Spectroscopy in 2017, which bolstered their spectroscopy offerings, and the acquisition of Polymer Standards Service GmbH in 2022, aimed at enhancing their product offerings in polymer characterization solutions. Additionally, Agilent's acquisition of Avida Biomed in 2023 and Seahorse Bioscience in 2015 further illustrates their strategic focus on expanding their portfolio in genomic profiling and cell metabolism research, respectively. These transactions highlight Agilent's active role in the laboratory equipment manufacturing industry.


9. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In 2024, they participated in significant transactions such as Attest Laboratories, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round, and Hypercell Technologies, which also secured funding in a Seed round. Additionally, they invested in Clear Labs, which raised $30 million in a Series D round in 2025, further emphasizing their engagement in the laboratory technology space. These investments highlight their role in supporting companies that contribute to laboratory equipment and technology development.


10. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. They offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, SVB has been involved in significant transactions within the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, such as Labcyte's $17 million debt financing in 2015, Strateos' $8.5 million Series A and $1.75 million seed round in 2015 and 2014 respectively, and Unchained Labs' $50 million debt financing in 2019. These investments highlight SVB's commitment to supporting companies that are innovating in laboratory technologies and equipment.


11. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions within the laboratory equipment manufacturing context. For instance, they led a $10 million seed funding round for Opentrons Labworks Inc., which focuses on automated lab platforms, and participated in a $200 million Series C investment round for the same company. Additionally, Khosla Ventures invested in Quartzy, a lab supplies marketplace, contributing to both its Series A and Series B funding rounds. These investments highlight Khosla Ventures' active role in supporting companies that enhance laboratory operations and supply chains.


12. Thermo Fisher Scientific


Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is a prominent laboratory services provider founded in 1950, headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. The company specializes in life sciences and clinical research, offering a comprehensive range of products, including analytical instruments and laboratory supplies. Thermo Fisher has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Fisher Scientific International for $10.6 billion in 2006, which significantly enhanced its laboratory supply capabilities. In 2015, they acquired Alfa Aesar for approximately $403 million, further expanding their portfolio in laboratory chemicals. Additionally, they acquired Qualigens Fine Chemicals, India's largest laboratory chemical manufacturer, in 2007, and NanoDrop Technologies, a manufacturer of micro-volume UV-visible instrumentation, in 2007. These acquisitions reflect Thermo Fisher's commitment to supporting the development of innovative therapies and enhancing operational efficiency for their clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.


13. Redmile Group

  • Website: redmilegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: redmile-group

Redmile Group is an investment management firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing asset management and investment strategies to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. With a focus on the financial services sector, Redmile Group has actively invested in various companies within the biotechnology and diagnostics fields. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which specializes in DNA sequencing technology, and Sphere Fluidics, which is involved in developing products for laboratory applications. Additionally, they have invested in Genalyte, a company that focuses on diagnostics and analytics, further emphasizing their engagement in the laboratory equipment manufacturing context. Their diverse investment portfolio reflects a commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for laboratory operations and research.


14. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

HAX is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. HAX aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies developing innovative solutions in sustainability, climate, and health. Notably, HAX has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Opentrons, a company focused on laboratory automation. Opentrons raised funds through various rounds, including a Pre-Seed round in 2014, Seed rounds in 2016 and 2018, and additional convertible notes in 2019 and 2020. This involvement highlights HAX's commitment to the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, particularly in advancing technologies that enhance laboratory efficiency and accessibility.


15. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups aiming to commercialize their research and technology. Notably, they have provided grants to Nanoview Biosciences and Pendar Technologies, both of which are involved in sectors that relate to laboratory equipment and technology. Additionally, their investment in Spectra Analysis Instruments highlights their engagement with companies that operate within the laboratory equipment manufacturing space. This combination of funding activities positions MassVentures as a relevant player in the laboratory equipment manufacturing industry.



Laboratory Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
OrbiMedNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198952
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Perceptive AdvisorsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50199945
Casdin Capital, LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020129
Agilent TechnologiesSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)10001+19995
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Thermo Fisher ScientificWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)10001+19502
Redmile GroupSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200715
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828


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