June, 2022 | Monthly Newsletter
Hello and good morning (to the west coasters). Our June newsletter covers a wide range of topics that include:
Startup Resources:
Consumables Resources:
Leasing Resources:
Company Reviews:
We'll be back again next month with our latest content. As always, Let us know if there's anything we can improve or include.
Articles, Blog Posts, & Resources
It is hard to underestimate the value of a properly created employment agreement, also referred to as an employment contract.
When done correctly, this binding agreement establishes an employment relationship between employer and employee. It clearly outlines if an employee is working at will, as well as what their benefits, responsibilities, schedule, wages, and employment length of time are.
When done incorrectly, there is an increased chance of disgruntled employees and former employees taking legal action against you. Due to the costliness of not getting it right, having a trusted legal professional help you create your employment agreements and provide legal advice is key...
Stock option grants are an excellent way to strengthen your employee compensation package. However, they are also a tricky legal topic that can be extremely costly to get wrong.
In many areas, a business doesn’t need to be incredibly strict or airtight, but when it comes to human resources, legal issues, accounting, and finance, there are few margins for error...
In the worst case scenario, being fired is shocking, distressing, and hurtful. In the best case scenario, it’s a relief. However, more often than not, the experience is an emotional one. This mix of intense emotions makes firing someone difficult and awkward.
But, it’s something startup founders and small business owners might have to do at some point in their career. Learning how and when to let an employee go can make potentially challenging or awkward situations go over more smoothly, for both you and the employee...
In the early days of a startup, board meetings can seem somewhat unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but they are incredibly important and can be extremely beneficial if run properly.
The primary purpose of a board meeting is to provide well-rounded corporate governance. The board drives the direction of the company, is in charge of a wide range of responsibilities in terms of guiding the company, and sets the strategic plans for your business...
Coomassie Brilliant Blue is a family of dyes?that are routinely used in labs for protein staining protocols, performed after SDS-PAGE or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The staining chemistry of these protein dyes is based on their binding with the protein and the matrix.?
The?dye forms a complex with the basic amino acid residue of the proteins, including arginine, histidine, tyrosine, and lysine for their visualization. This binding imparts overall negative charges to the proteins and facilitates their separation from SDS-PAGE gels based on their molecular weight...
Protein A resin?is a high-affinity chromatography medium. It’s used for the one-step purification of monoclonal antibody products (mAb) and immunoglobulins from a cell culture media.
Protein A is a?49 kDa protein encoded by the?spa?gene. Originally, it was found as a type 1 membrane protein in the cell wall of the bacteria?Staphylococcus aureus, where it’s regulated by cellular osmolarity, cellular topology, and a two-component system called ArlS-ArlR...
Ion exchange resins are insoluble polymers formed by cross-linking of polystyrenes with different functional groups, which act as a medium for ion exchange reactions.?
The resin matrix contains ion-exchange sites, where the functional groups of positively or negatively charged ions are affixed to form a polymer network.
?This built network has the potential to attract the ions of opposite charges and facilitate the ion exchange process...
Monoclonal antibodies?are proteins developed in labs from the clone of a single B-cell. They possess an affinity for a specific antigen and are produced in large quantities to treat severe disease conditions, such as cancer.?
?The antibodies bind to the target locations, like antigens present on the surface of cancer cells, and initiate an immune response to protect you in a high-risk disease condition...
Is it Smarter to Buy Used or Lease? The equipment that powers the life sciences industry is, more often than not, extremely expensive.
?That’s why many scientists often rely on buying used when money is tight and a laboratory is just starting out. Buying used laboratory equipment can be the best way to acquire equipment in a cost-effective way. However, it’s not your only option. And, when you consider the downsides, it might actually make your life harder...
The main difference between a short-term and long-term rental is the length of time you rent the equipment for.?
?Short-term rentals typically last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to several months. But, they rarely go beyond a year. That’s because short-term rental agreements over an extended period of time are not very cost-effective.
?Long-term rentals, on the other hand, last much longer—anywhere from one to five years (or longer), and are generally more affordable to finance because of the way costs are spread out...
Are you interested in buying refurbished lab equipment? While buying refurbished is an excellent option for laboratories working on a budget, its possible to lease the equipment as well, making instrument acquisition even more cost-effective. So before you think about buying refurbished, consider leasing refurbished laboratory equipment instead.
?When we talk about refurbished lab equipment, we’re talking about any type of used lab instrument or system that has been reconditioned to meet the manufacturer’s specifications...
Starting a life sciences or biotechnology lab requires using your money wisely.?From hiring staff with expertise in your scientific area of focus to procuring?high-throughput equipment?and establishing other facilities, there are many costs you will incur.
?To make sure your limited budget lasts, it’s essential to consider all the ways in which you can be more cost-effective, specifically when acquiring key laboratory equipment...
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)?is a global venture capital firm serving customers in the US for the last 40 years.?Since its inception, in 1997,?NEA has grown in both presence and network. Its headquarters are located on Sand Hill Road in sunny Menlo Park, CA and is spread across three additional offices in San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC.
?With an exceptional network of resources and expertise comprising business leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs, and potential partners, NEA has scaled to $24 billion in four decades...
Danaher, a Fortune 500 company with $29.5 billion in revenue, is an American firm of 29 companies that specialize in science and technology innovations.
?Danaher mostly deals in finding solutions to complex problems in life science, diagnostics, water quality, and product identification. Globally, it is developing leading-edge diagnostic tools, conducting life-saving scientific research, and protecting global food and water supplies.?
The name of the Danaher Corporation is inspired by a swift-flowing river in western Montana representing a nimble mindset and rapid flowing innovation. It was established as a manufacturing company by 2 founders–Steven M. Rales and Mitchell Rales in 1984...