Explora Biolabs Holdings, Inc.

Explora Biolabs Holdings, Inc. is a specialized provider of vivarium rental facilities and management services, enabling research institutions to access tailored animal research environments and expertise. Founded in 2004 in San Diego, US, Explora BioLabs focuses on providing vivarium solutions. In April 2022, the company was acquired by Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

for USD 295 mn, enhancing Charles River's operations in Southern California, San Francisco, and Boston-Cambridge. CEO Nathaniel Paige leads the firm, which has become a key player in the vivarium service sector. Explora BioLabs, now part of Charles River, specializes in turnkey vivarium rental facilities and comprehensive vivarium management services. Their core offerings include CRADL® rentable vivarium labs, which range from a few cages to complete private rooms, staffed to meet specific research needs.

The company also provides staffing solutions and training programs for veterinarians, scientists, and lab technicians, serving clients across North America and Europe, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and academic institutions engaged in animal research. Explora BioLabs operates on a business-to-business model, primarily generating revenue through service agreements and rental contracts. Clients utilize vivarium space and staff under subscription-like agreements for ongoing management services. Pricing is structured around tiered models reflecting the complexity of vivarium services, with the CRADL® offering being a significant revenue contributor, catering to the demand for flexible laboratory environments in the life sciences sector.

The acquisition by Charles River Laboratories, Inc. positions Explora BioLabs for future growth, expanding its reach in Southern California, San Francisco, and Boston-Cambridge. The recent acquisition will enable further development of their offerings in these regions. The strategic use of the USD 295 mn from the latest funding round will support ongoing service enhancement and geographic expansion, aligning with market demands.