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§ Private Profile · Berlin, Germany
SaaS provider of ELN for research documentation and IoT platforms for lab device control in life sciences and biotech.
Labforward, based in Berlin, Germany, develops smart lab software tools, including the labfolder electronic lab notebook (ELN) for research documentation and the Laboperator IoT platform for remotely controlling lab devices and automating workflows. It employs 51-200 individuals, providing SaaS subscriptions to life science and biotech research laboratories. The company has raised over €8.5 million in Series B funding, notably a €4 million investment from Tecan in 2021 for a 10% stake. Labforward was formed in May 2019 through the merger of labfolder GmbH and cubuslab GmbH. Labfolder GmbH was founded in 2013 by Simon Bungers and Florian Hauer, while cubuslab GmbH was founded in 2015 by Dominic Lütjohann and Julian Lübke. Its business model centers on saaS provider selling lab software subscriptions to research labs.
Labforward has raised $12.9M across 2 funding rounds.
Labforward has raised $12.9M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Labforward has raised $12.9M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Labforward's investors include Tecan Group, Redstone.
Labforward has raised $12.9M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $4.9M Series B in January 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 11, 2021 | $4.9M Series B | Tecan Group | — | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2015 | $8M Series B | — | Redstone | Announced |
Labforward is a Berlin-based technology company that develops digital platforms to streamline laboratory workflows, including the electronic lab notebook (ELN) Labfolder, the IoT-enabled lab execution system (LES) Laboperator, and inventory management tool Labregister.[1][2][4] These products serve academic institutions, pharmaceutical, chemical, and industrial labs worldwide, helping over 50,000 researchers connect data silos, automate experiments, enable remote equipment control, and improve data management for faster discoveries and higher productivity.[1][2][4] By integrating LIMS systems, databases, and specialized software, Labforward addresses fragmented lab environments, reducing errors and manual transfers while boosting efficiency in R&D and manufacturing.[1]
The company demonstrates strong growth momentum, formed in 2019 via merger and backed by investors like Peppermint Venture Partners, IBB VC, Vogel Ventures, and Tecan; it recently merged with LabTwin (a Sartorius subsidiary) in September 2024 to expand AI and voice-enabled solutions, with joint products launching later that year.[2]
Labforward traces its roots to Labfolder, officially launched in 2012 as an intuitive ELN to replace paper notebooks, enabling seamless data documentation, collaboration, and access from any device.[2][5] The platform evolved with integrated spreadsheet tools for mobile research continuity and won awards, attracting a 7-digit investment to enhance core features and develop complementary products.[5]
In 2019, Labfolder merged with cubuslab to form labforward GmbH, combining ELN (Labfolder), LES (Laboperator), and inventory (Labregister) into a unified platform described as the "operating system of the lab."[2][4] This Berlin startup, now with 51-200 employees, has grown continuously, serving global labs and culminating in the 2024 merger with LabTwin to pioneer voice/AI lab assistants under the labforward name.[2][3]
Labforward stands out in lab digitalization through:
These features prioritize ease of use, scalability for 50,000+ users, and customization via apps/integrations.[2][5]
Labforward rides the wave of laboratory digital transformation, fueled by demands for connectivity in a landscape of siloed high-tech equipment and software.[1] Timing aligns with rising AI/IoT adoption in life sciences, where real-time data and automation accelerate R&D amid regulatory pressures and talent shortages—market forces favoring integrated platforms over legacy systems.[1][2]
It influences the ecosystem by powering "labs of the future" assessments, enabling pharma/chemical firms to optimize productivity and quality, while its Sartorius-backed merger amplifies voice/AI standards, potentially setting benchmarks for global lab OS-like infrastructure.[2][6]
Labforward is poised for accelerated expansion post-LabTwin merger, with initial AI/voice solutions launching in late 2024 and broader market penetration via Sartorius' network.[2] Trends like AI-driven automation, edge IoT in labs, and regulatory pushes for digital compliance will propel growth, evolving its role from ELN pioneer to comprehensive lab digitalization leader. As labs worldwide digitize to fuel discoveries, Labforward's connectivity edge positions it to redefine productivity, tying back to its mission of unleashing optimization potential for groundbreaking science.[3][4]