Lab-a-porter
Lab-a-porter is a Hong Kong-headquartered e-commerce distributor that aggregates preclinical research reagents, tools, and lab supplies from over 50 global manufacturers and resells them to academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical researchers across Asia-Pacific via its online storefront and quotation-based ordering.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersTsuen Wan, Hong Kong SAR China
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Lab-a-porter does
Lab-a-porter (legally LAB-A-PORTER LIMITED) is a Hong Kong-headquartered private distributor operating an e-commerce platform that aggregates preclinical research reagents, tools, and lab supplies from more than 50 global manufacturers and resells them to researchers. Its core platform supports genomics, proteomics, and stem cell research workflows including disease modeling, drug discovery, cell and gene therapy research, tissue engineering, biomarker and pathway analysis, and in vitro and animal model development. The offering is built around a direct-to-consumer storefront (lab-a-porter.com) with login/subscribe functionality, a quotation request system for larger orders, and three interactive Product Finder tools — Antibody Finder, Protein Finder, and Chemical Finder — that let researchers compare price, brand, and quality across supplier catalogs. The company has expanded the surface area with application-specific modules covering Organoid Research, Bispecific Antibodies, Exosome Research, and Biorepository Solutions.
The business model is a transactional distribution / take-rate arrangement: revenue is generated by sourcing reagents from globally recognized manufacturers and reselling them to research end-users in Hong Kong and beyond, with Lab-a-porter acting as official Hong Kong distributor for the majority of its 50+ supplier brands. Pricing is quote-based rather than transparently listed, all products are labeled for research use only (RUO), and demand generation runs through content marketing (the "Dolly's Updates" blog), LinkedIn and Instagram organic social, newsletter promotions, and conference/event presence (FAOBMB 2026, CUHK SBS 15th Anniversary Research Day). The customer base is segmented horizontally across preclinical researchers, drug discovery researchers, and cell and gene therapy researchers in academic, pharma, and biotech settings.
Lab-a-porter firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lab-a-porter
- Legal name
- LAB-A-PORTER LIMITED
- Website
- https://lab-a-porter.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Lab-a-porter is a Hong Kong-headquartered e-commerce distributor that aggregates preclinical research reagents, tools, and lab supplies from over 50 global manufacturers and resells them to academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical researchers across Asia-Pacific via its online storefront and quotation-based ordering.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lab-a-porter industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Life Science Reagent Distribution
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD)
Keywords
Where Lab-a-porter is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tsuen Wan
- HQ country
- Hong Kong SAR China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Lab-a-porter business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Distribution: Revenue generated through the distribution and sale of preclinical research reagents, tools, and supplies from globally recognized manufacturers to research laboratories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard product pricing through quotation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Lab-a-porter product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lab-a-porter is a Hong Kong-based e-commerce distribution platform for preclinical research reagents and lab tools, providing researchers with streamlined access to products from over 50 globally recognized manufacturers. The platform specializes in global sourcing and distribution of quality reagents for disease modeling, drug discovery, cell and gene therapy research, and tissue engineering. It offers interactive Product Finder tools (Antibody, Protein, Chemical Finders) that allow researchers to compare price, brand, and quality across multiple research products.
Product overview
LAB-A-PORTER is a preclinical research reagent distribution platform that provides researchers with streamlined access to products from globally recognized manufacturers. The core platform enables global sourcing and distribution of quality reagents and tools for disease modeling, drug discovery, cell and gene therapy research, and tissue engineering. The offering includes three specialized Product Finder services (Antibody Finder, Protein Finder, and Chemical Finder) that help researchers compare price, brand, and quality across multiple research products. Additional application-specific modules cover Organoid Research, Bispecific Antibodies, Exosome Research, and Biorepository Solutions. The platform distributes products from over 50 supplier brands including Bio X Cell, Qkine, GeneTex, PeproTech, Boster Bio, and many others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LAB-A-PORTER Preclinical Research Reagent Distribution Platform An e-commerce distribution platform providing preclinical researchers in academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms with streamlined access to a comprehensive selection of research reagents, lab tools, and supplies from globally recognized manufacturers. Specializes in global sourcing and distribution for disease modeling, drug discovery, cell and gene therapy research, and tissue engineering. Includes login/subscribe functionality, quotation request system, and a featured blog (Dolly's Updates).
Quantifiable outcome
- Access to 50+ supplier partnerships including Bio X Cell (400+ antibodies), Qkine (ISO 9001:2015 certified), GeneTex (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 14001:2015 certified)
Companies that use Lab-a-porter
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Lab-a-porter technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Lab-a-porter partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
45 partnerships are on record, tiered featured, core and minor.
- FAOBMB 2026 ConferencefeaturedLab-a-porter will have a booth at the FAOBMB 2026 Conference from August 10-13, 2026 at Cheung Kung Hoi Conference Centre, Hong Kong.
- Bio X CellfeaturedFeatured supplier on Lab-a-porter platform. Bio X Cell provides 400+ antibodies specifically formulated for in vivo research including InVivoMAb, InVivoPlus, InVivoSIM, and RecombiMAb antibodies. Lab-a-porter is the sole distributor of Bio X Cell at CUHK events.
- QkinefeaturedQkine manufactures high-purity, animal-free growth factors, cytokines and complex proteins for stem cell and organoid culture. ISO 9001:2015 certified company based in Cambridge, UK.
- GeneTexcoreEstablished in 1997 by Dr. Wen-Hwa Lee, Dr. Joel Baseman, and Dr. Kent Osborne. Products made to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
- The Native Antigen CompanycoreFounded in 2010, one of the world's leading suppliers of infectious disease research reagents. Acquired by The LGC Group in July 2020, now part of LGC Clinical Diagnostics business unit.
- ReprocellcoreSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- AXOL BiosciencecoreSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- OriGenecoreFeatured in antibody finder. Supplier partner for gene delivery and research tools.
- SynthegocoreSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- Gamma ProteinsminorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- ArcticZymes TechnologiesminorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- Rockland ImmunochemicalscoreFeatured in antibody finder. Supplier of antibodies for research.
- SpirochromeminorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- iNtRON Biotechnology / LiliF DiagnosticscoreKOSDAQ-listed manufacturer from Korea providing diagnostic tools and RUO tools. Certified by ISO9001:14000, ISO13485:GMP.
- Bioss AntibodiescoreFeatured in antibody finder. Supplier of antibodies for research.
- CusabiominorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- Atagenix / abinSciencecoreAtagenix established 2012, manufacturer specialized in recombinant protein production and antibody discovery. 130+ lab members, 4,000+ m² facility. abinScience founded 2023 as strategic venture with 14+ years expertise.
- BOC SciencescoreSupplier of small molecules, chemicals and inhibitors. Featured in chemical finder.
- TheWell BiosciencefeaturedFeatured supplier partner. Provider of VitroGel Hydrogel Matrix for disease modeling research.
- Applied Biological Materials (ABM)coreFounded 2004, based in Vancouver, Canada. 5M+ collaborations, 7K+ publication citations, 70+ countries network, 90+ OEM/distributor partners worldwide.
- AbMolecoreProvides high-purity life science reagents including kinase inhibitors. Featured in chemical finder.
- KACTUS BiofeaturedFounded 2018, ISO 13485:2016 certified. 3,000+ recombinant proteins, SAMS protein engineering platform. 10,000 sq. meter GMP manufacturing site.
- Cell BiolabscoreBased in San Diego. Provides 350+ products focusing on cell-based assays, cell signaling, metabolism research, oxidative stress, pathogen assays, viral expression.
- Sanyou BiocoreSuper-trillion phage display platform with 10 functional modules. Provides RUO bispecific reference antibodies and ADC reference antibodies.
- Focus BiomoleculescoreFounded by former BIOMOL members with 40+ years industry experience. Provides IntelliScreen chemical libraries.
- Cell BiologicscoreBased in US. Premier manufacturer of primary cultured cells. 2000+ human and animal primary cells from normal/diseased tissues.
- AbbexacoreOperates across 4 sites in UK and US. 300,000+ products cited in 2,000+ articles. Primary/secondary antibodies, ELISA kits, CLIA kits.
- AllegrowfeaturedBased in Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP). Founded March 2022. AimGel artificial cell technology for immune cell therapy. Gold Medal at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
- HuabiocoreFounded 2007, 17+ years experience. 6000+ antibodies including 3000+ recombinant monoclonal. Featured: KO/KD validated, claudin, cytokeratin, zebrafish, histone antibodies.
- Pacific Coast BiologicscoreBased in Southern California. Specializes in animal-free growth factor proteins and cytokines for research use.
- BiogemsminorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- FormediumminorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- Cellverse / iCellcoreEstablished 2014. 800+ types of primary cells, 400+ cell lines. 15,000+ vials of frozen cells.
- CytionminorSupplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- PeproTechfeaturedGlobal enterprise with US manufacturing facilities. 2000+ products including cytokines, ELISA kits, antibodies.
- Fujifilm BiosciencecoreFeatured supplier partner listed on Lab-a-porter platform.
- Serumwerk BernburgcoreEstablished 1954, based in Germany. One of two leading companies worldwide in intravenous iron preparations for suckling piglets. Density gradient media including Lymphoprep, OptiPrep.
- APExBIOcoreBased in Houston, Texas. Premier provider of RUO small molecule inhibitors/activators, compound libraries, peptides, assay kits. 16 key signaling pathway research areas.
- ElabsciencecoreLife science reagents manufacturer serving global customers for 14 years. ELISA Kits, CLIA Kits, FCM Antibodies, Cell Culture Products.
- Boster BiofeaturedFounded 1993, Pleasanton, CA. 30 years history, 50,000+ publications, 20,000+ antibodies, 2,000+ ELISA kits. Featured in antibody finder.
- AtelerixfeaturedFounded by scientists in Newcastle. Patented alginate hydrogel technology for room temperature preservation of cells, tissues, blood products, viruses. Products: CytoStor, LeukoStor, BloodReady, TissueReady, WellReady.
- ImmunostepfeaturedLeading provider of flow cytometry technologies. Exosome detection/isolation products including ExoStep platform, ExoELISA-Step kit. ISO 13485:2018 certified.
- Krishgen BiosystemscoreStrong immunology background. ISO 13485 certified. 5,000+ ELISA across 10 species. 20,000+ ELISA products. Affordable ELISA for researchers.
- MS Validated AntibodiesfeaturedBased in Hamburg, Germany. Monoclonal antibodies for immunohistochemistry with 50+ normal tissue images and 20+ tumor images per antibody. 150 out of 5500 evaluated antibodies selected.
- CyanagenfeaturedFounded 2003 in Bologna, Italy. ISO9001:2015 and ISO13485:2016 certified. Chemiluminescent substrates (WESTAR family), fluorescent antibodies, magnetic beads, DNA/RNA extraction kits.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Lab-a-porter competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Abcam: Global leader in research antibodies (now part of Danaher). Comparable as a major antibody and reagent distributor serving the same researcher customer base, but operates at vastly larger scale with proprietary catalog products.
- Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich): One of the world's largest research reagent and chemical suppliers under the Sigma-Aldrich brand. Comparable in serving the same researcher customer base across chemistry, biology, and life sciences, but at vastly larger scale with proprietary catalog and global distribution.
- Bio-Techne: Owner of R&D Systems, Tocris, and ProteinSimple, Bio-Techne is a major life science reagent and tools provider. Comparable in serving proteomics, cell biology, and drug discovery reagent categories, but at vastly larger scale with proprietary products.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Largest life science tools and reagent distributor globally (including Invitrogen, Gibco, Applied Biosystems brands). Comparable in offering reagents across all of Lab-a-porter's categories but with proprietary products, manufacturing, and global logistics.
- Cell Signaling Technology (CST): Specialized antibody and reagent manufacturer/distributor with a strong reputation among academic researchers. Comparable product focus (antibodies, kits) but operates with proprietary products and global direct sales.
Direct peers
- Aladdin Scientific: China-based life science reagent and chemical distributor with global online storefront. Closely comparable as an Asian-headquartered reagent aggregator competing for similar research customers across chemistry and biology product categories.
- GenScript: Biotech services and reagent provider offering catalog antibodies, proteins, and cell engineering reagents. Comparable as a life science reagent distributor serving drug discovery researchers, though GenScript also offers proprietary services.
- MedChemExpress (MCE): Major global distributor of research-use chemicals, inhibitors, and life science reagents with strong APAC presence. Directly comparable business as a competing e-commerce aggregator serving academic and pharma researchers with overlapping product categories (chemicals, antibodies, kits).
- Selleck Chemicals: Specialized distributor of research-grade small molecule inhibitors and biochemical reagents with global e-commerce reach. Closely comparable as a chemistry-focused research reagent distributor with similar customer base and quote/online purchase model.
- TargetMol Chemicals: Research chemical and bioactive compound distributor serving global drug discovery researchers. Comparable in product focus (inhibitors, compound libraries, reagents), customer segment, and digital distribution model.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat2 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Lab-a-porter social profiles
Digital presenceLab-a-porter financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lab-a-porter leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Lab-a-porter funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lab-a-porter M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lab-a-porter
What does Lab-a-porter do?
Lab-a-porter is a Hong Kong-based e-commerce distribution platform for preclinical research reagents and lab tools, providing researchers with streamlined access to products from over 50 globally recognized manufacturers. The platform specializes in global sourcing and distribution of quality reagents for disease modeling, drug discovery, cell and gene therapy research, and tissue engineering. It offers interactive Product Finder tools (Antibody, Protein, Chemical Finders) that allow researchers to compare price, brand, and quality across multiple research products.
Is Lab-a-porter a public or private company?
Lab-a-porter is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Lab-a-porter founded?
Lab-a-porter was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Lab-a-porter based?
Lab-a-porter is headquartered in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong SAR China, in the Asia region.
How does Lab-a-porter make money?
One revenue line is on record: product Distribution.
Who are Lab-a-porter's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Abcam, Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich), Bio-Techne, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Cell Signaling Technology (CST). Direct peers are Aladdin Scientific, GenScript, MedChemExpress (MCE), Selleck Chemicals and TargetMol Chemicals.
Does Lab-a-porter have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lab-a-porter.
What industry is Lab-a-porter in?
Lab-a-porter's product category is Life Science Reagent Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAD, Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.