@gym.rat “Self-explanatory”? I don’t understand what is supposedly so concerning. Is the vial insert the object that concerns you? It is simply an insert placed inside the vial to facilitate injection while minimizing excess sample waste.
I’m not here to convince anyone. I’m here to provide context for any researchers who may come across this thread.
Competition breeds innovation. Freedom Labs recently announced that it will begin accepting online submissions, and Vanguard has finally moved to online COA verification.
I took out a high-interest loan because I believed there was a need for a modern laboratory in this space. It was clear to me that the industry had remained stagnant. With that loan, I purchased my first HPLC system.
Working out of my basement, I taught myself the chemistry, software, and hardware involved in peptide analytics. My computer science background allowed me to build my own website and online platform. I spent my days working two remote software engineering jobs and my nights building the business.
Using Finnrick’s rankings, I cold-emailed nearly every U.S. vendor on their list with the promise of a modern, easy-to-use online system supported by much-needed personal service.
After weeks of struggles, clients began slowly trickling in. Yes, the original address I posted was a virtual address, but more importantly, it was a commercial mailing address where I could securely receive samples. I’m not sure why this has become such a contentious topic. Many companies begin in their founders’ homes, and virtual commercial addresses exist specifically to support businesses in that stage of growth.
My clients appreciated the level of customer service I provided, as well as the quality of our testing. I’m also not sure why anyone would believe that multimillion-dollar companies would entrust their samples to a laboratory without first conducting proper vetting.
Regardless, our clientele grew to the point that I was able to leave my career behind and dedicate my full attention to Kovera.
We currently operate from a leased 3,100-square-foot facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The space is divided into three primary sections. The first contains formal offices, a reception area, and a waiting area. The second is our main laboratory, while the final third is dedicated to receiving and dock operations.
I have had to scale the business rapidly, which has sometimes meant moving into spaces that were not yet formally renovated or completely ready for us. Growth requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to setbacks as they occur.
The “darkness” surrounding Kovera is not because I believe we have something to hide. It comes from my respect for professionalism and my desire to put our best foot forward.
I have seen laboratories publish tours showing customers’ samples stored in Ziploc bags. I would personally be embarrassed to publicize that level of unreadiness, and I shudder to think about the condition of the rest of an operation presented that way.
I grew this business from a single Agilent HPLC system that I could barely afford into a laboratory equipped with eight HPLC systems, two LC-MS systems, an ICP-MS, a BACT/ALERT sterility system, six Charles River Endosafe readers, and additional analytical equipment that continues to expand our testing capabilities. I am investing in a Nexus 200 ($200K) which will facilitate endotoxin testing along with $150K in official lab casework (cabinets and shelving). Everything we've earned continues to be re-invested back into the lab and shortly, we will be open to the public.
Our newest LC-MS system is an Agilent 6546 Q-TOF. I made it a specific goal to acquire this instrument because it allows us to perform comprehensive sample scans and gain a deeper understanding of potential impurities that may be present.
As a researcher myself, I appreciate what peptides have done for my health. I also understand the importance of knowing exactly what we are working with.
Regards,
Aj
