Newlab
Category: Innovation Hub and Venture Platform
Newlab is a venture platform and innovation hub that provides infrastructure, resources, and a network for startups in deep tech, including AI, robotics, and climate technology. Newlab was founded in 2016. The company is led by David Belt. Based in Brooklyn, NY (HQ); Detroit, MI; Montevideo, Uruguay; New Orleans, LA; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Team size: 201-500. Total funding raised: Newlab has raised a total of approximately $35.3 million over multiple funding rounds.. Latest round: Series B. Key investors include East Dune Holdings, Abbey Road Investment Group, Bridge Point Capital, Eczacıbaşı Momentum, Samarthya Investment Advisors.
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Brooklyn, NY (HQ); Detroit, MI; Montevideo, Uruguay; New Orleans, LA; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Team size
- 201-500
- Total funding
- Newlab has raised a total of approximately $35.3 million over multiple funding rounds.
Value proposition
Newlab offers unique infrastructure combined with expert mentorship, strategic partnerships, and access to capital, enabling hardware-focused companies to accelerate product development and commercialization.
Products and solutions
Co-working and office spaces, Advanced prototyping labs (3D printing, CNC machining, etc.), Applied innovation programming and pilot projects, Venture platform with access to a network of investors, Community and networking events
Unique value
Newlab specializes in hardware-centric deep tech and climate tech ventures that require substantial physical infrastructure. Its model leverages public-private partnerships to cultivate localized innovation ecosystems.
Target customer
Deep tech startups, corporate partners, and government entities seeking innovation.
Industries served
Robotics AI, Energy/Climate AI, Mobility, Advanced Manufacturing, Urban Technology, Materials Science
Technology advantage
Access to large-scale, advanced fabrication tools alongside a curated community of engineers, scientists, and investors facilitates rapid iteration and commercialization of technologies. Newlab's global expansion further strengthens specialized innovation hubs.
How they differentiate
Newlab primarily focuses on addressing deep tech and industrial-scale challenges, offering extensive prototyping and manufacturing facilities, unlike many competitors. Its established public-private partnerships strategically position its innovation hubs.
Main competitors
Greentown Labs, HAX (SOSV), Techstars
Key partnerships
Ford Motor Company / Michigan Central (Detroit), New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Bank of America, Verizon (5G), Shell (New Orleans), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), The Nature Conservancy (ocean conservation pilots), NYC Department of Transportation (AI streetscape pilots), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) (drone pilots), Gunderson Dettmer (Founder Fellowship), JERA / JERA Ventures (Dec 2025 carbon-capture commercialization partnership with Newlab New Orleans), Louisiana Economic Development
Notable customers
Grounded (electric vehicle startup), Encore CO2 (carbon transformation), ESSPI (lithium-ion battery logistics), Renovate Robotics, Teknobuilt, Windborne (weather balloons), Voltpost (lamppost EV chargers), Sway (TPSea Flex), Dareesoft, Digital Sense, Nexar, EchoTwin AI, Verity, Blueflite, Aerialoop, Skyports, Lamarr AI, CarbonBridge, Diode, Icarus Robotics, FlowCellutions, Nox Metals
Major milestones
Opened its 84,000 sq-ft headquarters in Brooklyn Navy Yard in 2016. Expanded to Detroit in 2023 with Newlab at Michigan Central in partnership with Ford. Announced expansion to New Orleans focused on energy and decarbonization technologies. Appointed Cam Lawrence as CEO in November 2023 to lead its next growth phase. Launched international locations in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Launched Newlab Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Newlab New Orleans in 2025. Launched The 23rd, a 380,000-sq-ft manufacturing campus in Detroit. Hosted inaugural New Mobility Futures event. Launched Critical Mass global event series. Partnered with The Nature Conservancy for ocean conservation pilots. Activated four NYC AI pilots with NYC DOT. Completed 5 drone pilots across Michigan with MEDC.
Growth metrics
1000+ members across 300+ member startups; 60+ industry and government partners; 400+ syndicate investors. Startups raised $4.3B+ after joining since 2017; $17B+ startup valuation growth; $2.8B+ in exits since 2017. Homepage also cites 150+ commercial projects and $9.5B+ external invested capital.
Market positioning
A leading player for deep tech and climate tech, Newlab serves as a pivotal entity among startups, corporate partners, and venture capitalists, significantly influencing urban and industrial revitalization.
Geographic focus
Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with significant expansion in North America and global presences in Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Patents and IP
As an incubator, Newlab does not hold IP; resident startups develop and maintain proprietary IP with support from Newlab.
About David Belt
David Belt is Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Newlab. Founder of Macro Sea (creative real estate development) and DBI (project management/construction; sold to employees in 2020). Serial entrepreneur/investor; board member of St. Ann’s Warehouse and Pioneer Works (Vice Chair); named among NYC’s 50 Most Powerful People in Tech.
Official website: https://www.newlab.com