About the Company

Third Wave Analytics, based in San Francisco, specializes in “SaaS for science” by offering laboratory management software. Its flagship product, Lockbox LIMS, provides laboratories with an all-in-one system to manage samples, inventory, storage, and instruments. Built on Salesforce, the platform offers unmatched flexibility and cloud reliability. The company's notable clients include Invivo, Boston University, and UC-Berkeley, among others. It also played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling rapid testing site deployment.

The company serves industries like R&D, quality control, life sciences, and industrial laboratories. Through its emphasis on innovation, Third Wave Analytics has become an indispensable tool for labs, empowering researchers with streamlined workflows and faster results.

Idea Behind Company

Savitra Sharma, equipped with over 20 years of experience in engineering, consulting, and digital marketing, saw inefficiencies in laboratory workflows. While business offices relied on robust tools like Salesforce, labs were stuck with outdated methods like spreadsheets, leading to errors and inefficiencies.

Savitra envisioned a platform that would modernize lab operations by integrating them with cloud-based tools. Recognizing Salesforce's potential, she proposed a collaboration to build a groundbreaking system. Starting with $200 in capital and sheer determination, Savitra believed her innovative concept would revolutionize the laboratory management space.

Creating the Company

Savitra worked closely with Salesforce to design Lockbox LIMS. The initial product focused on simplicity, reliability, and cloud data integration, which drastically reduced errors caused by manual processes. Early iterations offered labs a robust platform to enter, store, and access data seamlessly.

As labs began using the software, feedback from diverse industries allowed Third Wave Analytics to refine and expand the system’s features. The platform evolved to include collaboration tools, enabling lab technicians to communicate and document findings centrally. These improvements established Lockbox LIMS as a highly customizable and user-friendly solution for laboratories worldwide.

Launching the Business

Starting the company was challenging. Savitra relied on her professional network to gain the first few clients, as building trust in a niche market without brand recognition took time. It took over three years to establish a stable client base.

The team focused on creating strong client relationships by tailoring solutions to individual lab needs. Digital marketing and SEO strategies further amplified visibility, increasing organic traffic by 150% in 2020. Today, the company continues to grow, supported by case studies, testimonials, and effective marketing campaigns.

Earnings

Third Wave Analytics generates $330,000 in monthly revenue and continues to expand globally, including a new office in Paris to support European clients. By prioritizing customer feedback and innovation, the company maintains a competitive edge in the laboratory management industry.

Savitra emphasizes focusing on core business metrics, developing products with precision, and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction. With significant growth projected, the company aims to extend its reach into new industries like food safety and to serve labs more effectively worldwide.