# Ep. 20 - Leasing a Space

- Show: [Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast)
- Published: 2024-05-16
- Length: 1h 31m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space
- Listen: http://opulo.io

## Summary

Stephen Hawz and Lucian Chafar of Opulo discuss the critical decision of leasing commercial real estate for hardware startups, moving from garage prototyping to a dedicated facility. They detail the financial modeling required to justify the lease, including hidden costs like parking and utilities, and emphasize the importance of negotiating lease terms such as chemical allowances and personal liability protections. The hosts also cover practical considerations for manufacturing spaces, including loading docks, facility infrastructure, and the strategic value of finding a landlord who understands startup risks.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=0) Introduction: Stephen Hawz and Lucian Chafar on Opulo
- [4:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=288) Deciding When to Lease: Garage Limitations and Safety
- [8:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=519) Financial Modeling: Runway, Inventory, and Burn Rate
- [17:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=1033) Finding Space: Loopnet, Craigslist, and Location Strategy
- [21:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=1281) Space Sizing: Throughput Calculations and Capacity Planning
- [36:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=2185) Lease Terms: Duration, Hidden Costs, and Insurance
- [52:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=3173) Facilities: Loading Docks, 3-Phase Power, and Flow of Goods
- [1:04:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=3873) Negotiation: Chemicals, Lawyers, and Landlord Relationships
- [1:16:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-05-16-ep-20-leasing-a-space#t=4576) Growth Strategy: Hiring vs. Expanding Space

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Loopnet (tool)
- Craigslist (tool)
- Formlabs (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [107: Using Hardware Incubators for Product Startups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-12-22-107-using-hardware-incubators-for-product-startups) (Product Startup)
- [#185 - Commercial Kitchen vs. Co-Man: Where to Make Your First $1M of Product](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-03-04-185-commercial-kitchen-vs-co-man-where-to-make-your-first-1m-of-product) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [76: Tom’s Future Corner](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2022-01-12-76-toms-future-corner) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Scaling an IoT Business | Vutility's Stephen Prince | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2023-10-17-scaling-an-iot-business-vutilitys-stephen-prince-internet-of-things-podcast) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [For Hardware Startups by Hardware People: Building The Builder Circle with Host, Sera Evcimen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2026-01-06-for-hardware-startups-by-hardware-people-building-the-builder-circle-with-host-s) (The Builder Circle)

## Citing this page

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