New Director Named to Lead Connect Labs at Aggie Square
Wexford has hired Nichole (Nikki) Sims to serve as the founding site director of the Sacramento location of Connect Labs by Wexford set to open in March 2025 at Wexford’s Knowledge Community, Aggie Square.
A well-known innovator within Sacramento, Nikki joins Connect Labs from Growth Factory where she managed portfolio companies and strategic relationships, driving growth in health and life science sectors.
“I’m honored to join Connect Labs at Aggie Square and to lead the development of a place where Sacramento’s brightest innovators can grow and thrive,” said Nikki, founding site director of Connect Labs Sacramento. “Sacramento is continuing to evolve as a hub for innovation, and we’re excited to provide a state-of-the-art, collaborative environment that meets the technical and operational needs of today’s life sciences and technology pioneers. By fostering connections and resources that fuel discovery, we aim to help transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful solutions.”
Nikki will begin her new role on November 12, 2024, where she will lead the operation of the more than 50,000 square feet of pre-built and furnished lab, support, and office space with a curated set of amenities, services, and shared equipment.
Located on the second floor of 200 and 300 Aggie Square, Connect Labs Sacramento will offer a mix of wet and dry lab configurations that can be arranged to suit specific needs from 450 square feet to over 5,600 square feet with additional office and support spaces that include 36 private offices and 81 open workstations.
Moreover, Connect Labs members will have access to over $1.2 million in specialized shared equipment; negotiated rates on additional equipment, consumables, and supplies; exclusive Connect Labs community events; and common amenities such as conference and huddle spaces, basic office equipment, a lightly stocked kitchen, and centralized support services provided by a knowledgeable staff.
The inaugural mix of Connect Labs Sacramento tenants are currently being recruited. Connect Labs plans to house university and regional startups, capital providers, corporate innovation teams, teams focused on advancing healthy equity, and value-added services providers.