Standard BioTools Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Instruments revenue was $7.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, up 24% year-over-year. Instrument revenue was driven by strong growth in our Hyperion XTi spatial proteomics platform.
Consumables revenue was $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, down 16% year-over-year. Consumables revenue declined due to lower volume.
Revenue was $40.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, down 10% year-over-year:
Dr. Egholm added, "On a product level, I am particularly excited by our strategic foothold in proteomics and the momentum building for SomaScan and SOMAmers. The advantages and performance over legacy antibody-based approaches is now well-documented, most recently at the AACR Annual Meeting and through a growing list of publications. As population-based proteomics studies continue to favor our technology, the upcoming launch of our Illumina partnered NGS-based product will only further expand access. Together we expect this momentum to accelerate as we help usher in an exciting new era of proteomic discovery.
'Standard BioTools delivered a solid first quarter in line with our expectations, reflecting focused execution in a challenging Life Sciences macro backdrop,' said Michael Egholm, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Standard BioTools. "We remain grounded and disciplined, driving a 29% year-over-year improvement in adjusted EBITDA through Standard BioTools Business System (SBS). We believe our unique model, world class operational platform and healthy capital position will allow us to continue to take advantage of the current environment and deliver shareholder value over time.'
Strong balance sheet with $261 million in cash & cash equivalents and no material debt as of March 31, 2025
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard BioTools Inc. (NASDAQ: LAB) (the 'Company' or 'Standard BioTools') today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
Story Continues
Gross margins in the first quarter of 2025 were 48.4%, versus 53.1% in the first quarter of 2024; and non-GAAP gross margins, which exclude depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation, were 53.2% in the first quarter of 2025 versus 56.2% in the first quarter of 2024. Gross margins were impacted by lower volume, price realization and product mix, partially offset by incremental improvements from SBS.
Operating expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were $52.7 million, a decrease of $31.7 million, or down 38%, compared to the first quarter of 2024; and non-GAAP operating expenses, which exclude merger-related costs, stock-based compensation, and restructuring charges, were $38.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $10.7 million, or down 22%, compared to the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in operating expenses is a result of the realization of merger cost synergies and continued productivity gains from SBS.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $26.0 million, compared to a net loss of $32.2 million in the first quarter of 2024, representing an improvement of $6.2 million or 19%, while adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was a loss of $16.9 million, versus an adjusted EBITDA loss of $23.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, an improvement of $6.8 million, or 29%.
Full Year 2025 Revenue Outlook
For fiscal year 2025, the Company continues to expect revenue in the range of $165 million to $175 million. This outlook assumes a high single-digit millions decline in our Americas academic revenue due to anticipated NIH funding pressures, no expected effect from U.S. export controls and limited impact from tariffs.
Conference Call Information
Standard BioTools will host a conference call and webcast on May 6th, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the first quarter 2025 financial results. Live audio of the webcast will be available online along with an archived version of the webcast under the Events & Presentations page of the Company's website.
Individuals interested in listening to the conference call may do so by dialing:
US domestic callers: (888) 346-3970
Outside US callers: (412) 902-4297
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
Standard BioTools has presented certain financial information in accordance with U.S. GAAP and on a non-GAAP basis. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP operating expenses, and adjusted EBITDA. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures, as a measure of operating performance because the non-GAAP financial measures do not include the impact of items that management does not consider indicative of the Company's core operating performance. Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures, taken in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, provide useful information for both management and investors by excluding certain non-cash and other expenses that are not indicative of the Company's core operating results. Management uses non-GAAP measures to compare the Company's performance relative to forecasts and strategic plans and to benchmark the Company's performance externally against competitors. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used to supplement an understanding of the Company's operating results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Standard BioTools encourages investors to carefully consider its results under GAAP, as well as its supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliations between these presentations, to more fully understand its business. Reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP operating results are presented in the accompanying tables of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding future financial and business performance, including with respect to future revenue; operational and strategic plans; deployment of capital; market and growth opportunity and potential; and the potential to realize the expected benefits and synergies of prior and potential future acquisitions, including the potential for such transactions to drive long-term profitable growth. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including, but not limited to, risks that the anticipated benefits and synergies of prior and potential future acquisitions and the integration of any such businesses, including the potential for such transactions to drive long-term profitable growth, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; risks that the Company may not realize expected cost savings from such transactions; possible integration, restructuring and transition-related disruption resulting from such transactions, including through the loss of customers, suppliers, and employees and adverse impacts on the Company's development activities and results of operation; integration and restructuring activities, including customer and employee relations, management distraction, and reduced operating performance; risks that internal and external costs required for ongoing and planned activities may be higher than expected, which may cause the Company to use cash more quickly than it expects or change or curtail some of the Company's plans, or both; risks that the Company's expectations as to expenses, cash usage, and cash needs may prove not to be correct for other reasons such as changes in plans or actual events being different than our assumptions; changes in the Company's business or external market conditions; anticipated NIH funding pressures; the expected effect from U.S. export controls and the expected impact from tariffs; challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, the Company's products; reliance on sales of capital equipment for a significant proportion of revenues in each quarter; seasonal variations in customer operations; unanticipated increases in costs or expenses; continued or sustained budgetary, inflationary, or recessionary pressures; uncertainties in contractual relationships; reductions in research and development spending or changes in budget priorities by customers; uncertainties relating to the Company's research and development activities, and distribution plans and capabilities; potential product performance and quality issues; risks associated with international operations; intellectual property risks; and competition. For information regarding other related risks, see the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 11, 2025, and in the Company's other filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.
About Standard BioTools Inc.
Standard BioTools Inc. (Nasdaq: LAB), has an established portfolio of essential, standardized next-generation technologies that help biomedical researchers develop medicines faster and better. As a leading solutions provider, the company provides reliable and repeatable insights in health and disease using its proprietary SomaScan, mass cytometry and microfluidics technologies, which help transform scientific discoveries into better patient outcomes. Standard BioTools works with leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, plant and animal research and clinical laboratories worldwide, focusing on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including oncology, immunology and immunotherapy. Learn more at standardbio.com or connect with us on X, Facebook®, LinkedIn, and YouTube™.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Limited Use Label License and other terms may apply: standardbio.com/legal/salesterms.
Patent and License Information: standardbio.com/legal/notices.
Trademarks: standardbio.com/legal/trademarks. Any other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners. ©2025 Standard BioTools Inc. (f.k.a. Fluidigm Corporation). All rights reserved.
Investor Contact:
ir@standardbio.com
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
Revenue:
Product revenue
$
22,232
$
23,592
Services revenue
17,607
21,027
Collaboration and other revenue
956
921
Total revenue
40,795
45,540
Cost of revenue:
Cost of product revenue
10,730
12,781
Cost of services revenue
10,302
8,509
Cost of collaboration and other revenue
22
62
Total cost of revenue
21,054
21,352
Gross profit
19,741
24,188
Operating expenses:
Research and development
11,328
15,980
Selling, general and administrative
38,707
46,943
Restructuring and related charges
1,552
4,284
Transaction and integration expenses
1,124
17,163
Total operating expenses
52,711
84,370
Loss from operations
(32,970
)
(60,182
)
Bargain purchase gain
—
25,213
Interest income
2,916
6,207
Interest expense
(2
)
(1,033
)
Other income (expense), net
3,872
(2,234
)
Loss before income taxes
(26,184
)
(32,029
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
151
(128
)
Net loss
$
(26,033
)
$
(32,157
)
Induced conversion of redeemable preferred stock
—
(46,014
)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(26,033
)
$
(78,171
)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$
(0.07
)
$
(0.27
)
Shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
378,228
294,125
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2025
2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
150,880
$
166,728
Short-term investments
107,182
126,146
Accounts receivable, net
35,480
33,608
Inventory
42,125
40,737
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,352
8,661
Total current assets
344,019
375,880
Inventory, non-current
18,281
18,528
Property and equipment, net
43,593
42,556
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net
27,422
28,828
Other non-current assets
6,506
6,301
Acquired intangible assets, net
28,057
28,954
Goodwill
111,719
111,297
Total assets
$
579,597
$
612,344
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
11,778
$
12,282
Accrued liabilities
21,972
30,739
Operating lease liabilities, current
6,334
6,228
Deferred revenue, current
12,763
13,118
Deferred grant income, current
3,389
3,527
Total current liabilities
56,236
65,894
Convertible notes, non-current
299
299
Deferred tax liability
1,031
1,081
Operating lease liabilities, non-current
24,897
26,469
Deferred revenue, non-current
32,548
32,674
Deferred grant income, non-current
6,501
7,243
Other non-current liabilities
3,490
6,962
Total liabilities
125,002
140,622
Total stockholders' equity
454,595
471,722
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
579,597
$
612,344
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
Operating activities
Net loss
$
(26,033
)
$
(32,157
)
Bargain purchase gain
—
(25,213
)
Stock-based compensation expense
9,009
11,611
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
898
2,106
Depreciation and amortization
3,273
3,088
Accretion of discount on short-term investments, net
(841
)
(2,660
)
Non-cash lease expense
1,438
1,446
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory
815
655
Change in fair value of warrants
(232
)
853
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
(3,400
)
—
Other non-cash items
385
293
Changes in assets and liabilities, net
(15,595
)
(22,498
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(30,283
)
(62,476
)
Investing activities
Cash and restricted cash acquired in merger
—
280,033
Purchases of short-term investments
(32,321
)
(73,177
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
52,000
112,000
Purchases of property and equipment
(5,054
)
(781
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
14,625
318,075
Financing activities
Repayment of term loan and convertible notes
—
(8,192
)
Payment of term loan fee
—
(545
)
Repurchase of common stock
—
(11,051
)
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards and other
(46
)
(17
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
—
72
Net cash used in financing activities
(46
)
(19,733
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents
357
(21
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(15,347
)
235,845
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
168,818
52,499
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
153,471
$
288,344
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consists of:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
150,880
$
287,057
Restricted cash
2,591
1,287
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
153,471
$
288,344
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
REVENUE
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
Product revenue:
Instruments
$
7,778
$
6,285
Consumables
14,454
17,307
Total product revenue
22,232
23,592
Service revenue:
Lab services
12,106
14,862
Field services
5,501
6,165
Total service revenue
17,607
21,027
Product and service revenue
39,839
44,619
Collaboration and other revenue
956
921
Total revenue
$
40,795
$
45,540
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
ITEMIZED RECONCILIATION OF GROSS PROFIT TO NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT AND MARGIN PERCENTAGE
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
Gross profit
$
19,741
$
24,188
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
717
1,956
Depreciation and amortization
736
1,024
Stock-based compensation expense
495
239
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
32
—
Cost of sales adjustment
—
(1,812
)
Non-GAAP gross profit
$
21,721
$
25,595
Gross margin percentage
48.4%
53.1%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
1.8%
4.3%
Depreciation and amortization
1.7%
2.3%
Stock-based compensation expense
1.2%
0.5%
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
0.1%
0.0%
Cost of sales adjustment
0.0%
(4.0)%
Non-GAAP gross margin percentage
53.2%
56.2%
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
ITEMIZED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
Operating expenses
$
52,711
$
84,370
Restructuring and related charges
(1,552
)
(4,284
)
Transaction and integration expenses
(1,124
)
(17,163
)
Stock-based compensation expense
(8,514
)
(11,372
)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
(181
)
(150
)
Depreciation and amortization
(2,537
)
(2,064
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
(154
)
(14
)
Non-GAAP operating expenses
$
38,649
$
49,323
R&D operating expenses
$
11,328
$
15,980
Stock-based compensation expense
(740
)
(1,328
)
Depreciation and amortization
(590
)
(871
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
(112
)
—
Non-GAAP R&D operating expenses
$
9,886
$
13,781
SG&A operating expenses
$
38,707
$
46,943
Stock-based compensation expense
(7,774
)
(10,044
)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
(181
)
(150
)
Depreciation and amortization
(1,947
)
(1,193
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
(42
)
(14
)
Non-GAAP SG&A operating expenses
$
28,763
$
35,542
STANDARD BIOTOOLS INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
ITEMIZED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
Three Months Ended March 31,
2025
2024
Net loss
$
(26,033
)
$
(32,157
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
(151
)
128
Interest income
(2,916
)
(6,207
)
Interest expense
2
1,033
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
898
2,106
Depreciation and amortization
3,273
3,088
Bargain purchase gain
—
(25,213
)
Restructuring and related charges
1,552
4,284
Transaction and integration expenses
1,124
17,163
Stock-based compensation expense
9,009
11,611
Cost of sales adjustment
—
(1,812
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
185
14
Other non-operating (income) expense
(3,871
)
2,234
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(16,928
)
$
(23,728
)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Business Insider
an hour ago
- Business Insider
National security-focused VC firm America's Frontier Fund is raising $315 million for its debut fund
A national security-focused VC fund, America's Frontier Fund, is raising a large new fund, capitalizing on the sector's support as the Trump administration rallies behind defense tech. The firm is raising up to $315 million for its first fund, called the Frontier Fund, according to a pitch deck viewed by Business Insider. In early 2023, the target for the fund was $500 million, per an SEC filing. The fund will consist of $140 million of private capital from limited partners and $175 million of government loans, according to the deck. The fundraise hasn't closed yet, and the terms of the deal could change. Part of the funding will come through the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative, a program launched by the Defense Department and the Small Business Administration to grow private investment in biotech, quantum science, advanced materials, AI, space, and more. A spokesperson for the venture firm declined to comment on the fundraise. America's Frontier Fund will receive government-guaranteed loans, matching private investments up to $175 million. The firm will repay the loan with interest over a ten-year period, according to Washington Business Journal, which first reported the fund's government loans in 2024. The fund has also raised $100 million from the state of New Mexico, Bloomberg reported in 2023. The private capital raise has not been previously reported. The Frontier Fund will give the Arlington, Va.-based firm fresh cash to back startups building frontier technologies — advanced manufacturing, compute solutions, energy, and other highly technical fields — that support American economic and geopolitical influence. America's Frontier Fund recently invested in Venus Aerospace, which makes hypersonic engine technology, and Foundation Alloy, a metal production startup. $315 million is large for a first fund; market downturn, delayed initial public offerings, and more have hampered venture firm's capacity to raise large sums of money from limited partners. In 2024, 121 US-based venture capital firms raised funds for the first time, notching $5.7 billion in commitments. That year, the average size of a US-based firm's first fund was just under $41 million, over $270 million smaller than the Frontier Fund, according to data firm Pitchbook. Investments in the defense tech space have surged up to $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, compared with $200 million the same period last year, according to Pitchbook. The firm also invests out of its Roadrunner Venture Studios, which backs pre-seed and seed stage startups building frontier tech primarily in New Mexico. Silicon Valley heavyweights like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Founders Fund partner Peter Thiel have invested in the firm's separate nonprofit arm, the America's Frontier Fund Foundation, an initiative to support US technological competitiveness, like partnering with the Austin Community College District on expanding its advanced manufacturing program. Gilman Louie, the CEO of America's Frontier Fund, previously cofounded and ran In-Q-Tel, the CIA-funded investment firm. Cofounder and managing partner Jordan Blashek formerly worked at Schmidt Futures, Eric Schmidt's family office, now Schmidt Sciences, a philanthropic organization that funds research in AI, advanced computing, biotech, climate, and other industries.

Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
African startups raise $1.35 billion in the first half of 2025
African startups collectively secured $1.35 billion in funding during H1 2025, a 78% surge from the $800 million raised in the same period last year. African startups raised $1.35 billion in H1 2025, a 78% increase from the same period in 2024. June 2025 was the strongest funding month in nearly a year, with $365 million secured. Monthly fundraising exceeded $250 million four times in H1 2025, averaging $237 million per month. Startups across Africa raised $365 million in June, making it the continent's strongest funding month in nearly a year and capping a robust first-half (H1) performance in 2025. According to new data from Africa: The Big Deal, African startups collectively secured $1.35 billion in funding during H1 2025, a 78% surge from the $800 million raised in the same period last year. The June upswing represents more than just a one-month rally. 2025 has seen consistent momentum, with monthly fundraising crossing the $250 million threshold four times already, a notable departure from the sluggish investment climate of early 2024. The average monthly funding in H1 2025 now stands at $237 million, up from $133 million in H1 2024 to $187 million across the full year. The current performance also puts H1 2025 nearly on par with H2 2024's total of $1.37 billion, with only a marginal 1.5% decline — showing a level of sustained investor confidence not seen in recent years. Equity deal flow rebounds Equity investments accounted for $950 million in H1 2025, representing a 79% increase from H1 2024. While the figure trails H2 2024's equity haul by a modest 7%, it reflects a strong rebound in venture capital appetite across African markets, particularly in sectors like fintech, health tech, and logistics. Debt financing sees surge Debt funding, which appeared to lag in early 2025, saw a dramatic turnaround in June. The month closed with $227 million in announced debt deals, the highest monthly figure in more than two years. Senegal-based fintech company Wave alone accounted for $137 million of that total.


San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Dubai's booming restaurant scene is feeling the heat of high costs and high failure rates
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — From suspended tables to underwater lounges, some 13,000 food and drink establishments in Dubai pull out all the stops to attract customers in one of the world's most saturated dining markets. They cater to all tastes and budgets. Some spots ladle out inexpensive biryani while others offer dishes dusted with edible gold. These are some of the ways the emirate is competing with its neighbors Saudi Arabia and Qatar for tourist dollars and, so far, it's beating them handily. Dubai has more restaurants per capita than any major city except Paris. But the city-state's booming restaurant scene is testing the limits of its growth-at-all-costs model, raising questions about how long Dubai can keep feeding its own ambitions. A crowded and competitive market The competition is cutthroat, so presentation is key. 'Gone are the days when it just tastes good,' said Kym Barter, the general manager of Atlantis The Palm, a resort perched on a manmade archipelago that boasts more Michelin stars than any other venue in the Middle East. But dazzling Dubai's food bloggers — the most popular of whom have millions of social media followers — isn't enough. Staying afloat means battling high rents and winning over a diverse and demanding group of consumers. Dubai has roughly nine expatriate residents for every Emirati citizen. Most of its private sector workers are migrants on temporary contracts, and only Vatican City has a higher share of foreign-born residents. Tourists, in turn, outnumber locals about five to one by some estimates, and they spend lavishly. Visitors to Dubai drop an average of over five times more than those traveling to nearby Saudi Arabia or even the U.S., according to global restaurant consultant Aaron Allen. Dubai is 'on the right path' to becoming the world's food capital, said Torsten Vildgaard, executive chef at FZN by Björn Frantzén. The restaurant, which runs at more than $540 a head, was one of two in Dubai to nab three Michelin stars in May. 'We're only seeing the tip of the iceberg of what's to come in terms of gastronomy here,' Vildgaard added. With each new set of illuminated high-rises and hotels, another crop of eateries emerge, vying for patrons. The legions of construction workers powering Dubai's progress also need affordable options. That growth, propped up in part by investor pressure on some of the world's biggest chains to expand in Dubai, has created what some analysts warn is a bubble. 'If you're a publicly traded company like Americana, what are you supposed to do — just stop opening restaurants?' restaurant consultant Allen said, referring to the Gulf-based operator of KFC, Pizza Hut and other big franchises. The frenetic expansion of Dubai's restaurant industry is part of a regional shift that has seen Gulf Arab states pour hundreds of billions of dollars into building out tourist destinations as they move away from hydrocarbons to diversify their economies. Saudi Arabia has a high-stakes, $500 billion project: a straight-line futuristic city called Neom. But, in a Muslim-majority region, the United Arab Emirates has gone to lengths that some consider too much of a compromise, including relaxing restrictions on alcohol that fuel its pubs and nightlife and other social reforms. High costs and failure rates The rapid development comes at a price. Dubai's restaurants have a high failure rate, industry veterans say, though local authorities don't say what the rate of closures is. In the downtown district and other prime areas, annual rents for restaurants can top $100 per square foot. That's on a par with some of the world's most expensive cities. Still, the emirate issued almost 1,200 new restaurant licenses last year, according to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. The department declined to respond to questions. Empty tables during peak hours are common, even in top locations. Part of the problem, managers say, is that traffic congestion is so severe that convincing diners to drive out can be a tall task. 'I sometimes go, 'Do I go into the restaurant right now, because I'm going to get into traffic?''' said Waseem Abdul Hameed, operations manager at Ravi, a Pakistani family-owned eatery famous for its official Adidas shoe line and a 2010 TV feature from Anthony Bourdain. He knows restaurateurs who have had to shut up shop and others who are squeezed by slim margins and increasingly reliant on delivery apps, Hameed said. The demand sends fleets of migrant workers racing through gridlock on motorbikes, with few protections and tight delivery windows. Emirati newspaper Khaleej Times reported the accidental deaths of 17 Dubai food couriers last year. The math of Dubai's restaurant scene doesn't add up, delivery apps and wealthy tourists notwithstanding, restaurant consultant Allen said. He cited operating expenses that have more than doubled relative to sales since 2009, when a financial crisis almost hobbled the emirate. Too many Dubai entrepreneurs, he put it simply, have 'too much money, and they don't know what to do besides open restaurants.'