West Austin has become home to Dave Asprey, the Father of Biohacking, and with his arrival comes a new wave of health optimization. Asprey, a wellness innovator, recently attended the grand opening of Upgrade Labs 5th Street at 1611 W 5th, offering a unique approach to achieving longevity, performance, and recovery enhancement utilizing specialized technology.
Biohacking, a term coined by Asprey in 2004, is the art and science of controlling biology by changing the environment in and around the body. Asprey’s personal health struggles, including weight issues, immune challenges, and brain fog, sparked his journey into biohacking, leading him to develop methods to improve physical and mental performance. His work has since inspired countless others to optimize their health and well-being.
Universally considered the “Father of Biohacking,” Asprey’s techniques and lifestyle provide him with remarkable personal energy. Best known as the creator of Bullet Proof Coffee, Asprey has captured enormous respect from dedicated biohackers. He has a hugely successful podcast called The Human Upgrade, a coffee company, and is a best-selling author. His prolific entrepreneurial spirit has generated numerous life-enhancing products and two types of experiential biohacking facilities: 40 Years of Zen, a five-day immersive neurofeedback experience located outside of Seatle, Washington, and Upgrade Labs (a franchise), with seven locations in the U.S. and one in Canada.
When asked why he chose Austin as his new home, Asprey shared, “Austin feels like Silicon Valley did in the mid-90s—there’s an incredible energy here. People are consciously working on themselves, and there’s a strong interest in health and fitness.” He praised Austin for its vibrant community, focus on organic food, and welcoming nature.
Upgrade Labs 5th Street is owned and operated by Drs. Natalie and Billy Ledbetter. With solid medical backgrounds and personal experience as biohackers, they are passionate about bringing the life-changing practices and technologies offered at Upgrade Labs 5th Street to the Austin community. Natalie shared that she is most looking forward to “seeing people feel better, have more energy, and become more of who they want to be.
Longevity experts often see the sense of community as a critical component of a long and happy life. With this in mind, all Upgrade Labs are designed to foster connections as a community hub, complete with a coffee bar featuring Asprey’s own line of remineralized/mold-free and tested Danger Coffee. “Every Upgrade Lab becomes a community meeting place,” he said.
Asprey’s move to Austin is part of a more significant trend of health-conscious individuals and innovators gravitating to the city. Host to an annual Biohacking Conference, founded by Asprey and now in its tenth year, he looks forward to the next one, which will be held in Austin in 2025 from May 28-30. Topics range from nutrition and fitness to brain enhancement, sleep optimization, and the latest biohacking technologies.
Asprey’s philosophy of optimizing health with efficiency is detailed in his latest bestseller, Smarter Not Harder. The book focuses on strategically maximizing physical and mental performance and provides information on the technology and science behind the equipment available at Upgrade Labs 5th Street. He dedicates his book to “every drop of sweat that didn’t get the results you expected.”
With his new home in Austin, Asprey is poised to impact the city’s health and wellness culture. His presence, alongside Upgrade Labs 5th Street, offers Austinites the opportunity to explore biohacking and enhance their own well-being.
Visit www.upgradelabs.com/5th-street to learn more about Upgrade Labs 5th Street, or stop by their welcoming facility and grab a cup of Danger Coffee at the coffee bar.
