3D Hubs Secures $18 Million Series C Funding to Accelerate Automated On-Demand Manufacturing

3D Hubs, a pioneering force in the realm of on-demand manufacturing and one of the world’s largest networks for manufacturing services, has recently announced the successful completion of an $18 million Series C funding round. This significant investment milestone was spearheaded by Endeit Capital, a prominent Dutch growth capital investment firm, signaling a strong belief in 3D Hubs’ vision and operational strategy. The core objective of this substantial capital injection is to further enhance and develop the company’s advanced automation capabilities across its manufacturing processes. This strategic focus is designed to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and ultimately deliver a superior experience for its global customer base. The funding round also saw contributions from five other notable investors, including Erik de Bruijn, the visionary co-founder of Ultimaker, a leading name in the desktop 3D printing industry. This diverse group of investors underscores the widespread confidence in 3D Hubs’ innovative approach to industrial manufacturing.

The driving force behind 3D Hubs’ relentless pursuit of advanced automation is a fundamental commitment to simplifying and accelerating the ordering and production process for its diverse clientele. As articulated by Bram de Zwart, Co-Founder and CEO of 3D Hubs, the impact of their algorithmic advancements is already profound. “Thanks to our algorithms, an impressive 93% of manufacturing orders are now fully automated, which enables us to get parts into our customers’ hands twice as fast on average,” de Zwart explains. This remarkable level of automation is not merely about speed; it’s about reducing friction, minimizing human error, and creating a seamlessly efficient pipeline from design to delivery. He further emphasized the transformative potential of this latest investment: “This latest funding round will give us the power to make manufacturing outsourcing even smarter and simpler, and we couldn’t be more excited.” This statement highlights the company’s ambition to redefine industry standards for on-demand production, moving towards an increasingly intelligent and user-friendly ecosystem.

Enhancing Efficiency Through Automated Features

The automation capabilities that 3D Hubs is investing in are comprehensive, extending to critical aspects of the manufacturing workflow such as instant quoting and manufacturability feedback. These automated features are designed to significantly enhance the efficiency of the entire on-demand manufacturing procedure. By providing immediate and accurate quotes, customers can quickly assess project costs and feasibility, eliminating time-consuming back-and-forth communications. Furthermore, automated manufacturability feedback allows engineers and designers to identify and rectify potential production issues early in the design phase, drastically reducing errors, rework, and delays. This proactive approach ensures that designs are optimized for production from the outset, leading to higher quality parts and faster turnaround times. IIan Goudsmit, Investment Manager at Endeit Capital, lauded 3D Hubs’ unique position in the market, stating, “The combination of 3D Hubs’ proprietary software, high-quality network of vetted suppliers spread across four continents and most visited website among engineers makes it a unique company with tremendous global potential.” This endorsement underscores the company’s multifaceted strength, combining technological innovation with a robust operational network and strong industry presence.

Strategic Expansion and Investment in Growth

With this latest $18 million injection, the total capital invested in 3D Hubs now stands at an impressive $30 million, with this Series C round representing the largest single funding event in the company’s history. This substantial capital infusion will not only fuel advancements in automation but also support broader strategic initiatives. In a clear sign of its ambitious expansion plans, the company has announced its intention to establish a new office in the United States. This move is poised to strengthen 3D Hubs’ presence in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic manufacturing markets, allowing for closer collaboration with North American clients and suppliers, and better access to a skilled talent pool. The US office will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of 3D Hubs’ automated manufacturing solutions and consolidating its leadership position in the global on-demand manufacturing landscape. This strategic expansion reflects a long-term vision to build a truly global infrastructure capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern industry.

Evolution from Community Marketplace to Industrial Powerhouse

Founded in 2013, 3D Hubs embarked on its journey as an online community and marketplace, initially connecting individuals and small businesses with peer-to-peer 3D printing services. This foundational phase allowed the company to cultivate a vibrant network and gain invaluable insights into the burgeoning 3D printing ecosystem. However, recognizing the shifting landscape of industrial demand and the immense potential of digital manufacturing, 3D Hubs strategically pivoted its business model. Today, it has transitioned from a peer-to-peer marketplace to a sophisticated B2B manufacturing platform, focusing intently on industrial-grade requirements. This restructuring reflects a maturation of the company’s vision, aligning its services with the complex needs of enterprises seeking reliable, scalable, and efficient production solutions. The transformation underscores 3D Hubs’ agility and foresight in adapting to market dynamics, establishing itself as a crucial player in the Industry 4.0 era. By catering to industrial demand, 3D Hubs has positioned itself at the forefront of the digital manufacturing revolution, offering unparalleled access to a diverse range of advanced production technologies.

Beyond offering access to cutting-edge industrial 3D printing technologies, 3D Hubs has diversified its service portfolio to include other essential manufacturing processes. Through its extensive network of vetted manufacturing partners, the platform provides comprehensive solutions for CNC machining and injection molding services. This multi-technology approach allows 3D Hubs to serve a broader spectrum of customer needs, from rapid prototyping and small-batch production via 3D printing to precision part manufacturing with CNC machining and high-volume production through injection molding. By integrating these diverse capabilities onto a single, automated platform, 3D Hubs offers a holistic solution for product development and manufacturing, streamlining the entire supply chain for businesses of all sizes. This integrated offering is a significant differentiator, enabling customers to procure a wide array of custom parts through a single, trusted source, thereby reducing complexity and accelerating time-to-market.

Global Reach and Proven Impact

The operational footprint of 3D Hubs is truly global, with its services now accessible in an impressive 140 countries worldwide. This expansive reach is a testament to the company’s robust infrastructure and its ability to connect demand with supply across diverse geographies. The impact of its network is substantial; 3D Hubs proudly reports that its vast network of 3D printing houses has collectively produced over 2 million parts for approximately 20,000 businesses. This staggering volume of production highlights the platform’s efficiency and reliability in fulfilling critical manufacturing needs on a global scale. Furthermore, the company boasts an average turnaround time of just two days, a crucial advantage for businesses operating in fast-paced markets where speed to market is paramount. This rapid delivery capability, powered by its automated processes and distributed network, sets 3D Hubs apart in the competitive landscape of on-demand manufacturing. Financially, 3D Hubs has demonstrated exceptional growth, with its net revenue tripling in 2018 alone. This impressive financial performance underscores the strong market demand for its services and the effectiveness of its business model, reinforcing investor confidence and paving the way for continued expansion and innovation.

Aligning with Industry Trends and Future Outlook

This substantial investment round is perfectly aligned with key findings from 3D Hubs’ latest industry report, which predicted a significant increase in 3D printing applications and broader accessibility and distribution for the technology in 2019 and beyond. The report highlighted the growing maturity of additive manufacturing and its increasing integration into mainstream industrial processes. By investing heavily in automation and expanding its service offerings, 3D Hubs is actively contributing to these trends, making advanced manufacturing more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective for businesses worldwide. The company’s strategic direction is not merely reactive but proactive, shaping the future of digital manufacturing by lowering barriers to entry and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge production methods. The expansion into the US market, combined with continuous technological advancements, positions 3D Hubs for sustained growth and leadership in an industry that is rapidly evolving. Their focus on automation is a direct response to the industry’s need for faster, more reliable, and scalable production, cementing their role as a vital partner in the global supply chain.

The future of manufacturing is undeniably digital and automated, and 3D Hubs is at the vanguard of this transformation. Their commitment to leveraging technology to simplify complex production processes is revolutionizing how businesses prototype, produce, and innovate. With robust funding, a clear strategic vision, and a proven track record of growth, 3D Hubs is well-equipped to continue its trajectory as a dominant force in on-demand manufacturing, driving efficiency and accessibility across industries.

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