What is Shapeways?
Headquartered in Long Island City, New York, Shapeways operates as a comprehensive 3D printing service and marketplace. The company facilitates the transition from prototyping to full-scale production, offering software-driven manufacturing solutions that cater to both individual creators and large-scale enterprise clients. By maintaining a sophisticated digital platform, Shapeways enables users to upload designs, select materials, and manage production workflows, effectively democratizing access to high-end manufacturing capabilities. Its market position is defined by its ability to integrate complex additive manufacturing processes into a user-friendly, scalable service model.
How much funding has Shapeways raised?
Shapeways has raised a total of $103.9M across 7 funding rounds:
Series A
$5M
Series B
$6.2M
Debt
$1.2M
Series C
$30M
Series D
$30.5M
Series E
$30M
Debt
$1M
Series A (2010): $5M with participation from index Ventures and Union Square Ventures
Series B (2012): $6.2M led by Lux Capital, Union Square Ventures, and Index Ventures
Debt (2013): $1.2M supported by Partnership Fund for New York City
Series C (2013): $30M featuring Union Square Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, Lux Capital, and Index Ventures
Series D (2015): $30.5M backed by Union Square Ventures, Index Ventures, Presidio Ventures, Inkef Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Lux Capital, and Hewlett Packard Ventures
Series E (2018): $30M with participation from Union Square Ventures, Lux Capital, INKEF Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz
Debt (2020): $1M led by PPP
Key Investors in Shapeways
Union Square Ventures
A New York City-based venture capital firm that invests in transformative markets influenced by technological and societal changes, targeting innovative companies poised for significant growth.
Index Ventures
A global venture firm that partners with entrepreneurs from seed to IPO, focusing on bold companies that challenge the status quo across various industries.
Lux Capital
A venture capital firm specializing in early-stage and growth-stage companies at the intersection of science and technology, with a focus on frontier areas like robotics and advanced materials.
What's next for Shapeways?
Looking ahead, Shapeways is positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for on-demand manufacturing and decentralized supply chains. The capital secured through its various funding rounds provides the necessary runway to enhance its proprietary software stack and expand its material science capabilities. As the industry shifts toward more agile production methods, Shapeways is expected to focus on deepening its enterprise integrations and optimizing its global manufacturing footprint. The strategic backing from its long-term investment partners suggests a continued emphasis on technological differentiation and market leadership in the competitive landscape of digital fabrication.
See full Shapeways company page