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Shapeways Funding Graphic
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Future Factory graphic
Creating a dream is often hard work, and nearly always expensive. Shapeways has a dream to "enable you to make whatever you can imagine," which certainly sounds like the sort of awesome project that needs both dedication and a bit of cash.
Dedication is not in question here — the fact that the company has shipped over 1 million 3D printed products, host over 6,000 shops and encompasses over 150,000 community members demonstrates that their heart is certainly in it.
The company has also just announced that they have secured a little more of the cold, hard dedication they need in the form of a $6.2 m financing round led by Lux Capital. Lux joins Union Square Ventures and Index Ventures as major backers.
Shapeways isn't just saving for a rainy day here — they have a plan to use the money to expand their team (currently standing at over 50 employees) and spread 'creative commerce' further afield. Specifcally Lux's investment will help the company in setting up the NYC production facility or 'factory of the future'.
Lux is local to Shapeways HQ in New York, and has experience of commercialising emerging technologies. Josh Wolfe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Lux shared, "We seek investment opportunities to help turn technical breakthroughs into world-changing businesses, and see Shapeways at the forefront of bringing the magic of 3D printing to everyday consumers."