Sculpteo from sketch to reality.
Sculpteo has announced a €5 million fundraising round to boost the global offering of its cloud based 3D printing service.
The funding was provided by major venture capital player XAnge and Creadev, a Mulliez family holding company, to accelerate the growth of the 3D printing company’s online platform.
Founded in 2009 by the team behind French consumer electronics company Inventel, the start-up based in Paris and San Francisco has been focused on developing the tools to make 3D printing easy and accessible to both professionals and individuals through its cloud service.
Sculpteo’s online service is capable of producing single units, small series and eventually larger series, using a range of materials. Online 3D printing allows users to generate and convert digital files into real objects manufactured using 3D printing and delivered in record time.
“Since the beginning of our involvement in 2012, Sculpteo has demonstrated the relevance of 3D printing and succeeded in making this technology available to the public at large,” Cyril Bertrand, a member of the Executive Board of XAnge commented. Following the emergence period, 3D printing has become an essential part of industry. As specialists in digital innovation, it was natural for our teams to support the company through this new development stage.”
Eric Carreel, Chairman of Sculpteo added: “We welcome XAnge’s increased investment and Creadev’s new commitment. Both are key players who have been able to build leading companies in the retail and logistics sectors”.
In total, five million Euros of new funds has been provided to the company which plans to double its 50 strong workforce by 2016. Management will keep a majority stake in the business and drive future growth but ultimately this major funding boost will solidify Sculpteo’s position in the global market.
Clement Moreau, CEO of Sculpteo said, “3D printing fulfils the growing need to manufacture quickly and accurately objects which digital technologies allowed us to imagine on screen. This technology will no doubt become part of day-to-day industrial manufacturing”.