Top 12 Metal Additive Manufacturing Investors in the US
Top 12 Metal Additive Manufacturing Investors in the US
Metal additive manufacturing is transforming how parts are produced, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Using additive processes, companies turn metal powder into intricate components with higher efficiency and less waste compared to traditional methods. This sector features a variety of players including startups developing innovative printing technologies and established corporations investing in advanced manufacturing solutions. As the industry matures, it is expected to experience significant growth driven by demand for customized manufacturing, sustainability practices, and increased automation. Furthermore, advancements in software and materials will continually redefine capabilities and applications across sectors.
The list features a mix of 12 influential investors shaping the metal additive manufacturing space in the US. These include government entities, like the U.S. Department of Energy, private equity firms, and venture capitalists. Their headquarters span major funding hubs such as Washington, D.C., and California, with sizes ranging from small teams to corporations with thousands of employees. Established in various years from 1949 through 2023, these investors collectively completed 1,049 deals in 2024, highlighting their commitment to fostering innovation in this cutting-edge industry.
Top 12 Metal Additive Manufacturing Investors in the US
1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Website: energy.gov
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 597
- LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been involved in several transactions that support the metal additive manufacturing sector. For instance, in January 2024, the DOE provided grants to Sciaky, Inc. ($189,323), PolarOnyx ($249,989), and NovaTech ($256,496), all of which are engaged in metal additive manufacturing technologies. Additionally, Wall Colmonoy received a grant of $359,540 in March 2024, and Fortify was awarded an undisclosed amount in July 2022. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to fostering innovation and development in the metal additive manufacturing field.
2. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the additive manufacturing sector, Y Combinator has participated in funding rounds for AON3D, a 3D printer manufacturing company that raised significant capital in both seed and Series A rounds, and Voodoo Manufacturing, which focuses on 3D printing and aims to revolutionize manufacturing processes. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that are relevant to the metal additive manufacturing industry.
3. Sosv
- Website: sosv.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1995
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 170
- LinkedIn: sosv
SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. In recent years, they have been involved in several transactions that align with the manufacturing and technology sectors. For instance, they invested in 3DK Tech, which raised $150,000 in a seed round in December 2023, indicating a focus on 3D printing technologies. Additionally, their investment in Formlabs, a company known for its 3D printing solutions, further highlights their engagement in the additive manufacturing space. Other transactions, such as those involving Voltera and Wazer, also reflect their commitment to innovative manufacturing solutions, making them a relevant player in the metal additive manufacturing industry.
4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA. The fund is part of Alumni Ventures, which connects accredited investors and institutions with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the fund focuses on diversified venture portfolios. Notably, Deep Tech Fund has been involved in significant transactions within the metal additive manufacturing space, including investments in Inkbit, which raised $30 million to enhance its metal-based 3D printing technology, and Divergent Technologies, which has secured substantial funding to scale its DAPS process for automotive and aerospace applications. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative technologies in the metal additive manufacturing sector.
5. MassVentures
- Website: mass-ventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1978
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 28
- LinkedIn: massventures
MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm provides a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has invested in companies like Inkbit, which raised significant funding to advance its metal-based 3D printing technology. Additionally, they have supported Poly6 Technologies and Xtalic, both of which have received grants, indicating their interest in fostering innovation in materials and manufacturing processes. This track record highlights MassVentures' role in promoting advancements in the metal additive manufacturing sector.
6. Plug and Play Tech Center
- Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 253
- LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center
Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2021, they participated in a $13 million venture round for Mantle, a company specializing in metal additive manufacturing, and they continued their support with a convertible note in December 2023. This involvement highlights their commitment to advancing technology in the manufacturing sector, particularly in metal additive manufacturing, while also engaging in a diverse range of other technology sectors.
7. Khosla Ventures
- Website: khoslaventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 97
- LinkedIn: khosla-ventures
Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Notably, Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in the metal additive manufacturing space through its investments in Velo3D, a leading company in this field. Khosla Ventures participated in several funding rounds for Velo3D, including a $155 million Post-IPO Equity round in September 2021, a $28 million Series D round in April 2020, and earlier rounds dating back to 2015. This consistent support highlights Khosla Ventures' commitment to advancing metal additive manufacturing technologies and positions them as a relevant investor in this industry.
8. 3D Systems Corporation
- Website: 3dsystems.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1986
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: 3d-systems
3D Systems Corporation is a leading additive manufacturing company based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, specializing in 3D printing technologies and solutions. Founded in 1986, the company offers a comprehensive range of 3D printers, materials, and software tailored for various industries, including healthcare and aerospace. Notably, 3D Systems has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the metal additive manufacturing space. In 2013, they acquired Phenix Systems, a manufacturer of metal 3D printing systems based in France, for $15.1 million, which allowed them to strengthen their offerings in metal 3D printing. Additionally, their acquisitions of companies like Medical Modeling Inc. and Volumetric further demonstrate their commitment to innovation and expanding their capabilities across different sectors. With a focus on enhancing manufacturing efficiency and product quality, 3D Systems continues to be a key player in the additive manufacturing industry.
9. United States Department of Defense
- Website: defense.gov
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1949
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 53
- LinkedIn: deptofdefense
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a public entity responsible for national security and military operations, founded in 1949. It provides military forces and services to deter war and ensure the safety of the nation. The DoD has been actively involved in funding various projects through grants, particularly in the metal additive manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include a $1.6 million grant to ExOne in February 2021, a $26.4 million grant to Global Advanced Metals in September 2024, and a $12.7 million grant to IperionX in November 2023. These investments reflect the DoD's commitment to enhancing military readiness through advanced manufacturing technologies, including metal additive manufacturing, which is crucial for producing parts and components for defense applications.
10. The Carlyle Group
- Website: carlyle.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1987
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group
The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on driving long-term value for institutional investors, Carlyle has made significant investments across various sectors. Notably, their acquisition of Atotech for $3.2 billion highlights their commitment to the industrials and manufacturing sector, which is closely related to metal additive manufacturing. Additionally, their investments in AutoForm Engineering and Metrologic Group further demonstrate their engagement in technology and engineering solutions that could be relevant to the additive manufacturing landscape. Carlyle's strategic approach to investing positions them as a key player in sectors that may intersect with metal additive manufacturing technologies.
11. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
- Website: nea.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA has a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has been actively involved in the metal additive manufacturing space, having invested in Desktop Metal through multiple funding rounds, including Series A ($14M), Series B ($33.76M), Series C ($45M), and Series D ($115M). This involvement highlights NEA's commitment to supporting innovation in the metal 3D printing industry. Additionally, NEA has invested in Formlabs, which, while primarily focused on resin-based 3D printing, also explores applications in various manufacturing sectors, further showcasing their interest in additive manufacturing technologies.
12. Autodesk
- Website: autodesk.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1982
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 12
- LinkedIn: autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a corporate investor based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1982. The company is renowned for its comprehensive suite of design and engineering software solutions, which cater to various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Autodesk's products, such as AutoCAD and Revit, are designed to enhance productivity and creativity in professional projects. In the context of metal additive manufacturing, Autodesk has made significant investments, including a notable participation in a $25 million funding round for XJet, an Israeli metal 3D printing company, through its Spark Investment Fund. This investment reflects Autodesk's commitment to advancing technologies that support manufacturing processes. Additionally, Autodesk has been involved in funding rounds for other companies in the additive manufacturing space, such as Formlabs, which further underscores their interest in this innovative sector.
Metal Additive Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1977 | 597 |
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| MassVentures | Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 1978 | 28 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| Khosla Ventures | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2004 | 97 |
| 3D Systems Corporation | Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1986 | 0 |
| United States Department of Defense | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1949 | 53 |
| The Carlyle Group | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1987 | 25 |
| New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
| Autodesk | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1982 | 12 |
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