The model kit manufacturing industry in the US is a vibrant segment focused on producing intricate kits for hobbyists and enthusiasts. Companies in this industry create a wide range of products including vehicles, aircraft, sci-fi replicas, and even architectural models. As technology advances, many manufacturers are incorporating 3D printing and digital designs to enhance precision and creativity. Insights show that there's an emerging trend of eco-friendly materials making their way into production, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. The industry's growth trajectory remains strong, fueled by an increasing interest in DIY activities and educational products that foster creativity.

This eclectic mix of investors includes venture capital firms and private equity groups, mainly located in California and New York. With company sizes ranging from small teams to large organizations, these investors have been active in 2024, making a total of 992 investments. Established between 1991 and 2015, they offer varying expertise across sectors which can greatly benefit the model kit manufacturing industry. Investors like Y Combinator and Platinum Equity showcase a keen interest in innovative solutions and operational enhancements, making their contributions crucial for growth.

Top 7 Model Kit Manufacturing Investors in the US

1. 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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its notable investments are Voodoo Manufacturing, a 3D printing company that raised funds to expand its digital factory, and AON3D, a manufacturer of 3D printers that has secured significant funding to enhance its production capabilities. These investments highlight Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative manufacturing solutions, which could be relevant to the model kit manufacturing industry as it increasingly adopts advanced technologies.

2. 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, founded in 1986 and based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a leading corporate investor in the additive manufacturing sector, specializing in 3D printing technologies and solutions. 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 capabilities in 3D printing and design. For instance, their acquisition of Village Plastics Co. in 2013, a manufacturer of 3D filament, aims to improve their offerings in precision thermoplastics, which are essential for producing high-quality model kits. Additionally, the acquisition of The3dStudio.com in 2011 expands their digital media library, providing resources that can support model kit designers. These transactions highlight 3D Systems' commitment to advancing technologies that are directly applicable to the model kit manufacturing industry.

3. 500 Global

• Website: 500.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 98
• LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has participated in several funding rounds for KiwiCo, a company that offers subscription boxes filled with educational projects for children, which often include model kit-like activities. Their involvement in KiwiCo, which raised significant amounts in Seed and Series A rounds, highlights their interest in the educational and creative sectors, aligning with the model kit manufacturing industry. Additionally, their investment in Jewelbots, a company focused on STEM education for girls, further emphasizes their commitment to innovative and educational products.

4. Platinum Equity

• Website: platinumequity.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a diverse portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. Notably, Platinum Equity acquired SVP-Singer Holdings, Inc., the parent company of SVP Worldwide, the largest consumer sewing machine manufacturer, in June 2021. This acquisition highlights their capability and interest in the manufacturing sector, which is relevant to model kit production. Additionally, they have made several other acquisitions, such as Cosmic Pet and Petmate, which further demonstrate their operational expertise and investment strategy focused on enhancing growth and profitability in established companies.

5. Lux Capital

• Website: luxcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 47
• LinkedIn: lux-capital

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2000, that focuses on investing in science and technology companies. They provide venture capital investment and advisory services to startups in various innovative sectors, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, Lux Capital has been involved in significant transactions in the 3D printing space, such as their multiple investments in Shapeways, which raised substantial funding across several rounds (including Series C, B, and a post-IPO equity round) to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, their investment in Desktop Metal, a leader in metal 3D printing, highlights their commitment to supporting companies at the forefront of manufacturing technology. These investments suggest that Lux Capital is well-positioned to understand and support advancements in model kit manufacturing.

6. KPS Capital Partners

• Website: kpsfund.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: kps-capital-partners

KPS Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 1991, that specializes in investments in manufacturing and industrial companies. The firm focuses on enhancing the competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio through strategic investments and operational improvements. KPS has a diverse range of investments, including notable acquisitions such as AM General, a manufacturer of military vehicles, and TaylorMade Golf, a well-known golf equipment manufacturer. Their investment strategy often involves acquiring companies that require capital and expertise to modernize operations and grow. Although KPS has not directly invested in model kit manufacturing, their experience in various manufacturing sectors positions them as a potential investor in this industry, should opportunities arise.

7. Draper Associates

• Website: draper.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: draper-associates

Draper Associates is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, located in San Mateo, California. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in transformative companies, primarily within the technology sector. They provide funding and support to entrepreneurs, helping them develop and grow innovative ideas. Notably, Draper Associates has been involved in several relevant transactions, including significant investments in Inventables, a digital manufacturing supplier that raised funds to expand its offerings in 3D printing and CNC milling. This focus on digital manufacturing aligns with the needs of the model kit manufacturing industry, suggesting that Draper Associates is well-positioned to support companies in this space. Additionally, their investment in M Aerospace RTC, which operates in aerospace, further demonstrates their interest in innovative manufacturing technologies.

Model Kit Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
3D Systems Corporation	Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1986	0
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Platinum Equity	Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)	201-500	1995	20
Lux Capital	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2000	47
KPS Capital Partners	New York, New York, United States (USA)	51-200	1991	5
Draper Associates	San Mateo, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	25

Want to find more investors focusing on the model kit manufacturing industry?

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