ACCELERATE
AD&P; > June 2013 > ACCELERATE
3D Systems Picks Up RPDG,
Shapeways Picks Up $30M
3D Systems (3dsystems.com) continues its growth path by
purchasing Rapid Product Development Group (rpdg.com),
an on-demand additive and traditional manufacturing
company. RPDG was included in the 2012 Inc. 500 list
of the fastest-growing private companies in America. 3D
Systems says it plans to integrate RPDG's capabilities into
its Quickparts services.
led by Andreesen Horwitz. Union Square Ventures, Index
Ventures, and Lux Capital, also contributed to the round.
"We are very pleased to add a proven service provider
and innovator of RPDG's reputation, experience and scale
to our rapidly growing, global network of on-demand
parts services," said Ziad Abou, vice president and general
manager, Quickparts Services for 3D Systems.
On Shapeways.com consumers are able to make, buy
and sell custom products. They range from the trinket
department, such as iPhone cases and jewelry, to
functional parts.
Meanwhile, one of the frst online 3D printing communities, Shapeways (shapeways.com), also is in growth mode
with a $30-million series C venture capital investment
"Our vision is big; we want to make 3D printing afordable
and accessible for everyone worldwide. This funding will
help us realize our vision at an even faster rate," said
Shapeways Co-Founder and CEO Peter Weijmarshausen.
With a community totaling 300,000 members, Shapeways
has printed and shipped more than a million 3D products
this far. The company says 60,000 new designs are
uploaded each month.
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