BCN3D, a Barcelona-based research group that created IDEX (Independent Dual EXtruder) technology – doubling productivity compared to conventional desktop 3D printers – has now become a standalone company after raising €2.7 million in seed funding. BCN3D recently reached the milestone of 5,000 3D printers sold through its network of 60 global distribution partners.
BCN3D’s printers are used for prototyping, functional validation and manufacturing tooling, jigs, and fixtures. Some of the startup’s most prestigious clients include BMW, Samsung, Louis Vuitton, Nissan, NASA, HTC or ALBA Synchrotron. The round, which came from Accurafy4, JMF Venture Capital, and Victoria, turns BCN3D into one of the top 10 desktop 3D printing manufacturers in Europe in terms of funding.
“We are working on a new range of products to improve the experience of our clients and take the IDEX to a completely new level,” said BCN3D’s CEO Xavier Martínez Faneca. “With this funding, we will be able to ramp-up our production to meet the market demand and cut down the long delivery periods we have experienced in the past due to production limitations.”
“BCN3D is one of the largest spin-offs from an engineering university we have seen in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe,” said Abel Conill, General Partner at VICTORIA Venture Capital. “They have a breakthrough technology -IDEX- that only the best spin-offs have, plus a degree of commercial traction that most spin-offs need years to accomplish. We are thrilled to be part of the company and are fully committed to helping the team accomplish their future goals.”
“Technology transfer is, along with research and training, our greatest commitment related to the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Additive Manufacturing,” said Francesc Torres, Rector at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. “The project of BCN3D has been developed within our technological center CIM-UPC and it’s an example of how knowledge can generate value and have a social impact. We are very proud of this new step for BCN3D and we will support their growth from the university.”