3D Printing Sector Overview – Q3 2019 Update

In this post we examine the different components of the 3D printing ecosystem. We will illustrate what the categories of innovation are and how they compare to one another.

Manufacturers Is The Largest 3D Printing Category

Let’s start off by looking at the Sector Map. There are 397 3D printing startups across 9 categories through Q3 2019. They have cumulatively raised $3B. The Sector Map highlights the number of companies in each category. It also shows a random sampling of companies within the category.

We see that Manufacturers is the largest category with 120 companies. These companies manufacture 3D printers and the accompanying hardware, such as injection heads. Some example companies include Stratasys, Desktop Metal, Glowforge, and Markforged.

Introducing the 3D Printing Category Funding Rank Chart

Now let’s look at the Category Funding Rank Chart. This graph illustrates how the relative category funding ranks have evolved over time. Please note that a category’s ranking in each year indicates its relative placement based on the funding made into that category in that year only, without including any cumulative funding from the previous years.

As you can see, while some categories have maintained relatively stable funding ranks, others have shifted around considerably. This chart gives a sense of where dollars are flowing within the 3D printing ecosystem over the past few years.

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