First 3-D Laser Printer to Launch with US$9 Million Funding Round

21 May 2015—Early-stage funding from three investors will allow Seattle-based Glowforge, Inc. to bring consumers the first 3-D laser printer, cutting and engraving system. The device, also called a Glowforge, uses a laser to cut and etch materials like leather, foam, fabric or paper, unlike a 3-D printer, which builds objects one layer at a time out of plastic. The device can create designs on hardwood and metal, too, and is simple enough for children to use.

Foundry Group (Boulder, Colo., USA) led the US$9 million funding round, along with True Ventures (San Francisco), MakerBot Industries former cofounder Bre Pettis, and former MakerBot chief executive officer Jenny Lawton. The investment will enable Glowforge to ramp up staffing of new engineers.
The device will combine its laser cutting and engraving capabilities with cloud software and smartphone sensors for small-scale production of items like toys, jewelry, satchels, light fixtures and smartphone engravings. The 3-D engraver will cost less than US$2,500 and is expected to reach the commercial market in late 2015.