Development Bank of Japan and Epson invest in 3D printing company 3DEO

3DEO, a US-based 3D printing company, announced an investment from the Development Bank of Japan Inc (DBJ) and Seiko Epson Corporation (EPSON). This partnership represents a key step in 3DEO’s expansion and underscores its confidence in its proprietary end-to-end 3D printing technology.

3DEO’s unique approach focuses on specializing in complex metal 3D printing components/assemblies and advanced design for additive manufacturing (DfAM). This is underpinned by a differentiated portfolio of 18 patents. 3DEO’s visionary focus enables customers to develop and design competitive products, while the end-to-end solution, consisting of proprietary software, metal 3D printers, robotics and materials, simplifies the production process. This integration significantly reduces complexity for customers, allowing them to scale without the burden of mastering AM processes themselves, supported by 3DEO’s extensive DfAM training and expertise.

The investment will drive 3DEO’s growth strategies in North America and Japan and expand partnership opportunities in the semiconductor, aerospace, medical device and industrial sectors.

“The collaboration with DBJ and EPSON is a powerful endorsement of our mission to empower product and engineering teams across the globe,” said Matthew Petros, CEO and Co-founder of 3DEO. “This investment is not just capital; it’s a commitment to a shared vision of challenging what’s possible through the combination of additive design principles and differentiated capabilities.”

In Japan, there is a strong tradition in conventional metal processing based on precision casting, which has supported the growth of the machining and assembly industry and the optimization of the supply chain in terms of quality and cost. Although there is a movement towards the research and development of AM technologies and DfAM, the barriers to implementation in production are significant. This collaboration aims to overcome these challenges and contribute to the advancement of AM technologies within the established Japanese manufacturing landscape.

The strategic investment by DBJ and EPSON is in line with DBJ’s mandate to promote “technological innovation and industry restructuring” and Epson’s mission to “promote innovation in manufacturing” under its renewed corporate vision Epson 25. Made through the DBJ Startups and Innovation Fund, the investment will strengthen 3DEO’s business expansion in North America and Japan and usher in a new era of global innovation and manufacturing efficiency.

“By integrating 3DEO’s AM capabilities with the meticulous engineering tradition of Japan, we aim to unlock new levels of productivity and expand the manufacturing possibilities in one of the world’s leading economies,” said Payman Torabi, CTO and Co-founder of 3DEO. “This investment is a testament to the trust and potential seen in 3DEO’s innovative approach. We are excited to collaborate with DBJ and Epson, leveraging their expertise and market reach to enhance and refine the landscape of Additive Manufacturing.”

The investment by DBJ and EPSON, which was secured after careful review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), will enable 3DEO to capitalize on the strengths of the Japanese manufacturing industry while promoting technological advancements in both regions. DBJ will actively support 3DEO and work closely with Epson and other stakeholders to proactively help 3DEO build its business and enhance its corporate value. In addition, DBJ will serve as a liaison for all parties involved, including national and local governments and participating private companies, and contribute to the social implementation of DfAM in Japan, with the aim of contributing to the innovation and restructuring of the manufacturing industry.

“We are excited to see how this synergy will support our continued mission to empower customers with unparalleled design freedom and production capabilities,” added Petros.

3DEO’s business model and full-stack solution positions it as a pioneer in the industry, reducing development time and costs for partners. With this strategic investment, 3DEO is poised to further disrupt traditional and advanced manufacturing processes and bring innovative products to market faster and more efficiently than ever.