Last July, NVBots launched an equity crowdfunding campaign for what it has called the first fully automated, cloud-connected 3D printer. Now, the Boston startup—which was part of the MassChallenge 2014 class and has focused on providing its 3D printer to schools—said it has closed on $2 million in seed funding.
The money, from undisclosed domestic and international investors, will be used to fuel production of the startup's NVPro printer. Additionally, former CEO of Reflexite (acquired by Orafol) and manufacturing expert Mike Foley will join the company’s board of directors.
MIT roots
NVBots was founded by MIT graduates AJ Perez, Forrest Pieper, Mateo Pena Doll and Chris Haid. After realizing how difficult it was to get access to a 3D printer, they decided to build their own right from within the MIT fraternity house Phi Delta Theta.
Since the NVPrinter is connected to the cloud, users are able to wirelessly print at any time, and from any device. A live video feed gives users the ability to check on the status of their work, and the patent-pending robotic arm removes items when they’re finished printing. And since NVBots provides educational modules designed with Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards in mind, it aims to be innately useful for educators aiming to adopt 3D printing technology.
“NVBots is enabling students to succeed in the classroom, at home and in life, by giving them technology that allows them to innovate in ways never before thought possible,” Perez said in a press release. “We are excited about the close of this round and look forward to working with industry experts such as Mike Foley, as we lead the way in democratizing 3D printing.”
The NVBots printer has been used by MIT’s Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, Newton North High School and North Central Charter Essential School in Fitchburg. So far, more than 2,500 successful print jobs have been completed by more than 100 unique users—and the team is optimistic that those numbers will keep growing as more businesses, students and educators leverage the technology to bring their ideas to life.
Photos courtesy of NVBots.
