BASF venture unit backs China 3D printing player

“China is transforming from a manufacturing-driven to an innovation-driven economy,” Zheng Daqing, a senior vice president at BASF Group, said in a statement. “This investment in Prismlab reflects our commitment to further expanding our innovation capabilities in China, and BASF Venture Capital plays an important role in helping us identifying potential partners that lead us to success.”

Prismlab has developed a patented process involving LCD lights that is said to increase 3D printing resolution for large objects at a lower cost and without compromising printing speed. This advantage is expected to open opportunities in the footwear and furniture industries in particular. Other Prismlab products are considered applicable to medical and educational use-cases.

The maturation of 3D printing technology for industrial manufacturing purposes is expected to coincide with a shift in segment leadership from West to East. Recent investment in this trend includes a $107 million round for Divergent 3D, a US-based company bringing 3D printing technology to China’s auto manufacturing space.

Similarly, Shenzhen Capital joined a $30 million round earlier this year for US-based 3D printing company Formlabs that aims to expand the company’s operations into China and Asia. Meanwhile, China Everbright contributed to a $25 million round for Israel-based XJet with a view to bringing its metal printing technology to China.  

BASF is one of the largest chemical companies in the world with more than 115,000 employees and interests across a range of industrial segments including materials, performance products, and agriculture. BASF Venture Capital was launched in 2001 and operates via offices in Europe, the US, Israel, and China. 

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• Topics
• Greater China
• Early-stage
• Industrials
• Technology
• China
• manufacturing
• Venture