China 3D printing start-up WeNext raises $55m

Other investors include Nio Capital, CAS Investment Management, and Creo Capital. Nio Capital and CAS Investment - which is controlled by the Chinese Academy of Sciences - co-led an RMB100 million ($15 million) Series A for WeNext in January.

Launched in 2015, WeNext claims to be China’s largest 3D printing platform, providing a one-stop service that includes 3D printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, vacuum casting, and plastic injection molding. 

The company aggregates orders from more than 200,000 customers and puts them through its autonomous production line. It has manufactured more than 30 million models to date. 

Mingpo Cai, founder and chairman of Cathay Capital, noted that customers are asking more of China's manufacturers in terms of R&D and response speed. 

"Product SKUs [stock keeping units] are increasing and iteration cycles are accelerating. The standardized supply chain required for traditional manufacturing will shift to a non-standard and flexible platform," he said.

WeNext will use the Series B proceeds to develop new business units, technology R&D, and market expansion.

High-end manufacturing is a popular investment theme in China, but much of the capital has focused on industrial robotics and industry 4.0. Recipients include Flexiv, Geek+, and XYZ Robotics.

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• Topics
• Greater China
• Early-stage
• Industrials
• Technology
• China
• Temasek Holdings
• Cathay Capital Private Equity
• Nio Capital
• manufacturing