Rapid Liquid Print (RLP), a pioneering additive manufacturing startup born out of MIT in 2015, has just secured a significant milestone in its journey – a Series A funding round totaling $7 million. Leading this investment is Germany’s HZG Group, a heavyweight in venture capital, along with stalwarts BMW i Ventures and MassMutual, through MM Catalyst Fund (MMCF). Notably, BMW i Ventures holds the distinction of being RLP’s initial seed investor, showing early faith in the venture.
RLP’s breakthrough lies in its novel 3D printing technology, which operates within a gel medium, enabling the rapid production of large-scale, flexible, and durable products in mere minutes. This innovation holds immense promise, particularly in industries like automotive and medical technology. The company’s immediate focus involves scaling up production, bolstering its expert team, and exploring new business avenues, all facilitated by this infusion of capital.
Schendy Kernizan, CEO and co-founder of RLP, expresses optimism about the collaboration with HZG Group, recognizing their deep understanding of the technology’s potential and their track record in industrial-scale 3D printing. The synergy between RLP and HZG Group, with its engineering prowess and Bavarian high-tech network, promises to propel RLP’s technology to greater heights.
RLP’s methodology, developed at MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab, revolutionizes traditional additive manufacturing by drawing liquid objects within a gel suspension, resulting in intricate, three-dimensional structures without the need for cumbersome support systems. This streamlined process not only accelerates production but also enhances sustainability, with the gel being reusable and materials recyclable.
The involvement of HZG Group, spearheaded by 3D printing pioneers Kerstin and Frank Carsten Herzog, signifies a strategic alignment with industry leaders who have a proven track record in advancing additive manufacturing technologies. Their expertise, coupled with RLP’s innovative approach, bodes well for the future of elastomer 3D printing, particularly in automotive applications.
Currently operating in the vicinity of MIT in Boston, RLP’s printing facility caters to a diverse clientele spanning medical, automotive, and consumer goods sectors. Alongside its cutting-edge printing technology, the company has developed a sophisticated software platform to control the intricate printing process within the gel medium.
With this infusion of funds and strategic partnerships, RLP is poised to chart new territories in additive manufacturing, ushering in a future where complex, large-scale products are brought to life with unparalleled speed and efficiency.
