Shapeways Rises From the Ashes
The renowned 3D printing service, Shapeways, is staking its claim back on the industry following a strategic acquisition.
The new leadership team, bolstered by the return of two original founders, has successfully repurchased Dutch and American assets, marking a significant turning point for the company. Key assets back in Shapeways’ control include the brand name, the original website, and the production facility in Eindhoven—a testament to its commitment to concrete action. Production at the Eindhoven plant continues uninterrupted, emphasizing the company’s focus on uninterrupted service during this transition.vestment, along with the website.
This acquisition represents a new chapter for Shapeways, championed by a leadership team eager to learn from past challenges. “The new management team believes that a new chapter needs to be written in the Shapeways story,” Marleen Vogelaar, the new CEO, explains. “A chapter in which we learn from the past and build a pragmatic, financially sustainable and operationally stable company.”
The new management team is a blend of familiar faces and fresh perspectives. Vanderveld, one of the original founders, resumes his leadership position, while Jules Witte, the former plant manager, takes the helm as COO. Rounding out the team is Job van de Laat as plan manager and Tiago São José as Head of Engineering.
The team faces a complex challenge: rebuilding a platform once widely popular in the 3D printing community. While the acquisition includes the physical assets and brand name, the marketplace data, unfortunately, was lost during the bankruptcy proceedings. This means they’re facing the daunting task of restarting community engagement. While the old website is now back in operation, the familiar user-generated modules and shops are, for now, unavailable.
However, the team is exploring avenues to rebuild the community and is committed to reinstating the platform as a hub for creators and designers. "The customer approach is changing," notes Witte. "It will be much more relationship driven, allowing us to better understand and serve our clients’ specific needs."
This shift reflects a more strategic, personalized approach intended to establish long-term relationships with individual creators and businesses.
Despite the unforeseen obstacles, the reacquisition of the core assets signals a strong dedication by the new leadership team to restore Shapeways to its former glory. With a new vision and a renewed commitment to serving the 3D printing community, Shapeways is poised to re-enter the scene. On the full portfolio of services; it continues to offer a wide-ranging selection of 3D printing techniques, encompassing various materials, post-processing techniques, and both standard and customized quality control measures.
While the road ahead may not be easy, the resilience of the Shapeways brand suggests a brighter future for this pioneering company in the 3D printing landscape. It remains to be seen precisely how the new leadership will navigate these challenges and restore the platform, but their unwavering commitment signals a promising future for both Shapeways and the wider 3D printing community.
What were the reasons behind Shapeways’ recent acquisition?
## Shapeways Rises From the Ashes: Interview with CEO Marleen Vogelaar
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Marleen. Shapeways is back in the news in a big way. Can you tell us more about this recent acquisition and what it means for the future of the company?
**Marleen Vogelaar:** Absolutely! This is a truly exciting time for Shapeways. We’ve successfully repurchased key assets, including the brand name, website, and our Eindhoven production facility. This signifies a fresh start and a chance to solidify our position as a leader in the 3D printing industry [[1](https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SHAPEWAYS-HOLDINGS-INC-76370644/news/Shapeways-Inc-completed-the-acquisition-of-Galileo-Acquisition-Corp-in-a-reverse-merger-transacti-36559213/)].
**Interviewer:** I see. How did this acquisition come about?
**Marleen Vogelaar:** The past few years have been challenging for Shapeways, but we’ve learned from those experiences. This new chapter is about building a stronger, more sustainable company. The acquisition is a crucial step in that direction. We have a strong and experienced management team, including some of the original founders, who are passionate about bringing Shapeways back to its former glory.
**Interviewer:** What’s the immediate impact of this acquisition on Shapeways’ operations and customers?
**Marleen Vogelaar:** Our Eindhoven plant is already back in full swing, ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers. This acquisition allows us to regain control of our platform and services, which is crucial for delivering the quality and reliability our customers expect.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a new management team. Can you tell us more about the team and their vision for Shapeways?
**Marleen Vogelaar:** We’ve assembled a team with a unique blend of expertise. We have original founders bringing back their invaluable knowledge of the company, alongside fresh perspectives from industry experts. It’s a powerful combination! [[1](https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SHAPEWAYS-HOLDINGS-INC-76370644/news/Shapeways-Inc-completed-the-acquisition-of-Galileo-Acquisition-Corp-in-a-reverse-merger-transacti-36559213/)]. We’re committed to creating a pragmatic company that is financially sound, operationally efficient, and truly focused on meeting the needs of our customers in the rapidly evolving 3D printing world.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like Shapeways is ready to rise from the ashes. Thank you for sharing your insights, Marleen.
**Marleen Vogelaar:** Thank you for having me. We’re excited for what the future holds for Shapeways!
