“Shapeways returns to its roots with leadership from trusted management and founding visionaries”

Shapeways is making a comeback in the global market with a new management team, sustainable business model, and customer-centered approach. The pioneering force in digital manufacturing, originally launched in 2008, underwent significant changes under previous leadership, ultimately leading to bankruptcy in July 2024. But now, with a new team at the helm, Shapeways is ready to reset its trajectory.

The new management team consists of the profitable Eindhoven factory’s previous management team and two of the original Shapeways founders. Marleen Vogelaar, former COO/CFO and co-founder of Shapeways, is now the CEO. Jules Witte, former Plant Manager and current Shapeways employee, is the COO. Robert Schouwenburg, former CTO and co-founder, returns as the CTO. Job van de Laar, current Plant Manager, and Tiago São José, Head of Engineering, round out the team.

Vogelaar explains, “When I helped to launch Shapeways in 2008, it was at the forefront of democratizing access to digital manufacturing. The new management team believes there is a ‘next chapter’ to be written in the Shapeways story, one that includes learning from the past and building a pragmatic, financially sustainable, and operationally stable company that continues to provide exceptional service to our users.”

Shapeways will continue to operate from its original home town of Eindhoven, The Netherlands, with an international team. The company’s goal is to be a digital manufacturing engine for its global customer base, offering a wide range of 3D printing technologies and a large suite of materials and post-processing options, with standard and custom quality control options.

While the marketplace and shops are not able to be restarted due to data loss during the bankruptcy and unusable infrastructure, solutions for the community are actively being sought. Additionally, user IP, such as model data, was owned by the users, not the defunct entity. The new management team bought all the available intellectual property owned by the defunct entity but did not buy or get access to user-owned IP as the trustee could not sell that to any new owner. All Manuevo accounts and model data will be accessible through www.shapeways.com.

Shapeways’ aim is to be a key partner in its clients’ sustainable and resilient supply chain, driving their success, innovation, and economic growth. With 12 additive manufacturing technologies and a large suite of materials and finishes, Shapeways serves a wide range of customers, from engineers to large enterprises in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, architecture, medical technology, and semiconductors. The company operates according to ISO:9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 standards.

For more information, FAQs can be found on the Shapeways website at www.shapeways.com. For media inquiries, please contact James Woodcock at press@shapeways.com.