Creative 3D Technologies Profile

“We create highly capable 3D printers, capable of encompassing the separated functions of an entire suite of 8+ specialty printers in one for significantly less.”

“We want to empower people's ability to accessibly create prototypes and produce products without being confined to the constraints of other 3D printers or manufacturing tools.”

“We're currently wrapping up our second round of funding. Once closed, we'll have raised $535,000 total.”

“Speaking in terms of an employee sheet, until the end of this round, it will have been a one-man show. But there's multiple active entities within the company and an entire network of people who support the company and help regularly.”

“My current frustrations with the 3D Printing industry sparked the founding of Creative 3D Technologies! I was running a different business prior to Creative 3D, where my team and I would refurbish 3D printers, upgrade their functions, and sell the now more capable printers for less straight to customers. Doing this for about five years, studying the rise and fall of the competition, personally being in 100+ different 3D printers, and designing improvements gave me a full cycle of experience to want to do better. I knew there were lots of parts that I couldn't make without using multiple specialty 3D printers and gluing the final products together, and overall, I wanted more capable machines. So, I made the first proof of concept that would later become my company's first product. From there, I realized I could help others from encountering my same frustrations with printers and the industry by doing it myself, and I had the experience to do so, so I did!”

“Our pre-seed funder helped establish our name!”

“I've always been entrepreneurial in nature, there's many examples growing up where I'd take something I was interested in or excited about and turn it into something profitable. My founding Creative 3D Technologies was an evolution of that same path! It's not something I've given much thought to, but it's something I've naturally kept coming back to. I suppose being an entrepreneur and a leader has always been in me.”

“Oh, of course! I've encountered issues on both the business and developmental sides of the business. I can't go into much detail, but my best advice for others would be to surround yourself with people who can provide valuable advice. Don't be afraid to admit when you're not proficient at something and don't be afraid to delegate. If you fill in those areas where you're uneducated or not the best, you'll learn and improve your business.”

“For my startup, this was fairly simple. We're creating 3D printers, so the 3D printing marketplace is our market. Then we let the marketplace get hands-on with our product and did some light advertising to verify and quantify our market fit.”

“It's pretty simple and straightforward, Trade shows, PR, ads, etc. But for each of those, we take unique approaches with what we advertise. We create and promote statement pieces that the competition would struggle to produce.”

“Trade shows! Letting customers get hands-on with products and see why they should want it themselves along with showing statement pieces.”

“Sales per month, of both the printers and the accessories that go along with it.”

“I've been a fan of Technori ever since I was featured on it!”

“I'm a big fan of the Autodeck suite of products! I enjoy the work flow on them for designing and testing products and couldn't have gotten here without them!”

“I'm very surprised by how supportive and interconnected the startup communities are once you actually make an effort to join them. I believe the startup scene is as beneficial as you make it, if you come in with a positive attitude and make an effort, people will recognize that and help.”

“That was honestly one of the hardest aspects of the developmental journey. I slept an Everyman's cycle of four hours per night plus two 30 minute incremental naps within the day. It was awful to get used to, but once I did, I was able to achieve what I needed to. Though I wouldn't recommend that to anyone else unless you believe what you're doing is your genuine passion. If it is, then I fully believe that your work is also part of your free time since [your free time] would be used doing the same thing anyway! So my advice would be to pursue something that's a true passion to that level. If you're not pursuing something that you're that level of passionate about, then have a strict schedule of days you have off and integrate into your city, so there's always something exciting to draw you away from work.”

“I believe in keeping all aspects of myself maintained to keep my mind and focus sharp. I work out five times a week for two hours a day, I proportion my food well and eat good foods, and I stimulate my mind by learning new things through a variety of methods. Doing this lets me better focus on work.”

“As I mentioned in the last question, I think a healthy body and mind help significantly. When I dropped weight from working out, my confidence shot up, and that drastically helped me in networking and presenting my company. If I didn't find that better physical balance for myself, then I certainly wouldn't be where I am now.”

“I've done a lot of things from a young age that paid me and could be considered a job if I were to pursue them at my age now. With that said, I think the first age where you could consider my small hustles a job would be when I was building custom computers for my community. I learned the joys of making my own schedule and the rudimentary basics of running a business like sourcing hardware, acquiring customers, and keeping them satisfied.”

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