While MecklerMedia and the 3D Printing Fund may be no more, Alan and John Meckler are still in the 3D printing business with Asimov Ventures, their venture capital firm focused on investing in cutting edge technologies. And, today, the firm announced that it has its sights set on the Silicon Valley of the Southeast, in Chattanooga, where it will be investing in 3D printing startup Collider, with funds matched by the Chattanooga Renaissance Fund. Though their website says very little at the moment, Collider claims to be able to rapidly 3D print industrial-grade plastic parts previously only available with traditional manufacturing.
Collider was founded by Graham Bredemeyer who, before heading GIGTank‘s 3D printing accelerator, was an engineer for Shapeways. As an industry consultant, Bredemeyer is a leading expert in the field. Collider has developed a unique technology that create 3D printed parts with the same mechanical properties as those seen with traditional manufacturing. In other words, Collider can 3D print parts that rival traditionally manufactured objects, making the technology viable for end parts, in addition to producing parts for rapid tooling and prototyping. And, it can do so with great speed. Having spoken to Graham about the technology at Collider, I can tell you that the firm’s incredibly exciting process can even rival the high speed 3D printing processes that made headlines last year.
Alan M. Meckler, General Partner at Asimov Ventures, said of the technology, “Collider’s technology is a game changer and we are thrilled to be an early stage investor. Many industrial companies will no longer have to sacrifice material capabilities in producing 3D printed parts as they will be able to use the exact same materials they use today to make parts.”
Collider will be launching its pilot program with leading industrial clients this year, with the firm’s proprietary process obtaining positive market feedback. Though Asimov Ventures will not be able to divulge too much about the company’s new technology, you can inquire with the venture capital firm by emailing [email protected].
