Snapmaker, Chinese manufacturer of multifunctional 3D printers, has raised “tens of millions” in a Series B funding round co-led by major investment firm Hillhouse Ventures and Chinese technology company Meituan, with the investment intended to accelerate core technology R&D, global talent acquisition, and the expansion of its 3D printing ecosystem as the company prepares for broader worldwide adoption.
The round also included participation from Shunwei Capital, an investment firm co-founded by Xiaomi founder Lei Jun, along with Longzhu Capital (Meituan), Nanshan Innovation Investment, and support from existing shareholders Cowin Capital and Orient Securities Capital.
Snapmaker says the new capital will support its transition from product-led growth to a broader ecosystem strategy. “We will focus on three key areas: First, accelerating core technology R&D to address user pain points in multicolor printing, high-speed fabrication, and more; Second, expanding our global talent network, especially recruiting top talent in hardware R&D, AI software, and content ecosystem development; Third, building a comprehensive ecosystem by collaborating with creators, developers, and supply-chain partners to lower the barriers to creation and make 3D printing a universal tool accessible to everyone,” said Snapmaker founder Daniel Chen.
Growth Fueled by Crowdfunding and Multicolor Capabilities
Founded in 2016 with the stated mission to “enable anyone to create freely in the physical world,” Snapmaker has carried out several large crowdfunding campaigns alongside the development of its consumer 3D printing systems.
In 2019, the Snapmaker 2.0 Kickstarter campaign raised more than US$7.85 million, which according to the company set a crowdfunding record for technology products at the time and contributed to the visibility of the company’s 3-in-1 multifunction design. In 2025, Snapmaker conducted another campaign for its U1 3D printer, generating more than US$20 million in support from over 20,000 backers. The system’s multicolor printing features were a prominent element in its promotion.
According to Snapmaker, development of the U1 incorporated substantial user feedback, including the review of thousands of submissions and interviews aimed at identifying challenges in existing multicolor printing systems, such as limited throughput and higher levels of material waste.
The company subsequently introduced the SnapSwap four-head parallel tool-changing system, designed to enable faster material changes and support multicolor flexible filament printing. Snapmaker states that this system can increase printing speed by up to five times and reduce material usage by the same factor compared with more conventional multicolor setups.
All U1 units from the crowdfunding round have been delivered, and the product is scheduled for global retail availability in Q1 2026. The company expects further activity as distribution expands.
Investment Trends in AM
Additive manufacturing continues to draw interest from global investors. Data from IDTechEx indicates that approximately $650 million was invested in 3D printing across 40 deals in 2024.
Early in 2025, Floridian 3D printing service provider Sintavia received a $10 million subordinated debt investment from the Stifel North Atlantic AM-Forward Fund, a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC). The funding is intended to strengthen Sintavia’s aerospace 3D printing capabilities, refinance existing equipment loans, and support general working capital needs.
In a separate development, Firehawk Aerospace raised $60 million in a Series C funding round led by investor 1789 Capital, a venture firm with approximately $150 million under management. The company plans to use the capital to advance the development of U.S.-made solid rocket motors and 3D printed rocket fuel. Firehawk states that its approach allows solid fuel grains to be 3D printed in hours, in contrast to traditional casting and curing methods that can take months.
The 3D Printing Industry Awards are back. Make your nominations now.
Do you operate a 3D printing start-up? Reach readers, potential investors, and customers with the 3D Printing Industry Start-up of Year competition.
To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, don’t forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Linkedin.
Featured image shows Snapmaker Closes Series B Round. Image via Snapmaker.
