Made Solid

ApplicationTaos, NM, USAFounded 2014· One of 434 Application companies tracked by AMPulse

Home goods and accessories brand centered around handmade leatherwork and accessories by Peter Maxwell, based in Taos, NM.

CEO / Founder: Peter Maxwell (aka Max)
Team Size: 1-10
Stage: Active

Technology & Products

Key Products

Leather trays, leather wrapped vases, Senufo stools, Talavera tile coasters, tote bags, belts, bags, jewelry, home goods and accessories

Technological Advantage

Traditional saddle-making leather techniques passed down from childhood; vegetable-tanned leather from Hermann Oak Tannery; hand-dyed/painted with water-based non-toxic dyes; collaborations with global artists and designers.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Timeless craftsmanship meets thoughtful design through handmade leather goods and accessories inspired by natural coastal California design, classic Western Americana, Japan, and traditions from Mexico to West Africa.

How They Differentiate

Focus on handmade leatherwork using traditional saddle-making techniques, vegetable-tanned leather, natural materials, and collaborations with artists and designers worldwide.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Retail consumers seeking handmade leather goods, home accessories, and jewelry; wholesale to major and independent retailers worldwide

Industry Verticals

Home Goods; Accessories; Leather Goods; Retail

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Founded in 2014 in Los Angeles, now based in Taos, NM with retail location at 117 Bent St, wholesales to major/independent retailers worldwide

Major Milestones

Founded in 2013; Released several products via early beta users and crowdsourcing campaigns

Notable Customers

Nordstrom (via Olivia Kim collaboration), Connolly England, Ahlem Eyewear, Brooklyn Circus, Amber Interiors

https://www.made-solid.com

Why this company matters

Made Solid occupies a niche in the polymer additive materials market by focusing on formulations that improve mechanical properties without compromising printer compatibility or handling. Unlike hardware-centric competitors such as Formlabs or Stratasys, the company sells only materials, targeting users who want functional parts rather than purely aesthetic prototypes.

The company's product line includes filament materials for FDM printers and UV-curable resins for SLA and DLP systems. Its proprietary formulations aim to expand the range of applications possible on desktop and benchtop equipment, particularly for makers and professionals seeking higher strength or durability than standard materials provide.

Made Solid has raised $4.2 million from investors including Lemnos Labs, Khosla Ventures, Boost VC, and Y Combinator. The company initially operated in Los Angeles and later expanded to Tokyo, Paris, and New York City before downsizing to a single location in Taos, New Mexico. It has used early beta user programs and crowdsourcing campaigns to develop and release products.

The company's reliance on community-driven development and a small team of 1-10 employees suggests a lean operation that may struggle to scale against larger material suppliers. Its patent portfolio appears limited, and the downsizing from multiple international offices raises questions about growth trajectory. The key open question is whether its material science focus can sustain a defensible position as larger competitors invest in proprietary chemistries.