Maker Mile
A mapping initiative and collective that connects open workshops, fabrication studios, and hardware startups in East London, promoting making and additive manufacturing accessibility.
- CEO / Founder
- Michele Marchesan
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Bootstrapped
- Key Investors
- European Union Creative Europe programme
Technology & Products
Key Products
Mapping platform; Event organization; Community network
Technological Advantage
Network effect from connecting multiple workshops and studios in a concentrated geographic area; community-driven model
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Increases visibility and connectivity for London's maker ecosystem, enabling collaboration and access to shared workshops and 3D printing facilities.
How They Differentiate
Focuses on geographic clustering in East London rather than standalone facilities; integrated with urban design festivals and EU-funded programs
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Makers, designers, artists, hardware startups, and local communities seeking fabrication resources
Industry Verticals
Creative Industries; Design; Manufacturing
Competitors
Fab Lab Network; TechShop (defunct); Local maker spaces
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Includes over 50 makerspaces, fabricators, design studios and workshops in East London; part of London's Creative Enterprise Zones where creative businesses grew by 22 percent between 2018 and 2021; faces challenges from rising property prices and business rents
Major Milestones
Launched September 2015 with Open Mile event; Part of Recode the City Festival curated by Thomas Ermacora; Featured in London Design Festival