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Protolabs Network

PlatformAmsterdam, NetherlandsFounded 2013· One of 203 Platform companies tracked by AMPulse

An online manufacturing platform providing global access to a network of partners for 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.

CEO / Founder
Suresh Krishna
Team Size
11-50
Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$30.5M
Latest Round
Series C
Key Investors
EQT Ventures, Balderton Capital, Hearst Ventures, Endeit Capital

Technology & Products

Key Products

["3D Printing","CNC Machining","Injection Molding","Sheet Metal Fabrication"]

Technological Advantage

The primary advantage is the combination of Protolabs' own rapid manufacturing facilities with the vast, distributed capacity of the Protolabs Network. This hybrid model offers customers a wide spectrum of manufacturing options, from ultra-fast prototyping to cost-effective volume production, all through one platform.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Provides a seamless and fast way to get custom parts manufactured, offering instant quotes, design for manufacturability feedback, and access to a wide range of capabilities and competitive pricing through a global network.

How They Differentiate

Protolabs Network differentiates itself by being part of the larger Protolabs ecosystem, which includes in-house manufacturing capabilities. This allows for greater control over quality and lead times for certain orders and offers a more comprehensive service range than platforms that rely solely on third-party suppliers.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Engineers, product designers, and businesses of all sizes requiring custom prototypes and production parts.

Industry Verticals

["Aerospace","Automotive","Medical","Consumer Electronics","Robotics","Industrial"]

Competitors

3D Systems, Materialise, Fictiv, Xometry

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Acquired by Protolabs for $280 million in 2021. Has produced over 6 million parts globally.

Major Milestones

["2013: Founded in Amsterdam.","2019: Raised $18M in Series C funding.","2021: Acquired by Protolabs for $280 million.","2024: Rebranded from Hubs to Protolabs Network."]

Notable Customers

NASA, Audi, HP, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Philips, Kepler, Mondraker, Fillauer, Skelex, DroneSeed, Lektri.co, Ampyx Power, Formify, Langefreunde Design Studio, Zinstax, Relic EDC, GB MEC, Otect, Conquering Horizons, Hone Shaving, Alutech Cycles, New Infrared Technologies, Envisics

https://www.hubs.com

Recent coverage of Protolabs Network

Why this company matters

Protolabs Network operates a digital manufacturing platform that aggregates independent production shops into a single ordering interface for 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, the company pioneered a distributed manufacturing model that automates quoting, design-for-manufacturability feedback, and order fulfillment through proprietary software. Its hybrid structure combines Protolabs' own rapid manufacturing facilities with the capacity of external network partners, offering customers a spectrum from fast prototyping to cost-effective volume runs.

The platform serves engineers and product designers across aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer electronics, robotics, and industrial verticals. Notable customers include NASA, Audi, HP, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and Philips. The company has produced over 6 million parts globally and was acquired by Protolabs for $280 million in 2021, later rebranding from Hubs to Protolabs Network in 2024.

Protolabs Network differentiates from pure marketplace competitors like Fictiv and Xometry by integrating in-house manufacturing capabilities, which provides greater quality control and lead-time predictability for certain orders. The company raised $30.5 million from investors including EQT Ventures, Balderton Capital, Hearst Ventures, and Endeit Capital before its acquisition. A key open question is how the platform will maintain its network's independence and agility while operating within a larger corporate structure that also runs its own production facilities.