Microsoft Backs 3D Printing Startup Nanofabrica

Microsoft's investment arm M12 together with NextLeap Ventures led a $4 million round in Tel Aviv-based 3D printing startup Nanofabrica Ltd., the latter announced Sunday. The new round brings the company’s total raised to date to $7 million.

Founded in 2016, Nanofabrica develops and sells industrial ultra-precise 3D printers, specializing in the printing of precision mold inserts. The company’s customers hail from different fields including electronics, optics, injection molding, life sciences, and semiconductors. Nanofabrica’s co-founder and chief technology officer Eyal Shelef previously led material development at HP-Indigo, a subsidiary of global HP Inc. based on its 2001, $830 million acquisition of Israel-based digital printing company Indigo.

The company intends to use the funds to grow its research and development team and expand its sales operation.