Japan’s Kabuku raises $3.3 million from Global Brain to diversify 3D printing business

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See the original story in Japanese.

Tokyo-based Kabuku, the startup known for its 3D printing service brand Rinkak, announced today that it has fundraised 400 million yen ($3.3 million) from Global Brain. This round is not yet closed but Global Brain leads other investors who have potential business synergy with Kabuku. The funds will be used to develop a cloud-based production management system for 3D printing factories as well as expand partnerships with third-party 3D printing manufacturing services, both of which were recently announced.

Launched back in 2013, Kabuku fundraised 20 million yen from angel investors in June of the same year, followed by securing 200 million yen ($1.7 million) funding from CyberAgent Ventures (CAV) and Fuji Startup Ventures (FSV) in June 2014.

Originally launched as a showcase and marketplace of 3D printing products, Kabuku has diversified its business to providing other solutions such as Rinkak 3D Printing PPP (Printing Partner Program) that connects orders to relevant printing factories based on manufacturing needs, and Rinkak 3D Printing MMS (Manufacturing Management Service) that provides a cloud-based production management system for 3D printing factories.

As part of their open-innovation effort where a startup collaboratively works with corporates, Kabuku provides customized choices of fabricated body parts or interiors for Toyota i-Road, a personal mobility product under development in Toyoda’s Open Road Project.

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Edited by Kurt Hanson