3DEO Secures Strategic Investment from Japan, Seiko Epson

3DEO, a Los Angeles-based company in design, engineering and metal additive manufacturing (AM), announced an investment from the Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) and Seiko Epson Corp. (EPSON). This partnership marks a step in 3DEO's expansion.

3DEO specializes in complex metal 3D printed components/assemblies and advanced design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), and is underpinned by a differentiated portfolio of 18 patents. This integration allows clients to scale up without the burden of mastering AM processes themselves, supported by 3DEO's comprehensive DfAM training and expertise.

The investment will propel 3DEO’s growth strategies in North America and Japan, expanding opportunities for partnership in the semiconductor, aerospace, medical devices and equipment, and industrial sectors. 

“The collaboration with DBJ and EPSON is a powerful endorsement of our mission to empower product and engineering teams across the globe,” says Matthew Petros, CEO and co-founder of 3DEO. “This investment is not just capital; it's a commitment to a shared vision of challenging what’s possible through the combination of additive design principles and differentiated capabilities.”

In Japan, there is a belief in conventional metalworking based on precision casting, which has supported the machining and assembly industry, as well as the optimization of the supply chain in quality and cost, according to 3DEO. Though there is a move toward research and development of AM technologies and DfAM, the adoption rate at production sites faces barriers. 

“By integrating 3DEO's AM capabilities with the meticulous engineering tradition of Japan, we aim to unlock new levels of productivity and expand the manufacturing possibilities in one of the world's leading economies,” says Payman Torabi, chief technology officer and co-founder of 3DEO. “This investment is a testament to the trust and potential seen in 3DEO's innovative approach. We are excited to collaborate with DBJ and Epson, leveraging their expertise and market reach to enhance and refine the landscape of Additive Manufacturing.”

DBJ and EPSON's investment, secured after review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), will enable 3DEO to leverage the Japanese manufacturing industry's strengths while fostering technological advancements in both regions. DBJ will provide hands-on support to 3DEO and work closely with Epson and other stakeholders to proactively support 3DEO in building its business and increasing its corporate value. In addition, DBJ will serve as a nexus for all parties involved, including the national and local governments and related private companies, and contribute to the social implementation of DfAM in Japan, aiming to contribute to the innovation and restructuring of the manufacturing industry.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.