Freeform raises $67M Series B to scale up laser AI manufacturing | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Tim Fernholz

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Freeform, a startup revolutionizing 3D printing of metal components through its innovative manufacturing platform, has secured $67 million in Series B funding led by Apandion, AE Ventures, Founders Fund, Linse Capital, Nvidia's NVentures, Threshold Ventures, and Two Sigma Ventures. This new capital will enable the company to enhance its GoldenEye system, which currently utilizes 18 lasers, with a next-generation platform called Skyfall. The upgraded system aims to produce thousands of kilograms of metal parts daily using hundreds of lasers, significantly boosting production capacity. Freeform’s AI-native approach, powered by partnerships like Nvidia, allows real-time physics-based simulations and data-driven improvements in manufacturing efficiency and quality. The company's technology is a response to the limitations of traditional industrial 3D printing systems, which are often costly, complex, and inflexible for mass production. Founded in 2018 by Erik Palitsch and Thomas Ronacher—both with backgrounds at SpaceX—their vision was to create a platform from the ground up that prioritizes scalability, flexibility, and advanced software controls. Freeform’s use of H200 clusters on-site demonstrates its commitment to leveraging AI for real-time process optimization, making it unique in the manufacturing sector. The funding will also support hiring 100 new employees and expanding facilities to address a growing backlog of orders. The company is already supplying mission-critical parts to undisclosed customers across industries like defense and energy. Freeform’s advancements align with the broader trend of "manufacturing as a service," where investors are increasingly backing startups that apply cutting-edge technology—such as AI, robotics, and automation—to streamline production processes. As venture interest in manufacturing technologies grows, companies like Hadrian, VulcanForms, and Divergent are also making significant strides. Freeform’s focus on scalability and efficiency positions it as a key player in the race to redefine modern manufacturing. By combining high-throughput laser systems with AI-driven insights, Freeform is tackling one of the most pressing

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026