3D printers on Kickstarter is one thing, but a 3D printables community seeking crowdfunding? MyMiniFactory launches their Seedrs campaign.

MyMiniFactory, the online community and repository for 3D models, has seen dramatic growth since it was launched in 2013. The core strategy has been to share 3D printable designs by a network of talented designers, together with unique features like the ability to tip fan-favorite designers and host printable scans of artwork and buildings in the public domain.

Today the site takes another step into uncharted territory with the launch of their Seedrs crowdfunding campaign. Parent company iMakr, led by Executive Chairman Sylvain Preumont, have pledged that the community itself can now own a stake in the 3D printables site. Backing 3D printing hardware on Kickstarter is one thing, but a content repository? This is something different entirely.

In an excitable statement to the MyMiniFactory community, Preumont said:

“Go create your Seedrs account now, spread the news and don’t miss your chance to own a piece of MyMiniFactory and be part of its success! With our amazing team and your continued support, we will make this big!”

The mechanics of the Seedrs campaign is that backers large and small can invest in the company via the crowdfunding site, as opposed to a traditional stock exchange. Investors have an opportunity to split 5% of the company, if MyMiniFactory can reach its £500,000 goal. They can donate as little as £10.35, with many small investors contributing £100-200 and larger investors pledging £20k and above.

The largest chunk of funding so far comes from OTT Properties, an investment firm chaired by Jean-Francois Ott, founder of Central and Eastern European real estate giant ORCO. They’ve stumped up a £225,000 pledge. Explaining their decision to invest, OTT CEO Nicolas Tommasini said:

“With Jean Francois Ott we have pioneered investments in real estate operations and built a portfolio of over 2 billion Euro. We’ve decided to support MyMiniFactory in their equity crowdfunding campaign not only for their ambitious vision, but also for their team and track record.”

Concerned about the legitimacy or safety of such an enterprise? Seedrs is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of Great Britain, which places it under the same jurisdiction as other financial institutions in the UK.

As a matter of fact, it might surprise you to learn that equity crowdfunding has been regulated in Britain since 2000, long before crowdfunding even existed as a concept.

MyMiniFactory Publicity Blitz

The timing of the campaign is very interesting, too. MyMiniFactory have been engaged in a whirlwind of activity this past summer; first by partnering with the BBC to bring 1 million micro:bits into schools; secondly signing up for the MP5 project to standardise 3D printing file formats; and then signing up Nicholas Franchet, Facebook’s Head of Retail, E-Commerce and Global Vertical Marketing, to the MyMiniFactory Board of Directors.

Morever, Preumont is reporting 25% growth in users for the site in the past 2 months, reaching 75,000 registered members in total. If the team can continue this same momentum into the future, then making an investment via Seedrs might not sound like such a crazy idea after all.

If you’re curious, make sure to read all about the Seedrs platform here and sign up to hear updates from MyMiniFactory as they happen.