TU Spin-Off Additive Drives GmbH Secures Seven-Digit Start-Up Investment

Just three months after its founding, 3D Printing Start-up Additive Drives completes a seven-figure seed investment. The financing from Munich-based investor AM Ventures Holding GmbH is intended to further advance the market launch of additive-manufactured electric motor components.The technology: additively manufactured Hairpin traction motor. Image via Additive Drives

Electric drives as a growth market

“Additive manufacturing is becoming more mature and is increasingly opening up applications that are revolutionizing entire industries. Additive Drives is a perfect example of this. With dramatically accelerated development times and massive improvements in weight, volume and performance, this product will contribute to electrifying not only motor sports, aviation and micro-mobility”, says Arno Held, Chief Venture Officer at AM Ventures. Dr. Jakob Jung, CEO and co-founder adds: “Since our foundation in July 2020 we have successfully entered the automotive market. Our vision is to halve the development time for electric motors and to expand our technological leadership in additive-manufactured electric motors”.

45% more performance due to additive manufacturing

The additive manufacturing of electric motor components, especially the winding, creates flexibility in the development, since various designs can be validated easily and quickly without the need for tools. On the other hand, application-optimized geometries can be realized for series applications, which are not feasible with conventional manufacturing. Performance increases of up to 45% can be realized. “AM Ventures’ financial support as well as its expert knowledge and network allow us to grow faster and more sustainable”, says Dr. Jung.

Support from industry & science

The company is supported by the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the start-up network SAXEED and other universities and established commercial enterprises. At the Chair of Additive Manufacturing of Prof. Dr. Henning Zeidler at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the team is supported by an EXIST research transfer project of the BMWi, which enables technology development and scaling in addi-tion to the investment.

Source: TU Bergakademie Freiberg