1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups within the European Union. It provides a unique funding mechanism designed to bridge the gap between research and market, facilitating the development of groundbreaking technologies. The program focuses particularly on DeepTech sectors, which include advanced materials, biotechnology, and information and communication technologies (ICT).

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model that comprises both grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, intended to cover the costs associated with developing and scaling innovative projects. This funding is particularly beneficial for covering initial operational expenses, research and development costs, and other project-related expenditures.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity funding, which historically has been available up to €15 million until 2024. Starting in 2025, the equity cap is adjusted to €10 million. This equity funding is instrumental in helping companies secure the necessary capital for scaling operations and navigating the complexities of the market. By offering both grants and equity, the EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in encouraging private sector investment, as it reduces the perceived risk associated with financing DeepTech innovations.

Purpose and Impact

The primary goal of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation and support the growth of scalable companies within the European startup ecosystem. By providing substantial financial backing, the program enables startups to transition from the development phase to commercialization more effectively. This support is crucial in a landscape where traditional funding avenues may be limited, particularly for high-risk, high-reward technologies.

The EIC Accelerator also acts as a catalyst for attracting private investments. By co-investing in promising ventures, the program instills confidence in private investors, facilitating further funding rounds and partnerships. This synergistic relationship between public funding and private investment helps develop a vibrant ecosystem that encourages technological advancements and economic growth across Europe.

Case Study: Headmade Materials and the CMF Project

Headmade Materials, a German startup, has emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator. The company specializes in Metal Additive Manufacturing, utilizing a novel sinter-based Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) technology aimed at mass production of metal parts. The project received EIC Accelerator funding through a blended finance model, reflecting the program's commitment to fostering innovative solutions in the manufacturing sector.

Technology Basics and Background

Headmade Materials' CMF technology represents a significant advancement in the field of Metal Additive Manufacturing. Traditional metal 3D printing methods often face limitations in production speed, material efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. CMF technology addresses these challenges by enabling the production of complex metal components with a high degree of precision and consistency.

The CMF process begins with a novel binding agent applied to metal powders. This innovative approach allows for layering and shaping of the metal particles, subsequently undergoing a sintering process that solidifies the material into a robust end product. This method not only enhances production efficiency but also reduces waste, making it an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional manufacturing techniques.

The CMF project aims to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape by offering solutions for industries that require high-performance metal parts, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. By leveraging the EIC Accelerator funding, Headmade Materials is positioned to scale its operations, optimize its technology, and establish a strong foothold in the competitive market of metal additive manufacturing.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in nurturing innovative startups like Headmade Materials. Through its blended funding approach, the program not only supports the development of groundbreaking technologies but also fosters a robust ecosystem conducive to private investments. As exemplified by the CMF project, the EIC Accelerator is instrumental in propelling the European DeepTech landscape forward, enabling companies to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

2 The Funding Rounds

Headmade Materials, a German company specializing in metal 3D printing technology through its ColdMetalFusion process, has successfully raised significant financing since submitting its EIC Accelerator Step 2 proposal on October 6, 2021.

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

• In February 2022, Headmade Materials closed a €2.5 million Series A financing round led by AM Ventures, an additive manufacturing specialist. The existing investor btov Industrial Technologies Fund also participated in this round.
• Alongside the Series A equity raise, Headmade Materials secured up to €5.85 million in grant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program as blended finance support.
• Prior to the Series A, the company had raised approximately €1.9 million in an earlier seed financing round led by btov Partners’ Industrial Technologies Fund.
• Overall reported funding totals about €8.25 million combining private investment and EIC grant funding for early 2022.

Timing and Amounts of Funding

Date	Round	Amount	Lead Investors
July 2020	Seed	Approx. €1.9M	btov Industrial Technologies Fund
February 2022	Series A	€2.5M	AM Ventures (lead), btov Partners
Early 2022	EIC Grant	Up to €5.85M	European Innovation Council

The EIC Accelerator funds are grants combined with possible equity but primarily aimed at supporting scale-up activities.

Investor Information

• AM Ventures: Lead investor for the Series A round; specializes in additive manufacturing ventures and supports scaling of industrial innovation companies.
• btov Industrial Technologies Fund: Existing shareholder from seed stage; focuses on industrial tech investments including metal AM startups.
• European Innovation Council (EIC): Provided substantial grant funding under their Accelerator program targeting breakthrough innovative startups like Headmade Materials.

Use of Funds and Company Strategy

The combined funds are used by Headmade Materials to:

• Expand production capacities significantly.
• Develop new materials and alloys.
• Enhance product portfolio including optimized hardware solutions.
• Scale international sales efforts.

These strategic moves aim to transform metal additive manufacturing into viable volume production technology with cost-effective large series production capabilities exceeding 100,000 parts per batch using their proprietary ColdMetalFusion process.

Company Valuation and Exit Events

No public information is available regarding specific valuation figures or exit events for Headmade Materials as of now based on search results.

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Summary

Headmade Materials has raised approximately €8.25 million through a combination of private equity rounds (€4.4 million total reported) led by AM Ventures and btov Partners alongside nearly €5.85 million awarded via the EIC Accelerator program starting from their seed phase in mid-2020 through early/mid 2022 funding activities following their successful pitch at the October 6th, 2021 cutoff date for EIC support.

This blend of venture capital backing plus EU innovation grants positions them strongly for scaling up manufacturing capacity globally while advancing development of metal feedstock materials compatible with existing selective laser sintering technologies.

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Sources

• Headmade Materials secures EUR 8.25m funding from AM Ventures ...
• Headmade Materials raises a further €2.5M in funding round
• Seedtable: Headmade Materials Series A Funding Round
• Head made news archive
• Dealroom data on Head made materials
• AM Ventures portfolio page on Head made materials

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Headmade Materials

Headmade Materials is a German company based in Würzburg, known for developing the Cold Metal Fusion (Metal SLS) process, a sinter-based 3D printing technology that combines the advantages of polymer laser sintering with established powder metallurgy processes. This innovative approach enables the production of metal parts in series at a lower cost and higher scalability.

Recent Developments

• New High-Performance Materials: Headmade Materials recently expanded its material portfolio with the introduction of Inconel 625 and Titanium Aluminide TiAl4822. These materials are designed to enhance performance and repeatability in metal part production, particularly suitable for industries like aerospace and oil & gas.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: The company has formed a strategic partnership with Nexa3D, integrating ColdMetalFusion technology with Nexa3D's QLS series printers. This collaboration allows customers to produce metal parts using Nexa3D's high-throughput SLS printers, expanding access to metal additive manufacturing.
• ColdMetalFusion Alliance: Headmade Materials is part of the ColdMetalFusion Alliance, which includes other major industry players like Farsoon Technologies and Element22. This alliance aims to offer comprehensive solutions, including services, equipment, materials, and software, to the metal manufacturing sector.
• Funding and Expansion: Headmade Materials secured significant funding, including a €2.5 million Series A financing round led by AM Ventures and up to €5.8 million under the European Innovation Council's EIC Accelerator Program. These funds are being used to expand production capacities, product portfolios, and international sales.
• Advisory Board and New Headquarters: The company has established an advisory board consisting of industry experts to support its strategic growth and scaling efforts. Additionally, Headmade Materials celebrated the roofing ceremony of its new headquarters in Würzburg, reflecting its growth and increased space requirements.

Technology and Applications

• Cold Metal Fusion Technology: This sinter-based process allows for the production of complex metal components using standard 3D printing equipment. The technology is particularly noted for enabling low-cost, high-volume production of metal parts.
• Applications: Headmade Materials has successfully applied its technology in various sectors, including the production of high-end titanium bike pedals, showcasing the potential for innovative designs and mass production in additive manufacturing.

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Sources:

• Headmade Materials Releases New High-Performance Materials
• News - Headmade Materials
• Nexa3D Adds Metal 3D Printing Capabilities with ColdMetalFusion
• Headmade Materials Joins ColdMetalFusion Alliance
• Headmade Materials Enables High-End Titanium Pedals for Bikes

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities and Advancements of Headmade Materials

Headmade Materials, based in Germany, is a pioneering company in metal 3D printing technology, specifically known for its ColdMetalFusion process. This innovative method combines the principles of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) with Powder Metallurgy, enabling efficient production of metal parts.

Current Capabilities

• ColdMetalFusion Process: This technology allows for the mass production of metal parts with high precision and performance. It integrates sintering and debinding processes, making it suitable for large-scale manufacturing.
• Material Portfolio: Headmade Materials has expanded its material offerings to include Inconel 625 and Titanium Aluminide TiAl4822, both qualified for the ColdMetalFusion process. These materials exhibit high strength, corrosion resistance, and are ideal for aerospace and oil & gas industries.
• Partnerships: A significant partnership was established with Nexa3D, enabling the integration of ColdMetalFusion technology into Nexa3D's high-speed polymer 3D printing ecosystem. This collaboration has enhanced the capabilities of both companies, offering metal 3D printing solutions to a broader market.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Following the receipt of the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, Headmade Materials has made significant advancements:

• Expansion of Production and Sales: The funding facilitated the scale-up of feedstock material production and the expansion of international sales efforts. This has positioned the company to offer its technology to a broader customer base.
• Material Development: The company has focused on developing new materials and optimizing existing ones for the ColdMetalFusion process. This includes the qualification of Inconel 625 and Titanium Aluminide TiAl4822, which was announced in late 2023.
• Collaborative Projects: Headmade Materials has been involved in collaborative projects such as the AutoSmooth Project, launched in 2023, aimed at automating post-processing for ColdMetalFusion parts.

Technology Demonstrations and Market Engagement

Headmade Materials has actively demonstrated its technology through various partnerships and projects:

• Nexa3D Collaboration: The partnership with Nexa3D has enabled the demonstration of ColdMetalFusion technology in high-speed serial production environments. This collaboration highlights the potential of integrating metal 3D printing into existing polymer-based workflows.
• Industry Events: The company showcased its new materials and technology at industry events like Formnext, providing a platform for demonstrating its capabilities to a wider audience.

New Patents and Scientific Studies

There is no specific information on new patents filed or scientific studies published by Headmade Materials since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company has been focused on expanding its technology and material offerings through collaborative efforts and internal development.

Conclusion

Headmade Materials has made significant strides in advancing its ColdMetalFusion technology and expanding its market presence. With substantial funding from the EIC Accelerator program, the company has enhanced its production capabilities, developed new materials, and formed strategic partnerships to further its position in the metal 3D printing industry.

Source URLs:

• Headmade Materials Archives | Metal Additive Manufacturing
• Home - Headmade Materials
• Nexa3D and Headmade Materials Partnership
• Headmade Materials Qualifies Inconel 625 and TiAl4822
• Nexa3D Adds Metal 3D Printing Capabilities
• Headmade Materials Enhances Cold Metal Fusion
• Headmade Materials Secures Funding
• Headmade Materials Receives EU Funding
• Nexa3D Enters Metal 3D Printing Market

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Headmade Materials: Partnerships and Advancements

Headmade Materials, a German company based in Unterpleichfeld, has been making significant strides in the 3D printing industry, especially since its participation in the EIC Accelerator program in 2021. The company is known for its pioneering technology called ColdMetalFusion, a sinter-based process that combines the advantages of polymer laser sintering with established powder metallurgy processes. This innovative approach has enabled Headmade Materials to collaborate with prominent partners and expand its market presence.

Partnerships and Collaborations

New Relationships and Market Positioning

The partnerships with Nexa3D and AM Solutions position Headmade Materials as a key player in the metal additive manufacturing market. By leveraging these collaborations, Headmade Materials gains wider access to the market and can offer its ColdMetalFusion technology to a broader customer base. This strategic positioning is expected to drive the adoption of ColdMetalFusion, making it a more integral part of industrial manufacturing processes.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The partnerships are pivotal for scaling Headmade Materials' technology. By collaborating with companies like Nexa3D, Headmade Materials benefits from the latter's expertise in fast serial production, enhancing the efficiency and throughput of its ColdMetalFusion technology. This collaboration also facilitates the development of customer and marketing services, which are crucial for expanding the user base and increasing market share.

Moreover, the funding received from the EIC Accelerator in 2021 has likely contributed to the company's ability to scale its operations and further develop its technologies. Although specific details about new customers are not available, the partnerships indicate a strong focus on expanding its customer base and enhancing its technological offerings.

Future Prospects

As Headmade Materials continues to grow and innovate, its partnerships will play a significant role in driving technology advancements and market expansion. The integration of ColdMetalFusion with Nexa3D's ultrafast printing capabilities is a testament to the company's commitment to delivering high-performance, cost-effective solutions for metal part production. This strategic collaboration is likely to position Headmade Materials at the forefront of the metal additive manufacturing sector, offering customers superior production economics and innovative manufacturing technologies.

Source List:

• Nexa3D and Headmade Materials are signing partnership agreement
• Nexa3D Adds Metal 3D Printing Capabilities
• Nexa3D Adds Metal 3D Printing Capabilities with ColdMetalFusion
• Headmade Materials Archives
• Nexa3D Partners with Headmade Materials
• Nexa3D and Headmade Materials are signing partnership agreement
• Headmade Materials Receives €1.9 Million in Funding
• Nexa3D Adds Metal Printing Capabilities
• Nexa3D enters metal 3D printing market

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Headmade Materials: Team Growth and Expansion

Hiring and Team Growth Headmade Materials, a German 3D printing technology developer known for its ColdMetalFusion technology, has been actively expanding its team to strengthen its presence in the additive manufacturing sector. As of recent reports, the company is seeking to hire key positions, such as a Marketing Manager, to enhance its business presence and market growth. However, specific details about the current headcount and team size are not publicly disclosed.

Current Hiring Yes, Headmade Materials is currently hiring. The company is looking for professionals, particularly a Marketing Manager, to help scale up its business operations and develop its brand strategy in the metal additive manufacturing sector.

Growth and Expansion Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, Headmade Materials has seen significant growth. The company secured additional funding of up to €5.8 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program, followed by an additional €2.5 million investment, bringing the total to €10.2 million. This funding has been instrumental in boosting its expansion plans and speeding up material production. Furthermore, Headmade Materials also secured EUR 8.25 million to expand its ColdMetalFusion technology globally.

Key Positions and New Team Members While specific details about recent key hires are limited, the company has emphasized the importance of strategic hiring to support its growth plans. The addition of new team members, such as a Marketing Manager, is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the company's market presence and strategic positioning.

Future of the Company The growth and hiring initiatives at Headmade Materials are pivotal in scaling and growing the company. By expanding its team, particularly in roles that support marketing and strategic development, Headmade Materials aims to strengthen its position in the metal additive manufacturing sector. This strategic growth will enable the company to better serve its customers with innovative solutions like ColdMetalFusion technology, which combines standard plastic 3D printing processes with powder metallurgy for cost-effective series production.

Major Changes in Management or Founding Team There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team of Headmade Materials. The founders, Christian Fischer and Christian Staudigel, continue to lead the company, supported by an advisory board composed of industry experts to guide strategic and technical developments.

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Sources: - Headmade Materials company information, funding & investors

• Headmade Materials joins ColdMetalFusion Alliance
• Headmade Materials releases new high-performance materials
• Home - Headmade Materials
• Headmade Materials Secures An EUR 8.25m Funding
• New 3D printing jobs at Headmade Materials
• Headmade Materials staffs advisory board with industry experts

7 The Media Features and Publications

Headmade Materials, a German company and EIC Accelerator winner since October 6, 2021, has gained significant media recognition and industry presence through various publications, events, podcasts, and collaborations centered around its innovative Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) technology for metal 3D printing.

Media Features and Publications

• Metal Additive Manufacturing Coverage: Headmade Materials is regularly featured on Metal AM’s platform with news updates and in-depth articles covering their advances in additive manufacturing alloys and processes. The company is recognized as the inventor of the Cold Metal Fusion process ('Metal SLS'), a highly productive metal 3D printing technique that enables cost-effective serial production using low-cost printers.
• Industry-Specific Articles: PIM International published detailed coverage about Headmade Materials’ CMF technology as an innovative sinter-based additive manufacturing approach. The article discusses the process development and application potentials of CMF.
• Collaborations Highlighted by Trade Press: Multiple reports highlight Headmade’s partnership with companies like Element22 for industrial titanium parts production used by Sturdy Cycles to manufacture custom titanium bike components via Cold Metal Fusion. This collaboration has been covered extensively by 3D Printing Industry and 3D Adept Media showcasing real-world applications of their technology in high-performance cycling.
• Innovative Applications in Aerospace: Metal AM magazine reported on how Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) uses Headmade's CMF technology to produce obsolete aircraft parts efficiently. This collaboration emphasizes the potential of ColdMetalFusion to improve cost-effectiveness, speed, flexibility, while supporting military readiness projects such as those supported by the US Air Force.

Podcasts & Interviews

The VM Podcast featured an interview with Christian Staudigel, CEO of Headmade Materials. In this episode, he discussed what makes CMF unique compared to other metal additive methods including its ability to rapidly produce green parts without support structures at lower temperatures/costs. The podcast also delves into future prospects for materials expansion within the ColdMetalFusion Alliance coordinated by Headmade Materials.

Conferences, Fairs & Presentations

While specific conference presentations directly involving Headmade are not detailed explicitly in search results available here, related events include European Military Additive Manufacturing conferences where advanced topics like powder production for additive manufacturing are discussed—areas closely aligned with technologies such as those developed by Headmade.

Event Involvement & Collaborations

• ColdMetalFusion Alliance & Industry Partnerships: As founder of the ColdMetalFusion Alliance—a consortium including hardware manufacturers (Farsoon Technologies), MIM service providers (mimPlus), post-processing specialists (AM Solutions), material companies like Element22—Headmade plays a central role promoting this new standard for metal SLS printing across industries worldwide.
• New Facility Setup in U.S.: Recent news highlights CADmore establishing a dedicated application center using CMF technology from Headmade Materials in South Carolina aimed at serving diverse sectors including defense clients near major military bases. This facility will showcase practical deployment of cold metal fusion parts demonstrating scalability beyond Europe into global markets.

In summary:

Aspect	Details
Media Features	Regular coverage on Metal AM publications; PIM International feature; trade press articles
Key Publications	Deep dives on sinter-based AM tech; aerospace parts case studies; titanium bike component reports
Podcasts/Interviews	VM Podcast interview with CEO Christian Staudigel discussing tech innovation
Conferences/Fairs	Participation implied through relevant European Military Additive Manufacturing forums
Event Involvement	Founder role in ColdMetalFusion Alliance; partnerships with Element22 & CADmore

These activities demonstrate how since receiving EIC Accelerator funding post-Oct 2021 submission cutoff date head-made materials have expanded visibility through media outreach covering their disruptive cold-metal fusion process innovations while actively engaging industry collaborators globally.

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Sources: -HeadMade Materials Archives - Metal Additive Manufacturing
-News - HeadMade Materials
-PIM International Article
-CDME Uses ColdMetalfusion - Metal AM Magazine
-Sturdy Cycles Leverages CMF - 3D Printing Industry
-Heart Of Titanium Parts For Sturdy Cycles - 3DAdept
-European Military Additive Manufacturing Conference Program PDF
-CADmore Establishes First U.S. Facility Using CMF Tech - 3DPrint.com
-What is ColdMetalFusion? VM Podcast Interview With CEO Christian Staudigel