Israel-based 3D printing technology producer Xjet has closed a $25 funding round co-led by architectural software developer Autodesk, which participated through its Spark Investment Fund, Globes reported on Thursday.
The round was co-led by Israel-based private equity fund Catalyst Cel Fund.
Founded in 2005, Xjet originally launched as Xjet Solar and worked on 3D-printed solar panels. The company pivoted in 2014 and is now developing technology that enables the 3D printing of metal parts.
Xjet will use the money to launch its products in foreign markets. It spent a total of $60m between 2007 and 2011 supported by investors such as semiconductor technology developer Applied Materials, according to Globes.
The company’s funding in that time included $35m from a 2011 series B round that featured printing conglomerate Landa’s corporate venturing arm, Landa Ventures, and unnamed China-based investors.
Spirox Ventures, the corporate venturing division of high-tech equipment manufacturer Spirox, Bregal Energy, Scatec and Gemini Israel Funds took part in a $9m round in 2007.
Xjet then secured $22m in funding from investment firm Alumot and unnamed existing shareholders when it changed direction in 2014.
Eitan Tsarfati, head of digital manufacturing and general manager of Autodesk Israel, said: “Our support of Xjet through the Spark Investment Fund stems from our belief that this technology has the potential to change the future of the additive manufacturing industry.
“Autodesk Israel’s development centre is focused on driving breakthroughs in the future of making things, and we are proud to work with companies such as Xjet that likewise are pushing the limits of manufacturing technologies to accelerate a new industrial revolution.”