A couple of years ago Shapeways was a tiny company based in the Netherlands with a big idea: providing 3D printing as an on demand service and marketplace.  Following an investment from Union Square Ventures and Index Ventures the company relocated to New York City (and recently raised more money including from new investor Lux Capital).  

Today marks a critical milestone in the growth of Shapeways: Mayor Bloomberg presided over the groundbreaking for a large 3D printing facility in what used to be an old manufacturing building in Long Island City.

Next to the mayor are Peter Weijmarshausen and Marleen Vogelaar two of the co-founders of Shapeways.  This is a big step forward in making New York City a center for Manufacturing 2.0 as I had hoped when we first invested in Shapeways.  Congratulations to the entire team at Shapeways!