Australia’s Falcon Minerals Now Set to Acquire 100% of Robo 3D

It looks as if a major change is on the way for dynamic 3D printer manufacturer Robo 3D, long a proponent of accessibility and affordability in regards to 3D printing technology whether in schools or homes. While Falcon Minerals announced toward the end of last year that they would be acquiring 51% of the share capital of Robo 3D, terms have since been revised with the release of new information stating that Falcon will now be acquiring 100% ownership instead, via the acquisition of all of the issued shares in Albion 3D Investments Pty Ltd—the major shareholder of Robo 3D, and a financial vehicle controlled by tech investor Anthony Grist.

Undoubtedly an enticing proposition for Falcon Minerals, headquartered in Western Australia, this acquisition is certainly not based on a company being bought or preyed on while down on its luck, as the numbers for Robo 3D have been looking very impressive, showing a revenue of US$4.6 million in the twelve months ending June 2016, compared to US$2.4 million over the prior comparative period. We’ve followed Robo 3D as they’ve announced everything from new specs on the R2 and R2 Mini 3D printers and the new Robo app, to the release of a new STEM education kit. Their R1 Plus 3D printer has also been a winner with users, evidenced by its recent appearance in the JeeQ Data Bestselling 3D Printers Online list.

From the office to the home desktop, and from the student to the startup founder, Robo 3D has been offering users all over the world reliability and quality in 3D printing for several years now, with the majority of their success coming from income derived via online sales from venues such as Amazon and their own website. They have currently been in the midst of expanding their sales program through other retailers as well, to include:

• WalMart
• Best Buy
• Costco
• Staples
• Target

“We are really excited about the opportunity for Robo 3D to be listed on the ASX. This is the start of a new journey that will allow us to invest in growing out the business, advancing consumer 3D printing technology, and fulfilling our goal of putting 3D printers in millions of homes around the world,” said Braydon Moreno and Coby Kabili, Co-Founders of Robo 3D.

Many 3D printer manufacturers, of all sizes, have struggled over the past couple of years, but the projected path for Robo 3D continues to look bright, as they expect shipments will double in the next three years, reaching over 5.6 million users worldwide. Equity stakes in Falcon will be held by key executives of Robo 3D, including the company’s co-founders.

The R1 3D printer from Robo 3D.

And while we never know what type of deals or bids (check out the latest on GE, acquiring both Arcam and SLM Solutions) might be lurking just around the corner within this industry, certainly many will question what Falcon Minerals, known as a leader in mineral exploration truly wants with this successful player in the 3D printing space. While it’s a bit difficult to bring together 3D printing innovation and minerals, perhaps they plan to mix the two. That angle would certainly not be surprising, considering 3D printing has managed to seep into nearly every sector so far.

As this transaction goes forward, Falcon plans to raise a minimum of $4 million in capital, with oversubscriptions of $2 million available in order to raise up to a maximum of $6 million. Thoughts on this upcoming transaction? Discuss further over in the Falcon Minerals to Acquire Robo3D forum at 3DPB.com.

The R2 3D printer by Robo3D.

The Robo3D R2 and R2 Mini 3D printers can be controlled by mobile app.