In this bonus episode, Alex and Danny interview Ric Fulop, co-founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. Desktop Metal has recently concluded merger talks with Stratasys after a shareholder vote led to a termination of the deal. In this interview, Ric dives into his motivations for the merger, and shares much of the background context on Desktop Metal’s history with Stratasys, plus other players such as Nano Dimension and 3D Systems. Additionally, Alex and Danny dive into some of the history around Desktop Metal, Ric’s move from VC back into the entrepreneurial world, his thesis for forming Desktop Metal, motivations for the SPAC, and the acquisition strategy thereafter.
0.00: Intros
3.56: Ric’s background and DM’s history
11.20: Development and launch of DMs Production System
15.45: Ric’s move from VC to Founder
17.50: DMs fundraising prior to their SPAC
22.05: The reasons DM listed via a SPAC
26.45: DM’s acquisition strategy and early talks with ExOne
28.07: DMs initial offer to acquire Stratasys in January 2021
31.26: DM’s acquisition of EnvisionTEC and Adaptive3D
34.39: Nano Dimension’s offers to acquire Desktop Metal
38.25: 3D Systems offers put to Stratasys
39.14: Termination of merger with Desktop Metal and Stratasys
40.55: Did Stratasys shareholders make the wrong decision?
45.17: Latest DM financials and cost savings
48.35: Integration strategy of DM of the acquired companies
51.55: What will Nano Dimension, 3D Systems and Stratasys do next?
54.32: Potential for another Desktop Metal merger in future?
55.50: Any future Desktop Metal acquisitions?
57.55: Wrap-up
Podcast (printing-money): Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W: Small SLS Printer, Massive Impact
Disclosure: With Formlabs permission I was able to sell my 4L and use that to help with the purchase of the Fuse 1+ and Fuse Sift. Aside from allowing me...
ASTM International Works with UK MoD on America Makes Project
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) will work with ASTM International on a $1.1 million project to let it work in closer concert with the US Department of War (DoW)....
3D Printing News Briefs, January 15, 2026: Project Call, Sports Medicine, Aluminum Alloy, & More
In today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, America Makes announced the winners of a $1.1 million Project Call, Austal USA named a new Vice President for Business Development and External Affairs,...
UK Government Partnership to Develop 3D Printed Metal Alloys for Nuclear Fusion
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), a government-funded research organization, has demonstrated a persistent interest in developing metal additive manufacturing (AM) materials for nuclear fusion applications, including multiple phases of...



















