MyMiniFactory has acquired 100% of Thingiverse from Ultimaker, bringing together nearly 8 million users and forming what the company describes as the world’s largest creator-first 3D printing platform. The transaction integrates Thingiverse into the SoulCrafted ecosystem, a movement centered on valuing, protecting, and sustainably funding human-made creative work.
The deal combines Thingiverse’s library of more than 6 million designs with MyMiniFactory’s commercial infrastructure, which has distributed over $100 million directly to independent 3D printing creators. With the addition of Thingiverse, the unified platform now spans approximately 10 million users. Thingiverse joins MyMiniFactory, YouMagine, and the SoulCrafted Slicer under one umbrella.
Founded in 2008, Thingiverse is widely regarded as the world’s largest repository of free 3D printable designs. MyMiniFactory, based in London, has built its business model around curated content and direct compensation for creators, positioning itself as a sustainable alternative to advertising-driven or venture-backed platforms.
MyMiniFactory said it intends to maintain Thingiverse’s open-sharing ethos while introducing sustainable monetization models for creators. The company emphasized a focus on verified human-made content over AI-generated and non-printable designs.
The acquisition also builds on MyMiniFactory’s prior expansion. In 2024, the group acquired YouMagine, transforming it from a static file repository into what it describes as a thriving community marketplace. With Thingiverse now part of the portfolio, the combined organization aims to reinforce its creator-first economics model at a greater scale.
KEY QUOTES
“Every major content platform is now flooded with AI-generated material, and creators are paying the price. This acquisition is our answer: a combined platform of 10 million users where human creativity is the product, not the training data.”
Romain Kidd, New CEO Of Thingiverse
“We’ve paid out $100 million to creators without venture capital subsidies or ad revenue. That’s the model we’re bringing to Thingiverse. No empty promises, just a proven track record.”
Rees Calder, New CMO Of Thingiverse
“Thingiverse belongs to the people who use it. We want them building what comes next with us.”
Romain Kidd, New CEO Of Thingiverse
