Decentralized, lights-out factories have long been a goal for the manufacturing industry, and Lupfig-based startup SAEKI is on a mission to turn this vision into reality. Recently, SAEKI secured €2.1 million in seed funding led by Wingman Ventures, with participation from Vento Ventures, Getty Capital, and angel investors.
SAEKI aims to combine digital manufacturing and robotics to create a network of decentralized factories capable of producing large-scale parts at an unprecedented speed. By leveraging 3D technology and industrial robots, SAEKI plans to revolutionize the production process, enabling the creation of anything from aircraft wings to construction site installations.
Founded in 2021 by Andrea Perissinotto, Oliver Harley, and Matthias Leschok, SAEKI focuses on collaborating with the architectural design, engineering design, and construction services industry to bring complex designs to life. The startup has developed a cost-effective method for producing custom concrete formwork, effectively saving concrete and reducing CO2 emissions. By combining 3D printing, milling, and large industrial robots, SAEKI can efficiently print formwork of various lengths, opening up limitless possibilities for design complexity.
The architecture, engineering, and construction industry has witnessed significant transformations in recent years, but one major challenge it faces is the slow and costly manufacture of large components. Traditionally, buyers would have to wait months and spend exorbitant amounts of money to receive a first sample and build a prototype. With SAEKI’s innovative approach, this bottleneck is eliminated, allowing buyers to rapidly innovate and expand their services in unprecedented ways.
Andrea Perissinotto, CEO and Co-founder of SAEKI, expressed gratitude for the support of Venture Kick, stating, We joined the program as engineers and left as entrepreneurs; Venture Kick made the leap possible. Their guidance, workshops, and mentorship were invaluable, helping us take SAEKI from vision to reality.
SAEKI’s focus lies in building strong partnerships with its customers, providing support, trust, and mutual growth. The team works closely with customers to understand their unique challenges and tailor microfactories to address their specific needs. This collaborative approach positions SAEKI to unlock its full potential.
To showcase its capabilities and pave the way for further expansion, SAEKI is currently building its first production hub. This hub will serve as a blueprint for future growth and will house industrial robots developed by SAEKI. These robots combine various digital manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, milling, and inspection, to create an all-in-one low-waste production process using recyclable materials. Acting as self-contained micro-factories, these robots can handle all manufacturing steps and can be easily deployed for localized manufacturing. Additionally, SAEKI will offer a quoting platform tailored to customers’ business needs, streamlining the complex and opaque approach currently prevalent in the market.
SAEKI envisions a future where the limits of traditional manufacturing, such as size, complexity, and efficiency, are no longer obstacles but catalysts for progress. The startup aims to create a global network of decentralized, robot-operated production hubs that will fuel innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible.
With its recent seed funding, SAEKI is well-positioned to disrupt the manufacturing industry and shape the future of production. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a collaborative approach, the startup seeks to empower businesses and usher in a new era of manufacturing efficiency and creativity.
