My Mini Factory

Idea

Introduction

MyMiniFactory is an independent curated social media platform for 3D printable objects. The MyMiniFactory.com platform connects users, 3D designers, advertisers, brands and makers of 3D printed objects.

The platform was launched in June 2013. Its user base now exceeds 80,000 registered users. MyMiniFactory is the world's most popular independent, curated platform for 3D printable objects.

MyMiniFactory is a curated, user generated content platform: each published 3D model has undergone a rigorous review process, including a test print. This curation is core to MyMiniFactory's business model, where quality matters more than quantity.

Analogous to how music, videos or photo sharing platforms are connecting artists with their followers and subscribers, MyMiniFactory facilitates the interaction between the users and the 3D designers. It makes innovative tools available to its community, such as MMF Tipping, MMF TV, MMF Connect, and the MMF Store.

Intended impact

The quality of the content available on MyMiniFactory is central to the 3D printing revolution.

FOR THE USERS

MyMiniFactory offers the easiest and cheapest way to get ready-to-print quality files, with its free-to-download service - similar to the way music and videos are available from platforms such as Spotify and Vimeo.

To be ‘print ready’, 3D printable files require optimisation. Poor quality 3D files will not print correctly, will waste time and materials and can potentially damage the 3D printer.
Therefore the curated content available on MyMiniFactory solves a critical issue for the users of 3D printers.

FOR THE DESIGNERS

Comparable to how musicians, artists and performers use Vimeo and similar platforms to engage with their audience, 3D designers also desire to get in direct contact with their end users.

MyMiniFactory offers them tools (likes, followers, comments, MMF Tipping, MMF TV, MMF Connect, MMF Store) to engage with their community, raise their profile and make money.

FOR THE MAKERS

For the owners of 3D printers who are looking to make money by printing for others, MMF Connect offers wide scale exposure to a crowd of people in need of 3D printing services.

FOR THE BRANDS

MyMiniFactory offers brands a unique opportunity to engage with its robust and rapidly growing creative community through innovative services: MMF Contests, product endorsements, and white label libraries.

Current and future clients of these services include:
• 3D printer and 3D scanner manufacturers,
• Filament and material providers,
• CAD and other software editors
• New tech
• Fashion brands.

Substantial accomplishments to date

In just 2 years MyMiniFactory has reached these key milestones:

- assembled a strong team of 3D designers, senior developers and efficient marketers led by focused, hardworking, skilful and passionate visionary executives (CEO and Executive Chairman);
- defined a clear and successful vision with a quality-over-quantity strategy;
- attracted over 80,000 registered users, with minimal marketing expenditure;
- reached an Alexa ranking of under 2,500 in the UK;
- built a platform with innovative social media features (MMF Tipping, MMF TV, MMF Ideas, MMF Connect, MMF Store);
- partnered with the BBC and their micro:bit initiative to offer 3D printed designs to 1 million school children in the UK;

- partnered with Cel-Robox in January 2015, a leading UK 3D printer manufacturer, to embed our platform into their software, followed by a similar integration with CreateItReal in July 2015 and with HyVision in August 2015.

MyMiniFactory is well positioned to capture the high growth in demand expected for quality 3D Printable files.

Monetisation strategy

MyMiniFactory seeks to build the world’s largest community of talented 3D printing designers (3D designers with an expertise in 3D printing) and 3D makers (owners of 3D printers) to follow in the steps of successful platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Spotify, Wattpad, Soundcloud, Fotolia...

MyMiniFactory’s business model relies on 3 lines of revenue:

- Premium Services (Freemium model): while the files will remain free to download, specific format files and related services will incur some fees, while Premium subscribers will get unlimited access (from January 2016);

- Advertising Revenue: the large base of targeted users and MyMiniFactory's leading position attracts a large range of brands to advertise their products and services (3D printer and 3D scanner manufacturers, filament and material providers, CAD and other software editors, new tech and fashion brands);

- Object Sales: MyMiniFactory offers an online store through which popular 3D printed objects are sold. Users who do not own a 3D printer can buy the physical objects.

Use of proceeds

The Company aims to raise 500,000 GBP through this crowdfunding campaign.

The reason for the fundraising is to grow MyMiniFactory further by executing the business plan:

- hire new talents;
- offer more 3D printable content;
- develop new online tools and services;
- leverageour innovative marketing strategies.