Airbus Ventures, a venture firm to provide support and expert counsel to aerospace companies, has announced its first investment in automotive company Local Motors.
Founded in May last year, the $150 million fund “Airbus Group Venture Fund I” intends to “unlock an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate innovation in near ground, air and space flight“.
The innovative company Local Motors is focused on developing 3D printable car designs and has recently debuted LM3D Swim, with pre-sales for the car starting in spring this year.
Tim Dombrowski, Manging General Partner of Airbus Ventures explains their first investment: 
“Local Motors, known more for their innovations in car manufacturing and 3D printing, may seem like a surprising investment for Airbus Ventures. To us, they are a perfect fit — Local Motors unlocks an opportunity to engage and support a massive global community interested in building the future of flight.” He adds: “We see great promise in companies like Local Motors who improve the speed with which new products can be brought to market.”
The amount of the investment was not disclosed. It will go towards Local Motors’ community platform and the establishment of labs and micro-factoris in Europe, with initial focus on Germany.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPResso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
