Core Insights - Snapmaker, a 3D printing company, has completed a multi-hundred million yuan Series B financing round led by Hillhouse Capital and Meituan, with participation from other investors including Shunwei Capital and Nanshan Zhanxin [1][12] - The company’s Snapmaker U1 3D printer achieved over $20 million (approximately 150 million yuan) in crowdfunding on Kickstarter, setting a record for the highest crowdfunding amount in the 3D printer category [1][4] - The U1 printer features innovative technology that allows for a five-second color change without interrupting the printing process, significantly improving printing efficiency by up to five times and reducing material waste by approximately 80% [5][6] Company Overview - Snapmaker is recognized as a leading player in the 3D printing industry, particularly after the successful launch of the U1 printer, which represents a shift from their previous "three-in-one" devices to a more focused product line [6][12] - The company plans to launch the U1 globally in the first quarter of 2026, with expectations of substantial revenue growth in the coming year [6][7] Market Context - The 3D printing industry has seen increased investment interest, with notable companies like DJI and other startups also securing funding, indicating a growing trend in the sector [12] - Competitors are beginning to introduce similar multi-color printing solutions, highlighting the competitive landscape in the 3D printing market [6][12] Future Plans - The recent funding will be allocated towards core technology development, talent acquisition in hardware and AI software, and building an open ecosystem to lower the barriers to 3D printing [12] - Snapmaker aims to address key challenges in multi-color printing and high-speed manufacturing as part of its strategic focus for the upcoming year [12]