Inventables

Inventables offers an ecosystem of hardware and software solutions that cater to the digital fabrication market, enabling both hobbyists and small businesses to engage in manufacturing. Founded in 2002 by Zach Kaplan and Keith Schacht, the Chicago-based company initially focused on sourcing and providing novel materials to large corporations like Nike and P&G to spur product innovation. Kaplan, with a background in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois, and Schacht, a serial entrepreneur, identified a gap in the market for accessible manufacturing tools.

The company's business model pivots on the direct sale of its proprietary CNC (Computer Numerical Control) carving machines—the X-Carve and the more industrial-grade X-Carve Pro—and a subscription-based revenue stream from its software, Easel Pro. The hardware is designed for carving a variety of materials including wood, plastics, and soft metals like aluminum. The X-Carve Pro, available in 4x2 and 4x4 foot configurations, features a 1.5kW air-cooled spindle, high-precision ball screws, and is capable of machining full 4x8 sheets through a process called tiling, significantly increasing its versatility for professional users.

At the core of Inventables' strategy is its cloud-based software, Easel. The platform provides an intuitive, all-in-one solution for designing projects, generating toolpaths, and controlling the CNC machine, simplifying the entire process from concept to creation. While a basic version of Easel is free, the company generates recurring revenue through Easel Pro subscriptions, which unlock advanced features such as V-carving, a library of over 3 million designs, an expanded font selection, and the ability to import various file types like STL for 3D carving. This software is also compatible with over 30 different third-party CNC machines, broadening its market reach beyond its own hardware customers. This strategic focus on software was bolstered by an $11.5 million Series C funding round in 2019, led by Cue Ball.

Keywords: CNC carving, digital fabrication, Zach Kaplan, Easel software, X-Carve, X-Carve Pro, maker movement, small business manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, desktop CNC, woodworking technology, plastic fabrication, metal carving, cloud-based CAD/CAM, V-carving, 3D carving, digital carpentry, DIY manufacturing, maker tools, custom manufacturing