Blokify
Blokify lets builders create blok-based models, free-form or through a guided building experience, and then 3D print those models..
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
$600k | Seed | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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Blokify was a Manhattan-based startup founded in 2013 by Jenny Kortina and Brett Cupta. The company developed 3D modeling software aimed at children, providing them with a platform to create virtual toys that could be brought into the physical world through 3D printing.
The inspiration for Blokify stemmed from co-founder Jenny Kortina's lifelong passion for making and building, starting with Legos and evolving into complex electronics projects. After purchasing her first 3D printer in 2012, she recognized a significant gap in the market: the modeling software was too complex for the average user, especially children. This realization led to the creation of Blokify, designed to be intuitive and accessible. Kortina's professional background at Sesame Street's digital department and Cupta's experience at Deloitte and another startup, AirWatch, provided a blend of creative and business expertise to the venture.
The core product was a tablet-based app for iOS and Android that allowed users to build 3D models using a simple, block-based system, often compared to a more sophisticated version of Minecraft. The software featured a guided-build mode to help users learn, as well as free-form creation. A key feature was the direct pathway to physical creation; users could export their models as STL files to print on a home 3D printer or use an in-app service to have the toy printed and mailed to them. The business model included revenue from these print-on-demand services.
Blokify gained early traction and secured $600,000 in a seed funding round on September 1, 2013, with 3D Systems participating as an investor. The company's journey culminated in its acquisition by 3D Systems in June of 2015, integrating its user-friendly modeling technology into the portfolio of the 3D printing giant.
Keywords: 3D modeling for kids, educational technology, 3D printing app, toy design software, virtual toys, STEM education, creative apps, Jenny Kortina, Brett Cupta, 3D Systems, block-based modeling, digital manufacturing, custom toys, iOS app, Android app, print-on-demand toys, edtech, Maker movement, digital design tools, Blokify