Mr Beam Lasers GmbH

Mr Beam Lasers GmbH, a Munich-based hardware and software company, engineers and markets desktop laser cutters designed for accessibility and ease of use. The company was established in 2014, emerging from founder Teja Philipp's frustration with the complexity, cost, and platform limitations of industrial laser cutters. Philipp, an engineer, envisioned a device that would be intuitive and available to a broader audience, including those using Apple and Linux operating systems, for whom solutions were scarce.

The company's journey began with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014 for a do-it-yourself laser engraver kit, which received significant interest from the creative community and raised approximately $179,399 from 364 backers. This initial success highlighted the demand for a more refined, ready-to-use product. A subsequent, more ambitious Kickstarter campaign in 2016 for the fully assembled Mr Beam II raised nearly €942,673, cementing the product's market appeal. The firm secured a seven-figure Series A financing round in 2018, led by investors including the Falk Strascheg Holding GmbH/EXTOREL GmbH and BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft, to scale up production and expand in the DACH region.

Mr Beam's business model revolves around the direct sale of its desktop laser cutters and complementary accessories, such as the Mr Beam Air Filter System, through its e-commerce platform. The company targets a diverse client base that includes creative professionals, architects, small business owners, hobbyists, designers, and educators. The core product is the Mr Beam II dreamcut, a Class 1 laser device known for its safety features, including a protective metal housing and a system that halts operation when the lid is opened. Key features include a 500 x 390 mm work area, an integrated camera for precise design placement, and browser-based, plug-and-play software (BeamOS) that requires no installation and works across various operating systems. The company continually enhances its product line, releasing updated laser heads like the dreamcut [S] and the more powerful 10W dreamcut [x], which offer faster cutting speeds and the ability to process a wider range of materials such as plywood, leather, felt, acrylic, and anodized aluminum.

Keywords: desktop laser cutter, laser engraver, digital fabrication, Mr Beam II dreamcut, creative technology, hardware startup, plug and play software, BeamOS, small business tools, design technology, architectural models, prototyping tool, CE certification, Class 1 laser, e-commerce hardware, craft technology, maker movement, product personalization, material cutting, wood engraving