TechShop

TechShop was a for-profit chain of membership-based, open-access workshops and fabrication studios founded in October 2006. The company was established by Jim Newton, Ridge McGhee, and Robert Thomas in Menlo Park, California. Newton, who served as a science advisor for the television show *MythBusters* and a robotics teacher, was motivated by his students' need for equipment access and his own desire for a well-equipped space for personal projects. The business operated on a model similar to a fitness club, where members paid a monthly fee for access to a wide array of high-quality tools and machinery that would be prohibitively expensive for an individual to own.

The company's core offering was providing access to advanced manufacturing equipment, including laser cutters, 3D printers, welding stations, CNC machines, and industrial sewing machines, complemented by design software like the Autodesk Design Suite. To ensure safe and effective use, TechShop offered safety and basic use training for all its equipment, along with a variety of classes and workshops. The target market was broad, encompassing inventors, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, artists, and students. This environment fostered a collaborative community, allowing members to network, share knowledge, and even launch businesses. Notably, the prototype for the Square Reader was developed at a TechShop facility. Revenue was primarily generated through tiered membership subscriptions, which included daily, monthly, and annual passes, as well as fees for classes and workshops.

At its peak, TechShop operated ten locations across the United States and had international licensed locations in cities like Tokyo and Paris. It formed strategic partnerships with companies like Ford, Autodesk, and Lowe's to expand its footprint and offerings. Despite having over 9,000 active members and a strong presence in the maker movement, the company struggled with financial sustainability. On November 15, 2017, TechShop abruptly announced the closure of all its U.S. locations and its intent to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves immediate liquidation. The founder, Jim Newton, and the then-CEO, Dan Woods, cited a lack of funds to continue operations or pursue a Chapter 11 reorganization. The company officially filed for bankruptcy on February 26, 2018, and a successor entity also ceased operations in 2020 due to litigation costs.

Keywords: makerspace, fabrication studio, DIY workshop, membership model, prototyping, hardware startups, community workshop, industrial tools, maker movement, bankruptcy