The New Manufacturing: In Search of the Origins of the Next Generation Manufacturing Start-Ups

Manufacturing is undergoing a deep model change due to the convergence of several forces: (a) the simultaneous emergence of new disruptive technologies, (b) the accelerated substitution of men by machines, (c) the restructuring of global competition, with the consolidation of some global manufacturing clusters, and (d) a new market dynamic dominated by a growing consumer power. Much has been said about how industries adapt to these forces (a widely known example is the so-called “industry 4.0” paradigm). Scholarly literature states that, in moments of accelerated technological change and industry effervescence, new technology-based firms play a critical role in reshaping the markets and reconfiguring competition. Yet, little has been said in the literature about the features of new manufacturing start-ups. Our aim is to explore the origins of the new technological firms that are emerging in the manufacturing industry. To do so, we have created a database of 184 manufacturing start-ups, incepted since 2013, and which have attracted some US $2.4 billion in total funding; of these firms, we have analyzed a set of 291 founders’ profiles, looking for their backgrounds and previous experiences. Our findings suggest that promising new manufacturing technology-based firms are created mainly by teams formed by experienced managers and experts with solid scientific or technological backgrounds.