Startups, Tariffs & AI: What's Really Shaping the Future of Additive Manufacturing?

Additive Snack

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld speaks with Arno Held, co-founder and managing partner of AM Ventures. Recording live from RAPID + TCT 2025, they discuss the current state and future outlook of the additive manufacturing landscape, touching on startup trends, the impacts of global tariffs, and increased defense spending. Arno shares insights into the industry's financial pressures, the growing significance of AI in additive manufacturing, and the challenges startups face in navigating financial turbulence.

They also dive into the roles and missions of AM Ventures and its focus on hardware, software, and application-driven startups. Despite the hurdles, the conversation ends on an optimistic note about the transformative potential of additive manufacturing over the next few years.

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS.

For more information about AM Ventures, visit their website and connect with Arno Held on LinkedIn.

00:57 Current Financial Landscape in Additive Manufacturing

04:28 Impact of Political Changes on Additive Manufacturing

08:14 Overview of AM Ventures

09:30 Trends in Additive Manufacturing Startups

13:52 The Role of AI in Additive Manufacturing

21:02 Challenges Facing Additive Manufacturing Startups

27:43 Future Outlook and Regional Growth

33:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts