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 additive.snack@eos-na.com. 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

 

Creators and Guests

Host
Fabian Alefeld

What is Additive Snack?

Join host Fabian Alefeld and a range of guests as they discuss all things additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing news, with interviews and real-world stories to educate and entertain. Each episode, Fabian talks to AM experts, professionals in specialist fields, and 3D printing users from all walks of life to deliver a well-rounded view on the state of AM.

Cut through the confusion surrounding polymer and metal additive manufacturing solutions with our digestible, down-to-earth discussions that deliver insights into common mistakes and best practice tips so you can get a clear understanding of AM — layer for layer.

Whether you’re curious about 3D printing technology for the aerospace industry, a deep dive into post processing, or applications of injection molding — we leave no spare parts behind. We want to provide you with the additive insight needed to stay laser focused and leverage every opportunity 3D printing materials have to offer.

Join us for an Additive Snack and we’ll help you and your business achieve growth and success through the latest developments in AM.

No marketing B.S. and no product pitches. Just the education, inspiration and information you and your organization need to drive business growth, brought to you by global AM leader EOS.

Get ready to feed your AM knowledge and find your path to success!