Founders Fund

Layup manufactures composite parts and the tooling required to make those parts, as well as developing technologies that will allow us to get parts to our clients faster than ever before. Layup ship parts far faster than our competitors can provide a quote.

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens. The company specializes in creating products in space that are intended for terrestrial applications, leveraging the unique advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure for harvesting materials from asteroids, enabling the production of new products in space. This approach not only facilitates the manufacturing of innovative goods but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on the destructive extraction of Earth's resources.

Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components for the aerospace and defense industries. It specializes in creating autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical parts for technology companies involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. By streamlining the production process and reducing costs, Hadrian enables frontier technology enterprises to efficiently manufacture advanced aerospace systems.

Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Zellerfeld Shoe Company Inc., founded in 2020 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in the design and manufacturing of shoes through innovative 3D printing technology. The company aims to revolutionize the footwear industry by democratizing shoe production, allowing for the creation of a complete shoe at the push of a button. Zellerfeld develops its printing technology in-house, striving to challenge existing norms in the footwear business and address issues of fairness and ethics in manufacturing practices.

Freeform is a 3D printing company that specializes in metal 3D printing solutions for manufacturing industries. The company focuses on deploying software-defined, self-sufficient metal 3D printing factories globally, effectively merging software scalability with physical production capabilities. Freeform's proprietary technology utilizes advanced sensing, real-time controls, and data-driven learning, enabling the production of digitally verified and flawless parts at unprecedented speeds and costs. This innovative approach allows manufacturers across various sectors to transition swiftly from concept to volume production, making the advantages of 3D printing accessible to a broader range of industries.

Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components for the aerospace and defense industries. It specializes in creating autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical parts for technology companies involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. By streamlining the production process and reducing costs, Hadrian enables frontier technology enterprises to efficiently manufacture advanced aerospace systems.

Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Quince, LLC is a retail company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in affordable luxury apparel, accessories, and home goods for both men and women. Founded in 2016, Quince offers a diverse range of products including jewelry, tops, sweaters, loungewear, leather goods, and various accessories for men, as well as bedding and bath items for the home. The company employs a manufacturer-to-consumer retail model, producing inventory on a near just-in-time basis, which allows for direct shipping to consumers. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes financial and environmental waste, enabling Quince to provide high-quality fashion and home products at competitive prices.

Foundry Lab specializes in digital metal casting, utilizing advanced microwave casting technology to enable same-day production of metal castings. The company has developed a software tool that transforms computer-aided design files into dense metal parts, ensuring they possess the same physical properties as traditionally cast metal. This automated process allows for a hands-free manufacturing experience, facilitating on-demand production of high-quality metal components. By streamlining the casting process, Foundry Lab significantly reduces costs, production time, and environmental impact compared to conventional foundry methods.

Arevo, located in Silicon Valley, California, specializes in the development of advanced technology for direct digital additive manufacturing of lightweight, ultra-strong composite parts intended for high-volume end-use applications. By integrating innovative materials, robust design and build software, and free motion robotics, Arevo facilitates true three-dimensional construction, advancing 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing. The company empowers designers and manufacturers to leverage the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of composite materials across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, transportation, and consumer goods. Arevo has achieved early success in producing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and is well-positioned to enhance additive manufacturing services globally.

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens. The company specializes in creating products in space that are intended for terrestrial applications, leveraging the unique advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure for harvesting materials from asteroids, enabling the production of new products in space. This approach not only facilitates the manufacturing of innovative goods but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on the destructive extraction of Earth's resources.

Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components for the aerospace and defense industries. It specializes in creating autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical parts for technology companies involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. By streamlining the production process and reducing costs, Hadrian enables frontier technology enterprises to efficiently manufacture advanced aerospace systems.

Quince, LLC is a retail company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in affordable luxury apparel, accessories, and home goods for both men and women. Founded in 2016, Quince offers a diverse range of products including jewelry, tops, sweaters, loungewear, leather goods, and various accessories for men, as well as bedding and bath items for the home. The company employs a manufacturer-to-consumer retail model, producing inventory on a near just-in-time basis, which allows for direct shipping to consumers. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes financial and environmental waste, enabling Quince to provide high-quality fashion and home products at competitive prices.

Osaro, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in developing industrial-grade artificial intelligence software to automate manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. Founded in 2015, Osaro's solutions integrate advanced machine learning to enhance the efficiency of computer and robotic systems. The company's technology not only processes large amounts of unstructured data but also features powerful adaptive decision-making capabilities that allow machines to interact with their environment, learn from it, and achieve specific objectives. By improving the adaptability and intelligence of automated systems, Osaro aims to increase industrial productivity while enabling human workers to focus on more complex tasks, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace and enhanced supply chain resilience.

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens. The company specializes in creating products in space that are intended for terrestrial applications, leveraging the unique advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure for harvesting materials from asteroids, enabling the production of new products in space. This approach not only facilitates the manufacturing of innovative goods but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on the destructive extraction of Earth's resources.

Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Quince, LLC is a retail company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in affordable luxury apparel, accessories, and home goods for both men and women. Founded in 2016, Quince offers a diverse range of products including jewelry, tops, sweaters, loungewear, leather goods, and various accessories for men, as well as bedding and bath items for the home. The company employs a manufacturer-to-consumer retail model, producing inventory on a near just-in-time basis, which allows for direct shipping to consumers. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes financial and environmental waste, enabling Quince to provide high-quality fashion and home products at competitive prices.

Osaro, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in developing industrial-grade artificial intelligence software to automate manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. Founded in 2015, Osaro's solutions integrate advanced machine learning to enhance the efficiency of computer and robotic systems. The company's technology not only processes large amounts of unstructured data but also features powerful adaptive decision-making capabilities that allow machines to interact with their environment, learn from it, and achieve specific objectives. By improving the adaptability and intelligence of automated systems, Osaro aims to increase industrial productivity while enabling human workers to focus on more complex tasks, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace and enhanced supply chain resilience.

Quince, LLC is a retail company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in affordable luxury apparel, accessories, and home goods for both men and women. Founded in 2016, Quince offers a diverse range of products including jewelry, tops, sweaters, loungewear, leather goods, and various accessories for men, as well as bedding and bath items for the home. The company employs a manufacturer-to-consumer retail model, producing inventory on a near just-in-time basis, which allows for direct shipping to consumers. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes financial and environmental waste, enabling Quince to provide high-quality fashion and home products at competitive prices.

Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Year & Day Co. is a designer and manufacturer based in San Francisco, California, specializing in modern dinnerware and table settings. Founded in 2016, the company offers a diverse range of products, including various sizes of plates, bowls, mugs, and complete dinner sets. Year & Day emphasizes high-quality materials and environmentally friendly production methods, aiming to enhance everyday dining experiences. Their collection features artisan-crafted ceramics, flatware, glass, and linens, designed to provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By showcasing their products through an online platform, Year & Day is committed to delivering elegant table settings that elevate modern home life.

Nanotronics Imaging, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of optical microscopes and advanced imaging solutions, integrating artificial intelligence and automation to enhance industrial inspection processes. The company's platform streamlines the inspection of various advanced technologies, including semiconductors, microchips, and aerospace hardware. Key offerings include the nSpec, an automated optical inspection system designed for analyzing transparent and semi-transparent wafers, and the nSpec 3D, which provides detailed surface topographies and roughness measurements for industries such as medical devices and automotive. Nanotronics Imaging also engages in hardware prototyping and production services, selling a range of products including automated microscopes, measuring systems, and custom setups. Founded in 2007, the company operates from its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, with additional locations in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Hollister, California.

Elemental Machines, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates within the technology sector, focusing on revolutionizing science-based industries through its smart lab platform. This platform leverages artificial intelligence to provide data-driven insights that enhance laboratory operations, research, development, and manufacturing processes. By continuously monitoring equipment and environmental variables using intelligent sensors, it offers improved clarity, transparency, consistency, and repeatability. The system also sends alerts via text and email for any anomalous results, facilitating clients in refining and accelerating their work across all stages of product innovation. Through the collection of new data sets, Elemental Machines enables advanced analytics that supports experimental reproducibility and optimizes operational efficiency.

Plethora Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in precision machining services, particularly in CNC machining, milling, and turning. The company works with materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, primarily within the United States. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary software, Plethora transforms customer designs into custom parts and offers design feedback directly from clients' CAD models, enhancing the manufacturing process. Additionally, Plethora maintains an office in Marietta, Georgia, to support its operational capabilities.

Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.

Plethora Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in precision machining services, particularly in CNC machining, milling, and turning. The company works with materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, primarily within the United States. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary software, Plethora transforms customer designs into custom parts and offers design feedback directly from clients' CAD models, enhancing the manufacturing process. Additionally, Plethora maintains an office in Marietta, Georgia, to support its operational capabilities.

Nanotronics Imaging, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of optical microscopes and advanced imaging solutions, integrating artificial intelligence and automation to enhance industrial inspection processes. The company's platform streamlines the inspection of various advanced technologies, including semiconductors, microchips, and aerospace hardware. Key offerings include the nSpec, an automated optical inspection system designed for analyzing transparent and semi-transparent wafers, and the nSpec 3D, which provides detailed surface topographies and roughness measurements for industries such as medical devices and automotive. Nanotronics Imaging also engages in hardware prototyping and production services, selling a range of products including automated microscopes, measuring systems, and custom setups. Founded in 2007, the company operates from its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, with additional locations in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Hollister, California.

Plethora Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in precision machining services, particularly in CNC machining, milling, and turning. The company works with materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, primarily within the United States. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary software, Plethora transforms customer designs into custom parts and offers design feedback directly from clients' CAD models, enhancing the manufacturing process. Additionally, Plethora maintains an office in Marietta, Georgia, to support its operational capabilities.

SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.

SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.