Founders Fund Leads $9M Investment in Composites Startup Layup Parts
The Future of Manufacturing: Faster, Cheaper Composite Parts
Just five months after its founding, hard tech startup Layup Parts has secured a $9 million funding round led by Founders Fund, with participation from Lux Capital and Haystack. This rapid investment signals strong market demand for innovative solutions to modernize America’s industrial base.
Meet the Founders: A Dream Team with Deep Industry Roots
The founding trio brings exceptional experience to the table:
- Zack Eakin (CEO): Former Anduril mechanical engineering director who led development of their drone systems
- Hanno Kappen: Ex-Boring Company and Stellar Pizza engineer
- Elisa Suarez: Veteran of Rivian and renewable energy firm Heliogen
The team met while working at Elon Musk’s The Boring Company before identifying a critical gap in composites manufacturing.
The Composites Problem: Why This Industry Needs Disruption
While other manufacturing sectors have modernized, composite parts production remains stuck in the past:
- Slow turnaround times: Weeks for quotes, months for complex parts
- High costs: Traditional methods require expensive tooling
- Manual processes: Heavy reliance on artisanal techniques
“Existing composites manufacturers aren’t well positioned to develop the necessary software tools,” explains Eakin. “Certain steps resist automation, making human-free production challenging.”
Layup’s Competitive Edge: Speed Meets Affordability
The startup promises to revolutionize composites manufacturing with:
- 3-day turnaround for small parts
- 2-week delivery for larger components
- 50% cost reduction on tooling and upfront expenses
“We can be 10 times faster than traditional methods,” Eakin states confidently.
Strategic Focus: Capturing Tomorrow’s Contracts Today
While compe*****s chase large contracts, Layup is betting on development programs:
“The high-value contracts of tomorrow are in development today,” Eakin notes. “By focusing on speed and quality during R&D phases, we position ourselves for long-term success.”
Roadmap: What’s Next for Layup Parts
The $9 million investment will fuel:
- Factory setup: Operational by Q3 2024
- Software development: Streamlining CAD-to-part workflows
- Team expansion: Hiring software engineers and factory technicians
The Bigger Picture: Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers
Beyond business metrics, Eakin is passionate about lowering barriers for young innovators:
“What excites me most is enabling engineering students to realize their visions. Composites manufacturing has lagged behind other sectors, and we’re changing that.”
With its unique approach and strong backing, Layup Parts is poised to transform an industry ripe for disruption.
