The deeper understanding of the issue behind the recent financial troubles of Pirate3D – one of the first wave of startup ventures that signalled a tipping point in Singapore’s growth as a startup ecosystem – can be attained from exploring the narrative behind it.
An interesting technology that was meant to empower consumers to print their own products, democratise manufacturing and disrupt established supply chains – and by extension the logistics sector – this was in the midst of the 3D printing hype cycle. However, in 2013, many entrepreneurs and venture capitalists (VCs) were enmeshed in the hype cycle of the industry.
