Koobz Company Profile

Background

Koobz, founded in 2023 and headquartered in Ventura, California, is revolutionizing the footwear manufacturing industry by integrating advanced technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The company's mission is to redefine footwear production through sustainable, on-demand manufacturing processes that are both efficient and localized within the United States.

Key Strategic Focus

Koobz's strategic focus centers on:

Automated Production: Utilizing 3D printing and robotics to create monolithic shoe designs, reducing the number of components and production steps.

On-Demand Manufacturing: Implementing a fully digital workflow that allows for rapid product development and eliminates the need for inventory.

Sustainability: Committing to environmentally friendly practices by reducing shipping emissions and supporting domestic jobs through localized manufacturing.

Financials and Funding

Koobz has successfully secured funding to support its innovative initiatives:

Pre-Seed Funding: Raised $250,000 on May 3, 2024, from Antler.

Seed Funding: Secured $7.2 million on June 24, 2025, led by Uncork Capital, with participation from Cake Ventures, V1.VC, Karman Ventures, Pathbreaker Ventures, and Anorak Ventures.

The capital is intended to expand production infrastructure, including the establishment of a new 10,000-square-foot factory in California, and to scale production capabilities over the next two years.

Pipeline Development

Koobz is developing a range of 3D-printed footwear products, with plans to:

Production Goals: Produce 200,000 pairs of shoes by the end of 2026.

Factory Expansion: Move to a larger facility housing 4,000–5,000 3D printers, enabling the production of 2–4 million pairs annually.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Koobz's technological innovations include:

Proprietary Technologies: An automated two-step production process with a monolithic design, eliminating the need for traditional tools and molds.

Scientific Methods: Integration of 3D printing, 3D knitting, robotics, and machine vision technologies to streamline manufacturing.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize production workflows and enable mass customization.

Leadership Team

Kuba Graczyk: Founder and CEO, previously founded NXT Factory, acquired by Nexa3D.

Michael Hoffman: Former Nike footwear innovation director.

Tomasz Cieszyński: Chief Technology Officer.

John Dulchinos: Chief Operating Officer, with a background in digital manufacturing and robotics.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The footwear manufacturing industry is experiencing a shift towards automation and sustainability, with a growing emphasis on localized production to reduce supply chain complexities and environmental impact.

Competitor Analysis

Zellerfeld: Focuses on 3D-printed footwear with an emphasis on customization and sustainability.

Gucci: Luxury brand incorporating 3D printing and eco-materials in recent product launches.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Koobz has established partnerships with various venture capital firms, including Uncork Capital and Cake Ventures, to support its growth and innovation initiatives.

Operational Insights

Koobz's competitive advantages include:

Efficiency: Automated processes that reduce production steps and labor costs.

Agility: Ability to develop and launch products rapidly in response to market trends.

Sustainability: Commitment to environmentally friendly practices through localized manufacturing and reduced emissions.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Koobz aims to:

Expand Production Capacity: Establish larger manufacturing facilities to meet increasing demand.

Enhance Customization: Develop APIs to integrate customization into brand sales channels, allowing customers to create personalized footwear.

Advocate for Industry Change: Promote the reshoring of American manufacturing through automation and innovation.

Contact Information

For more information, visit Koobz's official website.

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