In October 2015, Glowforge launched what would become a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign for its 3D laser printer.
In just 30 days, the company raised over $27.9 million in pre-orders, making it the largest 30-day crowdfunding total at the time.
The Glowforge printer promised to bring industrial-grade laser cutting and engraving capabilities to the desktop. It was marketed as an easy-to-use tool for creators, hobbyists, educators, and small businesses, capable of transforming digital designs into physical products using materials like wood, leather, and acrylic.
Founder Profile: Dan Shapiro and the Team Behind Glowforge
Glowforge was co-founded by Dan Shapiro, Tony Wright, and Mark Gosselin. Among them, Dan Shapiro served as the CEO and became the face of the company.
Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur with a background in hardware and education-focused tech. Before Glowforge, he gained recognition for developing Robot Turtles, a board game that teaches programming logic to children.
That project also found success on Kickstarter, giving Shapiro firsthand experience in crowdfunding and community building.
His leadership and track record helped establish credibility for Glowforge in its early stages, convincing thousands to back the campaign. Shapiro’s vision was to democratize high-end laser technology and make it accessible to everyday creators.
Delays, Excuses, and Delivery Challenges
Despite its impressive launch, Glowforge quickly ran into delays. The company originally promised deliveries in December 2015 but failed to meet those timelines. Multiple rounds of postponements followed.
Glowforge attributed the delays to challenges with manufacturing components, including issues with power supplies and quality control. They emphasized their commitment to shipping a reliable product rather than rushing subpar units.
To compensate early backers, the company offered $150 worth of Proofgrade materials, a $50 store credit, and a 10% lifetime discount under “Founder status.” However, for many customers, the repeated excuses and long waits led to deep frustration.
Public Backlash and Counterfeit Concerns
The delays sparked growing backlash on platforms like Reddit, Kickstarter comments, and tech forums. Customers expressed anger not only over late deliveries but also due to Glowforge’s inconsistent communication.
Adding fuel to the fire was the fear that the long wait could give counterfeiters a chance to steal their idea. While Glowforge didn’t face an immediate wave of knockoffs, the prolonged delay weakened public excitement and brand momentum.
Legal Disputes and Internal Struggles
In 2023, Glowforge was involved in a legal controversy with a tech activist who claimed the printers posed safety risks. Glowforge filed a defamation lawsuit but later dropped the case, leading some to question whether the claims had any merit.
Around the same time, the company experienced financial strain. Reports surfaced of staff layoffs and a failed funding round, suggesting that Glowforge was struggling to keep up with operational costs and competition in the maker-tech space.
Innovations and Product Expansion in 2025
Despite its rocky journey, Glowforge has made significant progress in 2025. It introduced its most advanced product yet, the Glowforge Pro HD.
This new model includes a 45W laser, 12x faster speeds, high-resolution live camera preview, and passthrough functionality for large-scale cuts. It was designed to appeal to serious makers and small businesses.
Glowforge also enhanced its cloud-based app. With tools like “Join” for vector shape unification and a more intuitive interface, the experience is more beginner-friendly than ever.
Premium users now enjoy added functionality, like integrated design catalogs and AI-powered optimization.
Commitment to US Manufacturing
To improve quality control, Glowforge has moved manufacturing operations back to Seattle. This shift enables tighter control over production, quicker prototyping, and an AI-assisted production line that reduces error and waste.
The move also strengthens the company’s local hiring efforts and long-term sustainability.
Current Situation in 2025
As of 2025, Glowforge is still in business. Despite past challenges, the company has taken corrective steps. Some manufacturing has been moved back to Seattle to improve quality control.
The product line has expanded, with models like the Glowforge Aura and Glowforge Spark offering lower-cost options for home use.
Glowforge machines are now used in schools, craft businesses, and even design studios. The company has shifted from its original Kickstarter-driven identity to a more stable, established brand in the laser printing market.
However, Glowforge continues to face scrutiny from early backers and customers who expect transparency, reliability, and long-term product support.
A Legacy of Warnings
Glowforge’s journey offers valuable lessons to tech startups and hardware innovators. It highlights the risks of overpromising during crowdfunding, the importance of proactive customer communication, and the challenges of scaling hardware from prototype to production.
While Glowforge ultimately delivered its product and continues to evolve, its early missteps remain a reminder of how quickly trust can be lost even with the best intentions and talent behind a project.
FAQ
Q: What is the Glowforge 3D laser printer?
A: Glowforge is a desktop laser cutter and engraver that enables users to create products from wood, leather, acrylic, and more.
Q: Who founded Glowforge?
A: Glowforge was co-founded by Dan Shapiro, Tony Wright, and Mark Gosselin. Dan Shapiro is also known for Robot Turtles and other tech ventures.
Q: Why did Glowforge face delivery delays?
A: Delays were caused by manufacturing issues, power supply problems, and a commitment to improving product quality before shipping.
Q: How did Glowforge compensate early backers?
A: Backers received $150 in Proofgrade materials, a $50 credit, and a 10% discount as part of their “Founder status.”
Q: What is Glowforge’s current status in 2025?
A: Glowforge is still operating, has introduced new models, moved some manufacturing to Seattle, and continues serving hobbyists and professionals.
TL;DR
Glowforge raised nearly $28 million in crowdfunding in 2015, but delivery delays, legal drama, and internal challenges followed. In 2025, the company is still running, with new products, better manufacturing, and a renewed focus on serving creators.
