Ethical Dilemmas, 7x Revenue Growth, and a Successful Exit in 3D Printing

Building a startup is often glamorized, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? , co-founder and former CEO of Essentium, Inc., will pull back the curtain on the less talked-about aspects of entrepreneurship. Hear how he navigated difficult decisions and addressed ethical challenges when pivoting into defense technologies.

Blake will also share how Essentium grew revenue 7x in one year, built a thriving government business, and ultimately achieved a successful exit to Nexa3D. This session will blend lessons in resilience, strategic pivots, and long-term thinking, offering an honest look at the realities of startup leadership. Whether you’re preparing for growth or navigating challenges, Blake’s story will leave you with invaluable insights on the importance of both ascent and descent in a founder's journey.

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Fattom, Member Success Manager at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Blake Teipel is the former CEO and co-founder of Essentium, Inc., a leading 3D printing technology company. With over 15 years of experience in materials science and engineering, he specialized in additive manufacturing. Blake led Essentium through key challenges, including a failed IPO, restructuring, and ultimately a successful exit to Nexa3D.

Blake holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Texas A&M University and has a background in mechanical engineering. His work spans across various industries, including biomedical and manufacturing technology.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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