What is 3Dbear?
3Dbear creates a pedagogical solution using 3D printing and Augmented Reality that can be accessed using your mobile devices and tablets.
Today, there are different types of applications that allow children to use AR on pre-programmed games that are quite limited in terms of content. Also, those typical AR applications for students is not necessarily geared towards improving lessons and supporting creativity. 3Dbear is a different type of AR app in a way that it allows students to become the creator of their surrounding using 3D animation. They also try to tackle another pain point of new technologies like AR in classrooms being sold to schools without much support on how it can be implemented in the curriculum. Just like what is stated in the video, the combination of 3D design and AR allows the curriculum to come alive and applicable to any lesson, class or subject. Checking their web page, the app allows teachers to share their own lesson plans. 3Dbear doesn’t stop there, but it also allows the app to connect with a 3D printer for students to 3D print if they are willing to. The company has recently released a statement saying that they are starting a new project on creating a device that will allow someone to melt most type of plastics to make spools for a 3D printer, helping the school or user to save cost in affording pricey 3P printing spool.
3Dbear started with seed funding 1.5 million euros from major investors including Rethink Education VC and LearnStart VC.
Experiences
It was only 3 years ago that co-founder Kristo Lehtonen, with Jussi Kajala, decided to create 3Dbear. Prior to starting 3Dbear, Kristo had two major jobs where he likely gained necessary knowledge and characteristics to become a co-founder and a CEO. First, he worked as a Special Adviser to the Minister of Transport and Communications in Finland, where he gained interest in the impact of technology and innovation for a better world. Second, he worked at Nokia and Siemens for more than 10 years that gave him experience in business leadership and software development. On top of that, Kristo has two master’s degree: Master of Science in Technology and Master of Economics in International Marketing. When Kajala, co-founder of 3Dbear once running a 3D printing program at the Finnish Agency of Innovation, approached Kristo, they saw the potential of 3D printing and Augmented Reality in schools and started their own company.
Reflection
Reading about Kristo Lehtonen and learning about his venture was an eye-opener for me. Kristo has gained a lot of experience prior to starting 3Dbear, which is vital to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Experience is learning, and it never stops. Kristo’s biography has shown me that he continuously developed himself through a series of work he was passionate about. Once he has found his true passion, he found the perfect team to make his dream come true. Quickly glancing at the team list, he had made quite of a connection with influential people in different fields like 3D designers, programmers, teachers, pedagogy specialist and lots more. 3Dbear even has Esko Aho, a Former Prime Minister of Finland, as an advisor who has enough connections himself to promote the business globally. Most importantly, even with 3Dbear’s success, he is continuously working on a new project that will further the potential of the business.
Additional Resources
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/3dbear#section-overview
