Why Manufacturing Needs a Smarter Way to Source Parts
MakerVerse CEO Markus Seibold on the Product Engineering Podcast
How can manufacturers get the needed parts faster, easier, and without the hassle of outdated processes? That was the focus of the recent episode of the Product Engineering Podcast, in which host Gregor Schweizer spoke with Markus Seibold, CEO and Co-Founder of MakerVerse.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Watch on YouTube
From Corporate 3D Printing to Founding MakerVerse
Before launching MakerVerse, Markus spent nearly a decade at Siemens Energy, building and leading their additive manufacturing business. During that time, he saw two major pain points across manufacturing teams:
- Engineers spend 30% of their time chasing quotes via email.
- The inflexibility of owning production equipment while technology evolves faster than depreciation cycles.
I asked myself: Why does sourcing parts still take so much time? Why are engineers not focused on innovation instead of paperwork?”
These insights sparked the idea for MakerVerse, a digital platform that simplifies sourcing across multiple manufacturing technologies. It offers reliable suppliers, instant quoting, and AI-powered automation.
One Platform. Various Technologies. Fully Vetted Suppliers.
MakerVerse connects industrial buyers with a global network of vetted suppliers. The platform supports a wide range of manufacturing technologies, including:
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- CNC Machining
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Injection Molding
- Vacuum Casting
We’re not just matching buyers and suppliers. We actively manage the process, ensure quality control, and take care of the complexity, so our customers can focus on building great products.”
Solving Real Supply Chain Challenges
Markus explains that many manufacturers, especially midsize companies and scale-ups, face challenges balancing speed, quality, and flexibility when sourcing parts. MakerVerse solves these problems through:
- Instant quoting based on both 3D models and 2D drawings.
- AI-powered manufacturability analysis and supplier selection.
- End-to-end order management, including logistics and quality assurance.
Our mission is simple: First-time-right parts, delivered reliably without the sourcing headache.”
Helping Both Sides: Buyers and Suppliers
MakerVerse isn’t just about helping buyers. The platform also supports suppliers by offering:
- A new sales channel and access to global demand.
- Pre-qualified, manufacturable projects that reduce time spent on quote iterations.
- Digital tools for efficient collaboration and data exchange.
Most of our suppliers are small to midsize companies. They’re experts in their field but often lack the resources for digital marketing or business development. We bring the right projects to them.”
What’s Next for MakerVerse?
Markus shared three focus areas for MakerVerse’s growth:
- Expand technology coverage with auto-quoting for sheet metal and injection molding.
- Deepen supplier collaboration with smarter quality and requirements management.
- Grow internationally, starting from the core European markets into North America.
We’re working toward a true digital thread, from requirements capture to supplier communication and final part delivery. Our goal is clear: parts that meet specifications, first time right.”
