Interview with Dave Evans, Cofounder and CEO of Fictiv in the Interview Series
In the world of manufacturing, speed, visibility, and quality control have long been elusive goals. That's where Fictiv comes in, a global company founded in 2013 to revolutionise the traditional manufacturing supply chain.
Over the past decade, Fictiv has evolved by embracing digital platforms and automation, transforming manufacturing from a slow, opaque process into a more agile, transparent, and scalable digital ecosystem.
Historically, manufacturing faced challenges such as long lead times, inconsistent part quality, limited communication between OEMs and manufacturers, and difficulty iterating quickly on designs. These issues slowed product development and time-to-market, especially for hardware startups and enterprises needing rapid prototyping and low-volume production.
Fictiv’s platform solves these problems by digitalizing the manufacturing workflow, providing real-time digital Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback, workflow automation, and a transparent supply chain network that connects builders (customers) with vetted manufacturing partners worldwide. This has accelerated iteration cycles and improved final part quality, helping companies innovate with greater speed and confidence.
Fictiv’s technology is often referred to as “the AWS of manufacturing” for enabling on-demand, scalable access to manufacturing capacity. The company supports six different types of industrial 3D printing, with next-day delivery in some cases, benefiting industries where rapid iteration and precision are critical, such as aerospace, EVs, medical devices, robotics, and consumer electronics.
In addition, Fictiv’s recent expansion into large-scale CNC manufacturing and strategic partnerships, such as the acquisition by Misumi Group Inc., highlights an ongoing evolution towards integrating AI, robust supply chain infrastructure, and digitally native solutions to further enhance efficiency and scalability in manufacturing.
The problem Fictiv addresses is the traditional manufacturing industry’s slow, fragmented, and opaque process that hampers innovation velocity. The company’s digital manufacturing ecosystem has transformed how parts are designed, manufactured, and delivered, significantly impacting product development timelines and quality across industries.
However, a new challenge has emerged: talent. The projected shortfall of 1.9 million skilled manufacturing jobs by 2033 is due to deep, systemic issues that have been building for decades, including a perception problem, a skills gap, and an aging workforce.
To address this, Fictiv’s digital manufacturing ecosystem combines the speed and transparency of modern digital tools with the scale and quality of a Fortune 500-class supply chain, along with a team of experts that guide customers from start to scale. The company also partners with universities and STEM organizations to support hands-on learning, giving students and early-career professionals real-world exposure to modern, tech-driven manufacturing environments.
The next five years will see digital manufacturing platforms becoming the central nervous system of manufacturing, bridging the gap between digital design and physical production. With Fictiv leading the charge, the future of manufacturing looks brighter and more innovative than ever before.
- In the realm of business, Fictiv's digital manufacturing ecosystem, transforming manufacturing industry since 2013, aims to bridge the gap between digital design and physical production.
- By investing in Fictiv, one is not only supporting a global company revolutionizing traditional manufacturing supply chains but also contributing to the education and self-development of future generations through partnerships with universities and STEM organizations.
- As technology continues to play a crucial role in industries such as aerospace, EVs, medical devices, robotics, and consumer electronics, finance and industries interested in short lead times, quality control, and transparency can turn to Fictiv for on-demand, scalable manufacturing solutions.
