SPEE3D, a leading Australian metal 3D printing company, has entered a funding partnership with 1941 as it builds its global business supplying dual-use military technology. The deal links SPEE3D with former Australian Ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey, and his dual-use investment fund, 1941, jointly owned by Bondi Partners and Ellerston Capital.

The new arrangement will see 1941 invest in SPEE3D to help expand its global business supplying metal 3D printers and integrated systems utilizing its patented Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) technology. The technology is currently the only in-field 3D printer used in combat zones for Australia and its allies.

SPEE3D currently services the Australian Department of Defence, the US Department of Defense, the UK Ministry of Defence, the Japanese Ministry of Defence, and the Ukraine Army, among others. Several units were recently deployed as part of the world’s largest maritime military exercise, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, at the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii.

“Our partnership with 1941 will help us to grow quickly and meet the growing global demand for our technology,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D. “1941 and Bondi Partners have extensive military ties with the US military and other allied nations and our partnership aims to build on this great Australian success story.”

“We are excited to be partnering with SPEE3D to help expedite its global growth plans. This Australian-founded advanced manufacturing technology is incredibly important in a world where secure supply chains and interoperability are of utmost importance. We look forward to supporting SPEE3D using our unique expertise and deep networks as the business continues to expand into the US and beyond,” said Anthony Lazzoppina, Partner and Australian CEO of Bondi Partners.