The round was supported by new investors like Hewlett Packard Ventures and Presidio Ventures, as well as existing investors like Union Square Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz. Robert Jan Galema of INKEF Capital will also join the Shapeways board.

Here's how Shapeways works: After users sign up, they can create an online store to sell their own (or commission a designer to make) 3D designs, à la Etsy. However, the main difference is that Shapeways will handle the actual printing and shipping of the item.

These products aren't the same kinds that you are 3D printing with you desktop MakerBot. The company uses multiple advanced 3D printing techniques which allows them to print with more than 20 types of plastics and metals, including Gold, Steel, and full color plastic. This allows designers to sell 3D items ranging from plastic phone stands to a gold ring, all in one shop.