Marleen, an original co-founder of Shapeways, is delighted to return to steward the company into a new chapter of financial stability and exceptional service as a digital manufacturing engine. A US-based, Dutch serial entrepreneur with a passion for manufacturing, a keen eye toward sustainability, and a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of on-demand manufacturing, Marleen is uniquely suited to build on the company’s previous successes while ensuring that delivering value to customers remains at the core.
As former COO, Marleen led Shapeways from its inception through the launch of the world’s first upload-to-3D-print service – ultimately building it into the largest 3D printing marketplace in the world, democratizing access to digital manufacturing. She left Shapeways in 2014 and went on to create and lead several innovative manufacturing startups. As founder and CEO of Hudson Valley Mask Company, Marleen oversaw the development of the first 100% biodegradable respirator worldwide. Previously, Marleen founded Ziel, a turnkey service offering design, on-demand manufacturing and retail integration for apparel brands – improving their working capital, speed to market and ecological footprint while simultaneously increasing their profits.
Marleen is a former heptathlete, current natural parkour devotee, and spends her spare time outdoors as much as possible.