Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered how 3D printing giants like Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) have revolutionized manufacturing? With a mission to deliver the shortest path from idea to object, Stratasys empowers businesses and individuals to tackle complex design challenges through innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology. From its founding in 1989 to its current position with over 200 agents and resellers worldwide, and approximately 2,000 employees, this blog post dives deep into the history, ownership, and workings of Stratasys, revealing how it has become a trusted partner for industry leaders across aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products, so keep reading to discover how Stratasys makes money and continues to drive change!

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) History

Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was established in 1989.

Original location

The company was originally located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Founding team members

The company was founded by Scott Crump and his wife, Lisa Crump.

Initial capital/funding

The initial funding came from Scott Crump's personal savings and a small business loan. The exact amount of the initial capital is not widely publicized, but it was sufficient to start the company and develop the initial prototypes.

Evolution Milestones

Transformative Moments

Several transformative moments have shaped the company's trajectory:

• The development and patenting of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology: This foundational technology became the cornerstone of the company's early success and continues to be a significant part of its product offerings.
• The merger with Objet Ltd. in 2011: This merger significantly expanded the company's technology portfolio by adding Objet's PolyJet technology, broadening its market reach and application possibilities.
• The acquisition of MakerBot in 2012: This acquisition marked the company's entry into the desktop 3D printing market, targeting a broader audience including hobbyists and small businesses.
• The strategic shift towards software and materials: Recognizing the increasing importance of these areas, the company has focused on developing advanced software solutions and high-performance materials to enhance the capabilities and applications of its 3D printing systems.
• Termination of the proposed merger with Desktop Metal in 2023: This decision reflected a strategic recalibration, with the company choosing to focus on organic growth and profitability rather than pursuing large-scale consolidation.

These moments reflect critical decisions and innovations that have defined the company’s evolution in the dynamic 3D printing industry. To gain more insight into the company's guiding principles, consider exploring Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS).

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Ownership Structure

Stratasys Ltd. operates as a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among shareholders. These shareholders range from individual investors to large institutional holders.

Stratasys' Current Status

As a public company, Stratasys is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol **SSYS**. This allows anyone to buy and sell shares in the company, contributing to the dynamic nature of its ownership structure. Further insights into the company's foundational principles can be found at Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS).

Stratasys' Ownership Breakdown

The ownership of Stratasys is distributed among various shareholders, including institutional investors, individual shareholders, and company insiders. The following table provides an overview of the ownership breakdown:

Stratasys' Leadership

The leadership team is instrumental in guiding the strategic direction and operational execution of Stratasys. Key members of the leadership team include:

• Yoav Zeif: Chief Executive Officer
• Adina Shorr: Chief Financial Officer
• Eitan Zamir: Chief Operating Officer

These individuals, along with other key executives and board members, are responsible for the overall management and performance of Stratasys.

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Mission and Values

Stratasys Ltd. aims to empower customers with innovative 3D printing solutions. The company's core values revolve around innovation, customer focus, and integrity.

Stratasys Ltd.'s Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Stratasys' mission statement is to empower customers to create new realities with 3D printing. This involves:

• Leading in polymer additive manufacturing by focusing on high-value application solutions.
• Creating differentiated value through end-to-end solutions, including hardware, software, and materials.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and customer-centricity.

Vision statement

Stratasys envisions transforming manufacturing by providing comprehensive 3D printing solutions that enable businesses to:

• Accelerate product development cycles.
• Reduce manufacturing costs.
• Improve operational efficiency.
• Create new market opportunities.

Company slogan/tagline

While Stratasys doesn't have a single, universally used slogan, their messaging often emphasizes:

• Innovation in 3D printing technology.
• Enabling customers to bring their ideas to life.
• Transforming the way things are made.

To gain more insight into Stratasys investors, check out: Exploring Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) How It Works

Stratasys Ltd. operates by providing 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, offering a range of printers, materials, and services that enable businesses to create prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts.

Stratasys's Product/Service Portfolio

Stratasys's Operational Framework

Stratasys focuses on innovation, quality, and customer service to maintain its competitive edge. The company's operations can be described through the following points:

• Research and Development: Stratasys invests significantly in R&D to develop new 3D printing technologies, materials, and software solutions. This includes exploring new printing methods, enhancing material properties, and creating user-friendly software interfaces.
• Manufacturing: The company manufactures its 3D printers and materials in various facilities. Quality control is a critical aspect of the manufacturing process to ensure that products meet stringent performance and reliability standards.
• Sales and Distribution: Stratasys utilizes a direct sales force and a network of resellers and distributors to reach customers worldwide. This multi-channel approach allows the company to serve a broad range of industries and geographic regions.
• Customer Support: Stratasys provides comprehensive customer support, including installation, training, and technical assistance. This helps customers maximize the value of their 3D printing investments and ensures long-term satisfaction.

Stratasys's Strategic Advantages

Stratasys has several strategic advantages that contribute to its market leadership:

• Technology Portfolio: Broad range of 3D printing technologies (FDM, PolyJet, SAF) and materials allows Stratasys to address diverse customer needs and applications.
• Established Brand Reputation: Strong brand recognition and reputation for quality and reliability, built over years of innovation and customer satisfaction.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with leading companies in various industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive, healthcare) to develop customized solutions and expand market reach.
• Global Presence: Worldwide sales and support network enables Stratasys to serve customers in key markets and provide localized services.

To gain more insights into the company's financial performance, check out: Breaking Down Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) How It Makes Money

Stratasys Ltd. primarily generates revenue through the sale of 3D printing systems (hardware), materials, and services related to additive manufacturing.

Stratasys' Revenue Breakdown

Because up-to-date information on Stratasys’ revenue breakdown for the fiscal year 2024 is not available, the following table provides a hypothetical overview based on typical revenue streams for 3D printing companies. Note that the percentages and growth trends are for illustrative purposes only.

Stratasys' Business Economics

Stratasys' business economics are influenced by several factors:

• Pricing Strategy: Stratasys employs a premium pricing strategy for its high-end 3D printing systems, reflecting the advanced technology and precision they offer. Material prices are often set to ensure recurring revenue, and service contracts provide a steady income stream.
• Economic Fundamentals: The demand for Stratasys' products is closely tied to the overall economic health and industrial production. Capital expenditures by manufacturers, research and development spending, and the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies all play a crucial role.
• Competitive Landscape: Competition from other 3D printing companies, both in terms of technology and pricing, impacts Stratasys' market share and profitability.

Stratasys' Financial Performance

Analyzing Stratasys' financial performance involves looking at key metrics that demonstrate the company's efficiency and profitability. Keep in mind that the following information is hypothetical as of April 2025 due to a lack of available information for the fiscal year 2024. For more insights, check this link: Breaking Down Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

• Gross Margin: Gross margin indicates the profitability of Stratasys' products after accounting for the cost of goods sold. A healthy gross margin (e.g., above 50%) suggests efficient production and pricing strategies.
• Operating Expenses: Monitoring operating expenses, including research and development (R&D) and sales and marketing, is crucial. High R&D spending can drive innovation but needs to be balanced with revenue growth.
• Net Income: Net income reflects the company's overall profitability after all expenses and taxes. Consistent net income growth is a positive sign for investors.
• Revenue Growth: Revenue growth indicates the rate at which Stratasys' sales are increasing. Analyzing the growth rate in different segments (e.g., hardware, materials, services) provides insights into the company's strengths and weaknesses.

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Market Position & Future Outlook

As of April 2025, Stratasys faces a dynamic market landscape in the 3D printing industry, balancing growth opportunities with inherent challenges. The company's future success hinges on its ability to capitalize on emerging trends and effectively mitigate potential risks.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape in the 3D printing industry is multifaceted, with several key players vying for market share. A visualization of market share and the core competitive advantages of the main competitors are listed below:

Opportunities & Challenges

The opportunities and risks that Stratasys faces are varied. Here's a breakdown:

Industry Position

Stratasys holds a significant position in the 3D printing industry, characterized by:

• A strong focus on polymer-based 3D printing technologies.
• A well-established global distribution network.
• Continuous investment in research and development to drive innovation.

To gain more insights into investor behavior and ownership dynamics, check out: Exploring Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?