Inventables, a Chicago startup that makes manufacturing tools for designers and is a centerpiece of the local “maker movement,” is launching a Kickstarter project for Carvey, its new tabletop 3-D carving machine. “In the past few years we’ve seen an explosion in 3-D printing, and we believe that 3-D carving is the next step,” CEO Zach Kaplan says in a news release. Users design an object with Inventables’ Easel software and choose a material. Then Carvey cuts the object out of wood, metal or plastic. The company says Carvey operates quietly enough to be used in a home, workplace or classroom. Inventables has a goal of raising $50,000. Carvey is available to backers on Kickstarter, with early bird pledge levels starting at $1,999. Crain’s Chicago Business talked with Mr. Kaplan in March about the Easel software.
In spite of its name and theme, Love From Wisconsin is actually a Chicago-based startup. Owned by Wisconsin native Jennifer Claire Ruetten, who lives in Lincoln Park, the company sends a box full of Wisconsin goodies to its subscribers each month, including artisan goods, food, handmade bath and body products, baking mixes, crafts and ceramics. “I am a transplant here, and sometimes you just want a little piece of home to remember, feel good, brighten your day, etc.,” Ms. Ruetten says via email.
