Re:Build Manufacturing Accelerator Secures $2.1 Billion to Boost U.S. Industrial Innovation

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Re:Build, a Massachusetts-based manufacturing accelerator known as "America’s answer to Shenzhen," raised $2.1 billion to expand its capacity for producing tech products and launching industrial startups in the U.S., aiming to revitalize American manufacturing.

Re:Build, a Massachusetts-based manufacturing accelerator founded in 2020, announced it has raised $2.1 billion in funding to expand its operations and foster new industrial startups within the United States. The funding round, led by General Catalyst and JPMorgan Chase's Strategic Investment Group, reflects growing interest in rebuilding U.S. manufacturing and supply chain capabilities as a strategic counter to reliance on China.

The company promotes itself as "America’s answer to Shenzhen," referencing the Chinese city known for its manufacturing prowess. Re:Build co-founder Jeff Wilke, who is a former Amazon commercial CEO, emphasized the critical need to reverse America’s deindustrialization, which he described as both an economic failure and a national security risk. Wilke stated that the new capital injection will accelerate Re:Build’s ability to develop a robust manufacturing business and establish American industrial leadership.

General Catalyst CEO Hemant Taneja highlighted rebuilding American industrial capacity as a paramount economic and national security priority. He remarked that to effectively compete with China, the U.S. must cultivate hardware manufacturing at scale and reinvigorate its innovation ecosystem.

Re:Build operates through partnerships with industrial firms to design, engineer, and manufacture a range of products at scale, spanning sectors including aerospace and defense. Additionally, it incubates startups focused on critical, underserved markets. Their network encompasses over 2,100 U.S. employees and more than 2.4 million square feet of manufacturing facilities.

Among its notable spinouts is Slate Auto, an electric vehicle startup conceived in 2022 by Wilke and Re:Build co-founder Miles Arnone. Slate Auto has attracted over $1.4 billion in capital, including investment from Jeff Bezos’ family office, to develop an ultra-low-cost, highly customizable pickup truck. The spinout strategy aims to better position such startups to secure investment.

Re:Build's ties to Amazon run deep with several executives, including chief digital and product officer Wei Gao, having held senior roles within the e-commerce giant. Over its six-year history, Re:Build claims to have launched hundreds of products and production systems, playing a pivotal role in the renaissance of American manufacturing innovation.