Koobz
Category: AI in Manufacturing
An automated footwear manufacturing platform using AI, robotics, and 3D printing for on-demand production. Koobz was founded in 2023. The company is led by Kuba Graczyk. Based in Ventura, CA. Team size: 15 to 40. Total funding raised: $7.2 million. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include Anorak Ventures, Antler, Pathbreaker Ventures.
- Founded
- 2023
- Headquarters
- Ventura, CA
- Team size
- 15 to 40
- Total funding
- $7.2 million
Value proposition
Radically simplifies footwear manufacturing, enabling brands to go from design to market in days without tooling or inventory, while promoting sustainable, local (USA-based) production.
Products and solutions
On-demand 3D-printed footwear, Manufacturing-as-a-Service platform for third-party brands
Unique value
A fully digital, tool-less workflow using a monolithic design that reduces shoe components from over 70 to just one or two materials. The manufacturing process is fully automated with robotics and AI, consisting of just two production steps.
Target customer
Footwear brands (from independent designers to large-scale labels), influencers, and creators.
Industries served
Footwear, Fashion, E-commerce
Technology advantage
Enables extreme speed to market (days vs. 18-24 months), mass customization, and a zero-inventory model. The entire production is based in the USA, reducing shipping emissions and supporting local manufacturing.
How they differentiate
Koobz focuses on providing a B2B platform that democratizes access to footwear manufacturing for other brands and creators. It emphasizes full automation via robotics and AI to create a quick-turn, on-demand production system entirely within the U.S.
Main competitors
Zellerfeld, Hilos, Elastium
Key partnerships
U.S. Footwear Manufacturing Association (USFMA)
Notable customers
Major brands interested in initial production runs but specifics not disclosed.
Major milestones
Successfully closed a $7.2M seed funding round. Ending operations from a garage to a fully-equipped factory. Established a fully automated, two-step manufacturing process for footwear. Joined the U.S. Footwear Manufacturing Association (USFMA). Planning an expansion facility with an increased number of 3D printers.
Growth metrics
Setting up a 10,000-square-foot MVP factory with hundreds of industrial 3D printers. Targeting production of 200,000 pairs of shoes annually by the end of 2026.
Market positioning
A technology-driven disrupter in the footwear manufacturing supply chain, positioned as a B2B platform for sustainable and localized on-demand production.
Geographic focus
United States
Patents and IP
No publicly disclosed patents, but their technology and processes are proprietary.
About Kuba Graczyk
Kuba Graczyk is the founder and CEO of Koobz, a company he started in 2023. He is described as a veteran of the 3D-printing industry and immigrated to California from Poland in 2017. His work focuses on revolutionizing footwear manufacturing through automation, AI, and 3D printing.
Official website: https://www.koo.bz/