The Munich-based startup Shift offers suppliers and buyers of custom-made metal parts a digital platform. With the help of machine learning, the complex process of CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) parts brokerage is to be simplified. will soon be completely automated. The startup, founded in 2017, already brokers orders in 25 countries. An interview with the founders.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Shift consists of three founders: Albert Belousov (38), Dmitry Kafidov (40), and Alexander Belskiy (38), and we founded Shift in March 2017. We know each other from our studies and later jobs. We all come from Russia, where we initially worked as engineers. We then studied economics in Western Europe and worked for various companies for extended periods.
Shift is a digital platform, which brings together suppliers and buyers of CNC parts. During our time with the company, we've discovered that there are excellent medium-sized manufacturers throughout Europe that are often underutilized. On the other hand, many buyers are urgently looking for a supplier who can quickly fulfill specific orders for metals and polymers. We bring them together.
Our customers submit their order to Shift. An algorithm then analyzes this data and creates 2D or 3D models. Based on this data and further calculations of materials and subsequent processing steps, the platform creates a preliminary price. This price is currently reviewed by "real" engineers to avoid errors. However, we are increasingly using machine learning for this process, so it will soon be fully automated.
Building bridges between regions and cultures
2. But that's been around for a long time!
There are indeed marketplaces for this area. However, they are purely mailing lists. We, on the other hand, offer a comprehensive service because we know how the industry works. Those who order through us no longer have to negotiate prices, deadlines, or materials. We take care of that, as well as communication and documentation of the order. The customer now has only one contact: Shift.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Our business operates throughout Europe. Therefore, we constantly deal with diverse cultural and linguistic circumstances. It took some time to assemble a strong, multicultural team. Our efficient processes now build bridges between regions and cultures. Today, we distribute metal and polymer products in 25 countries.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
In April, we celebrated our first year of business on the market. During these twelve months, we produced 128,352 metal and polymer parts in 21 European countries. These parts were shipped to several hundred customers in 20 different countries. With our production network of 250 CNC workshops at the time, we supplied a wide variety of industries, including the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, robotics, electronics, metalworking, furniture production, and so on. But these are just the figures for the first year; we've already doubled our growth!
Shift: Helps to mediate “unattainable projects”
From the very beginning, we were able to connect our production partners with previously unattainable projects. This helped them make better use of their machines. We created jobs, not only at Shift, but also at our partners—machine operators, technology engineers, and many more. Half of Shift's customers have now ordered CNC parts multiple times through our digital platform. A clear sign that our services have hit the market spot on!
5. What does Munich mean to you?
The city is very attractive to us because of its concentration of professionals. We're always looking for experts, and that's easier in the vicinity of renowned universities and tech companies. Munich is also a great city to enjoy life. We've all traveled extensively around the world and therefore greatly appreciate the high quality of life here. The stunning Munich surroundings, the relaxed city life: It's truly great here!
Order metal parts as easily as a taxi
6. Will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Looking at our trajectory so far, we're clearly a unicorn! We're talking about a multi-billion euro market in metal and polymer processing — in Europe alone. The industry is still fairly traditional and conservative. But that's changing. More and more companies are embracing digitalization. Our customers have long been using digital services in their private lives. They're therefore happy that they can now order metal parts for their business via Shift as easily as they order a taxi or hotel room. And suppliers can place digital orders without having much knowledge of the process themselves. So it's a win-win for all parties.
7. Isar or English Garden?
Isar! You can always find a beautiful and secluded spot there. But the English Garden also has its magnificent sides—especially in winter, when snow and ice enchant it.
Editor's note: In December 2019, the founders announced a Exit — Shift was sold to the US company Xometry sold. (Update from December 12, 2019)
