Chicago-Based Startup Aims to be the “Uber” of Manufacturing

McPond, a peer-to-peer online platform based in Chicago, lets manufactures list their idle machines for rent.

“Having had the opportunity to work in family-based manufacturing business for years, I realized that companies can make money from their idle machines,” says founder Rigved Raut. “At the same time, we want to inspire companies and entrepreneurs who cannot justify or afford to invest in machinery or upgrade equipment that does not meet requirements for their specific projects.” 

By collaboratively consuming manufacturing assets, overseas outsourcing can be avoided and can stimulate local economic growth. McPond currently lists machines in Ohio, Maryland, Florida and Colorado. Machines vary from 3D printers to CNC machines to jig mills to burn-off ovens. Lenders are said to get more value out of their assets and generate passive income while those who rent get immediate access to machines.

“Access over ownership is the trend of the future,” says cofounder Albert Burgos. “Making redundant hardware useful in generating greater economic activity is advantageous to both producers and consumers. We want to build trust between the two and ourselves, making safety and care of the property our top priority in customer service.”