What Make ICI does

Make ICI is a France-based network of shared, collaborative manufacturing spaces (manufactures collectives) founded in 2012 in Montreuil. It provides artisans, designers, makers, and small entrepreneurs with subscription access to professional workshop facilities and digital fabrication equipment (woodworking, metalworking, CNC milling, 3D printing, laser cutting, textiles, leather, ceramics) across approximately 15,400 m² of workshop space distributed across 12 operational or in-progress locations in Montreuil, Marseille, Nantes, Wasquehal/Lille, Tours, Morvan, Vitry-sur-Seine, Sèvres, and La Verrière. Beyond physical infrastructure, Make ICI delivers 16+ certified professional training programs (including CAP Menuisier, RS6037 3D Modeling, RNCP34907 building-material valorization, PCIE-ICDL) and operates a B2B fabrication and design service leveraging its community of 300+ resident artisans and 70+ craft/digital skills. Since 2017 the network has trained over 500 individuals and supported more than 1,200 entrepreneurs cumulatively.

The business model combines recurring revenue from workshop subscriptions (Petit/Gros Abonnement tiers with month-to-month billing and 24/7 access), professional training fees (subsidized via CPF, OPCO, France Travail and regional council funding), project-based custom fabrication contracts with corporate and institutional clients (e.g., Bouygues Bâtiment Nord-Est), and franchise/license royalties from licensed ICI locations. The company is a privately held French SARL (capital social €274,376) backed by social-finance partners including Bpifrance, INCO, NovEss, France Active, ADEME, and multiple regional governments, rather than conventional venture capital. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging Maker Faire participation, weekly online 'infocol' information sessions, social media, and partnerships with educational institutions (Ynov Campus, LISAA, Hopfab) for demand generation. The offering is differentiated less by technology than by the combination of physical infrastructure, certified training access, and an embedded artisan community that is expensive to replicate.

Name

Make ICI

Legal name

MakeIci

Website

https://makeici.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Shared Manufacturing and Artisan Workshop Services

NAICS

Industrial Design Services (54142), Machine Shops (33271), Office Furniture (including Fixtures) Manufacturing (33721)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Training & Workforce Upskilling (AM) (IMAAAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Additive Manufacturing Research & Innovation Labs (IMAAAJAA), Conferences, Workshops & Industry Events (AM Knowledge Sharing) (IMAAAJAL)

Keywords

• Shared manufacturing workshops
• Professional crafts training
• Artisan workshop subscriptions
• Custom fabrication services
• Collaborative maker spaces

Headquarters

HQ city

Montreuil

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Workshop subscriptions (Petits/Gros Abonnements): Monthly/annual subscription model providing artisans access to shared workshop spaces, fabrication equipment, storage, and the artisan community. Subscriptions range from basic machine access to full private workshop rental.
2. Professional training programs: Short to medium-term professional training courses (3 days to several months) in woodworking, metalwork, digital fabrication, and craft trades. Programs are certified and eligible for government funding (CPF, OPCO, France Travail). Training revenue includes both direct sales and funded placements.
3. Fabrication & design services: Custom manufacturing and conception services for clients seeking bespoke furniture, interior fit-outs, and artisanal products. Services leverage the network of resident artisans and are marketed as supporting local production and circular economy principles.
4. Franchise model: The company licenses its ICI manufacture concept to franchisees, providing brand, operational model, training, and network access in exchange for franchise fees and ongoing royalties.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Make ICI operates France's first network of shared, collaborative, and solidarity-based manufacturing spaces (ateliers partagés), offering artisans, makers, designers, and entrepreneurs subscription-based access to professional workshops with traditional craft tools and digital fabrication equipment (3D printing, CNC, laser cutting). It complements this with 16+ certified professional training programs (CAP Menuisier, RS6037, RNCP34907, PCIE-ICDL), custom manufacturing and design services for corporate clients, and a franchise model for geographic expansion.

Product overview

Make ICI operates France's first shared, collaborative network of artisan workshops with over 12 manufacturing locations (Montreuil, Marseille, Nantes, Wasquehal, Tours, Vitry-sur-Seine, Sèvres, Morvan) covering approximately 15,400 m². The core offering consists of shared workshop access (ateliers partagés) with professional equipment for woodworking, metalworking, textile, leather, ceramics, and digital fabrication (CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting). Complementary services include 16+ professional training programs leading to recognized certifications (CAP Menuisier, RS6037 for 3D modeling, RNCP34907 for building material valorization), custom manufacturing & design services leveraging 350+ resident artisans and 70+ craft disciplines, and flexible subscription plans (Petit/Gros Abonnement). The organization also provides training development support for independent artisans seeking to launch their own programs. Make ICI positions itself as a complete ecosystem for artisan career transitions, skill development, and collaborative making.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ateliers partagés / Shared Workshops (ICI Manufactures) Shared and private workshop spaces with professional manufacturing equipment including woodworking, metalworking, textile, leather, ceramics, and digital fabrication tools (CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting), available 24/7 across locations including Montreuil, Marseille, Nantes, Wasquehal, Tours, Vitry-sur-Seine, Sèvres, and Morvan. Aimed at independent artisans, makers, and designers who need access to professional-grade equipment without owning a private studio.
• Abonnements / Workshop Subscriptions Flexible subscription plans including Petit Abonnement (machine access), Gros Abonnement (full workshop access with storage and assembly areas), and Atelier privatif (private workshop rental), providing varying levels of access to equipment, storage, and community. Sold monthly to artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs subscribing directly at ICI locations.
• Fabrication & Conception / Manufacturing & Design Services Custom manufacturing and design services delivered through a community of 350+ artisans and 70+ craft skills across 15,400 m² of workshop space. Covers concept development, prototyping, fabrication, fitting, layout, and finishing for bespoke furniture, interior fit-outs, and artisanal products. Sold on a project basis to corporate, institutional, and individual clients.
• Devenir Franchisé / ICI Franchise Model Licensed franchise programme enabling entrepreneurs to open ICI manufacture locations under the Make ICI brand, with access to the operational model, training curriculum, supplier network (TiZYX, Prisme CNC), and resident community. Provides franchisees with brand recognition, curriculum, and network membership in exchange for franchise fees and ongoing royalties.
• Formation Modélisation 3D (Fusion 360) & Impression 3D 5-day (40 hours) intensive training on Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD modeling and 3D printing, leading to RS6037 professional certification. Includes hands-on projects with TiZYX Evy 3D printers that learners assemble and take home.
• Formation CAP Menuisier Fabricant (Bloc 1 & 2) 2-week (80 hours) intensive training for CAP Menuisier certification Blocks 1 and 2, covering furniture design, machining, assembly, and finishing. Includes accelerated exam preparation for State diploma validation, with a 100% exam pass rate among participants.
• BootCamp CAP Menuisier Fabricant 4-week intensive bootcamp at Make ICI Morvan combining Blocks 1 and 2 for full CAP Menuisier certification. Provides an immersive learning environment in a rural Burgundy setting.
• Formation Modélisation 3D Fusion 360 & Fraiseuse CNC Training combining Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD/CAM with Prisme CNC milling machine operation. Covers digital fabrication workflows from design through to machined finished parts.
• Formation Conception 2D Illustrator & Découpe Laser Training on Adobe Illustrator vector graphics and laser cutting machine operation, leading to Adobe Illustrator certification. Covers vector design, material testing, and precision fabrication workflows.
• Formation Architecture d'Intérieur et Agencement Professional training on interior architecture and layout project management using SketchUp 3D CAO software. Leads to PCIE - ICDL (Utilisation d'un logiciel de CAO 3D) certification. Covers full project lifecycle from concept to delivery. Developed in partnership with Hopfab.
• Formation Technicien Valoriste des Ressources du Bâtiment 245-hour certified training (RNCP34907) on building material reuse and valorization for circular economy. Eligible for CPF funding. Covers collection, diagnosis, sorting, and recycling logistics for construction industry professionals.
• Formation Écoconception pour les Activités Culturelles 21-hour training on ecodesign principles for cultural events and production. Addresses lifecycle analysis, sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and ISO 20121 standard compliance. Supported by OPCO AFDAS and starting from 294 euros.
• Initiation à la Tapisserie d'Ameublement 40-hour upholstery initiation training at ICI Nantes where participants restore their own armchair while learning fundamental furniture upholstery techniques. Taught by professional artisan Claire Lecornu.
• Initiation à l'Émaillage sur Métaux Training on metal enamelwork techniques taught by Marie-Hélène Soyer, preserving rare craft skills in steel enameling with applications in design, architecture, and aerospace.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% pass rate for CAP Menuisier certification among training participants
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AFPAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFPA (Agence nationale pour la formation professionnelle des adultes) partners with Make ICI on professional training programs, bringing public vocational training infrastructure and funding to the collaboration.
• Nantes Métropole AménagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban development agency that facilitated Make ICI's installation in Nantes' former military barracks in 2019, transforming a derelict military site into the ICI Nantes manufacturing space.
• EmerigeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate developer supporting Make ICI's manufacturing operations, contributing to the development of shared manufacturing spaces in urban environments.
• Linkcity (Bouygues)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban development subsidiary of Bouygues partnering with Make ICI on territorial development projects connecting local artisanal production with urban construction needs.
• UrbaneraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban development partner collaborating with Make ICI on local manufacturing and territorial innovation projects.
• Prisme CNCcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic supplier partnership where Prisme CNC (French-made CNC milling machine manufacturer) becomes the official CNC supplier for the entire Make ICI network. Guillaume Gourdin, Prisme's founder, also delivers CNC training at ICI locations and was a former ICI resident.
• TiZYXcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with TiZYX (French 3D printer manufacturer) for 3D printing training at ICI locations. Learners in the Modélisation & Impression 3D course assemble their own TiZYX Evy printer kits and take them home, integrating equipment supply with training delivery.
• Ynov CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ynov Campus (private higher education group, 13 campuses across France) delivering the La Fabryk program—weekly hands-on maker sessions for interior architecture and design students at ICI manufacturing locations. Active since 2022, covering Wasquehal, Montreuil, Nantes, and Marseille, with 200+ students involved.
• HopfabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Hopfab (professional organization supporting French interior designers and artisans) for developing and delivering the Architecture d'Intérieur et Agencement training program at ICI Montreuil.
• L'Atelier des ChefscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaboration with L'Atelier des Chefs (culinary training institution) to support career conversion into handcraft and trades professions. Leverages shared expertise in practical skills training and professional insertion.
• muto eventminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with muto event for the development of the 'Écoconception pour les activités culturelles' training program, combining Make ICI's fabrication expertise with muto event's knowledge of sustainable event production.
• Campus Versailles & Institut pour les Savoir-Faire FrançaisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Campus Versailles and Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français for the launch of 'L'Avenir en Main' platform—a free web resource showcasing 300+ craft and heritage trades, supported by Make ICI.
• Living Museum FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiving Museum France operates within ICI Nantes, hosting individuals affected by mental health challenges in shared artisan workspaces, promoting social insertion through craft practices.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hopfab: French platform that connects clients with local artisans and craftspeople for custom fabrication projects. Directly comparable because Hopfab and Make ICI both operate at the intersection of French artisan community and B2B Fabrication & Conception services, and they are active partners on the Architecture d'Intérieur et Agencement training program.
• FabLab Network: Global network of digital fabrication laboratories (FabLabs) conceived at MIT, sharing equipment (3D printers, CNC, laser cutters) with local communities. Comparable to Make ICI's fablab/aspect of the network — same equipment class, same community-led model — though wider in scope and academic in origin.
• Simplon.co: French social-enterprise network delivering free digital and tech training to underrepresented populations. Comparable on the social-insertion + training-for-reconversion axis and on multi-site French deployment, even though Simplon focuses on digital rather than craft trades.
• L'Atelier des Chefs: Culinary-trade training institution that partners with Make ICI on professional reconversion. Comparable because it monetizes short, hands-on, government-funded adult vocational training in a specific trade, mirroring the same model for culinary rather than wood/metal/digital trades.

Emerging players

• TechShop: Historical chain of membership-based makerspaces (US, defunct 2017, now reviving in some markets). Closest historical analog to Make ICI's combined workshop + training + community model and useful as a cautionary reference for scale economics.

Broad incumbents

• WeWork: Global shared-workspace operator applying a subscription/as-a-service model to physical space. Not a maker-space peer but the closest at-scale analog to Make ICI's workshop-as-a-service monetization and franchise-style geographic replication.
• AFPA (Agence nationale pour la formation professionnelle des adultes): French public adult vocational training agency. Make ICI is an AFPA partner on certified training but also competes for the same CPF/OPCO/France Travail trainees, making AFPA the relevant incumbent on the training side of the business.
• Leroy Merlin: French DIY/home-improvement retailer running in-store workshops for adults. Differentiated at scale but operates a relevant DIY-adjacent training-and-maker proposition for hobbyists, the lower end of Make ICI's audience.

Others

• Initiatives France: French network supporting social and solidarity-economy entrepreneurship (loan, mentorship, community). Adjacent because Make ICI's social-insertion mission, impact investor backers and reconversion audience place it in the same solidarity-economy ecosystem as Initiatives France's beneficiaries.
• Ecole de la 2ème Chance: French not-for-profit schools helping young adults without qualifications into employment. Tangentially comparable to Make ICI's youth/insertion training pipeline and its reliance on French public social-insertion funding streams.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/makeici_org
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCW0rgwdmNgYcFIQIO_YadUQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/ICIMontreuil
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/make-ici
• Instagraminstagram.com/makeici_org

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Make ICI