3D-Printed Insole Maker SOLS Lays Off 20 Percent Of Staff
Summary
SOLS, a company using 3D-printing technology to make custom shoe insoles, has laid off 20 percent of its workforce, or 14 employees in total across all teams, TechCrunch has confirmed. To date, SOLS focused on printing shoe insoles, in particular by working with doctors who prescribe its products to patients suffering from foot pain and other ailments. This fall, SOLS also brought its insoles directly to consumers with the launch of an iPhone app where individuals could virtually scan their foot with their phone’s camera, in order to help create their custom insole in combination with other data, like weight, height, and lifestyle details. Schouwenburg, an early employee at 3D printery Shapeways before founding SOLS, tells TechCrunch that the team members who were let go were provided with severance packages, and the company is working to help each individual new opportunities. “As we broaden our product offerings, we are exploring distribution channels to extend our core medical business and support our overall strategy.