CGTrader
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital marketplace, 3D modeling |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Marius Kalytis |
| Headquarters | Vilnius , Lithuania |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Dalia Lasaite (CEO), Mikael Hed (Chairman) |
| Products | 3D models for VR/AR and computer graphics projects |
| Website | cgtrader |
CGTrader is a digital marketplace specializing in 3D models tailored for VR/AR applications and computer graphics projects, catering to a professional network of 3D artists. Established in 2011 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, the company has attracted investments from Practica Capital and Intel Capital.
History
The platform was initiated by entrepreneur and 3D artist Marius Kalytis. By May 2019, CGTrader had amassed a collection of 800,000 3D models and attracted a user base of 2,000,000 individuals.
Financing
In 2013, CGTrader obtained €185,000 in funding from Practica Capital. That same year, experienced entrepreneur Dalia Lasaite joined as co-founder and currently holds the position of CEO. Further capital injections from Intel Capital and Practica Capital occurred within that year.
In 2017, the company raised $2.3 million from Karma Ventures to scale its marketplace operations and improve workflow tools for designers.
A Series B funding round in 2021 brought in $9.5 million, led by Evli Growth Partners with contributions from Karma Ventures and LVV Group. Mikael Hed, former CEO of Rovio, made a private investment and assumed the role of Chairman on CGTrader’s board.
Acknowledgements
CGTrader earned first place at the Global Pitch Competition in May 2015, receiving a €30,000 award at Latitude59, Estonia’s premier technology conference. During the same month, it also won the Login Startup Fair Pitch Challenge held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In May 2016, Dalia Lasaite was listed among the Top 100 European female entrepreneurs by The Hundert, a Berlin-based startup magazine.
Also in May 2016, Forbes highlighted CGTrader as one of Lithuania’s eight most promising startups.
Service
CGTrader provides an online platform where 3D artists and buyers within the computer graphics sector can connect. Freelancers, enterprises, and enthusiasts upload their models complete with detailed descriptions, images, videos, pricing information, and technical specifications categorized by CG type, low polygon count, or suitability for 3D printing.
Purchasers have the option to choose from various file formats and engage directly with creators. The marketplace supports bidding mechanisms and price negotiations alongside a dedicated job board for custom modeling assignments.
Once purchased, digital assets are available for immediate download or via an emailed link. For models optimized for 3D printing, users may either buy the file outright or opt to stream it directly to their printing device.
In May 2019, CGTrader introduced CGTrader ARsenal—an augmented reality tool aimed at boosting eCommerce by enabling online retailers to showcase products through interactive 3D visualizations.
Royalty system
Starting September 1, 2016, sellers earn royalties ranging from 70% to 80% of their listed or negotiated sales price. The exact royalty percentage is determined by a tiered reputation system: new members begin as Beginners and can progress through levels up to Legendary status. Advancing reputation levels increase royalty rates and are achieved by accumulating points through community engagement, referrals, model quality ratings, sales performance, and other contributions.
Community system
The Community portal on CGTrader grants registered members access to educational tutorials, portfolios displaying designers’ work, the company blog, discussion forums, and opportunities to participate in 3D design contests.