Mark Austen
Founder, AI Makers
I take ideas from concept to production. I've been doing it for 18 years — first with physical products, now with software and AI. The tools changed. The mindset didn't.
From 3D printers to AI agents.
I started my career making physical things. In 2014, I opened Print3D Matter — Amsterdam's largest 3D printing shop. A year later, I founded Local Makers, an industrial product design studio with a team of 10. We took ideas from napkin sketches to manufactured products: concept development, prototyping, tooling, and production.
When COVID hit in 2020, I designed a reusable FFP2 silicone face mask from scratch. We ran a Kickstarter campaign, got it funded, and licensed the design to manufacturers in multiple countries. From idea to mass production in weeks — because that's what I do.
Around the same time, I built EU Made — an online marketplace connecting businesses with European factories. That's where physical products met digital platforms, and where I realised the same "idea to production" process works even better in software.
In 2023, I moved to Curacao and founded AI Makers. Everything I learned about building physical products — understanding the problem, designing the solution, prototyping fast, iterating, shipping — I now apply to software and AI. Custom software, AI agents, training, security testing. Same process. Different medium.
You think it. I make it. That's been the constant for 18 years.
The journey.
From physical products to digital ones.
Print3D Matter
Opened Amsterdam's largest 3D printing shop and product design space. 10 years of making ideas real — 3D printing, design on demand, custom manufacturing.
Local Makers
Founded an industrial product design studio. Led a team of 10 people through concept development, prototyping, and full production. Designed and manufactured products across multiple industries.
PPE Manufacturing
When COVID hit, I designed a reusable FFP2 silicone face mask, ran a successfully funded Kickstarter campaign, and licensed the design to manufacturers in multiple countries. From idea to mass production in weeks.
EU Made
Built an online marketplace connecting businesses with European factories. Solving the problem of finding local manufacturing capacity at scale.
AI Makers
Founded AI Makers, an AI development company in Curacao. Everything I learned about taking ideas from concept to production — now applied to custom software development, AI agents, chatbot development, AI consulting, and AI automation services delivered worldwide.
What I do now.
AI Makers — custom software, AI, and training delivered worldwide.
Got an idea?
Let's make it real.
Whether it's custom software, AI automation, or just a question — we're here to help. No sales pitch, just a real conversation about what's possible.
Send me a message
We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Common Questions
Still have questions? WhatsApp us anytime.
How much does a project typically cost?
It depends on scope, but most projects range from $5K-50K. We offer flexible payment options and always start with a free discovery call to understand your needs.
How long does a project take?
Simple AI automation services: 1-2 weeks. Chatbot development: 2-4 weeks. Full custom software development: 1-3 months. We move fast.
Do you work with small businesses?
Absolutely. As an AI development company, we work with startups, SMBs, and enterprises. Whether you need AI consulting, chatbot development, or custom AI solutions — if AI can solve it, we want to hear about it.
Not ready to chat yet?
Check out our work to see what we've built, or explore our services to find the right fit.