josh valman

Josh Valman demonstrated an early aptitude for engineering and design. At the age of 10, he designed his first robot. By 13, he utilized his savings to fund the production of components for his designs from a factory in China. This early engagement with manufacturing processes provided him with practical experience. At 15, Valman began working as a freelance engineering and supply chain consultant, communicating with international factories outside of school hours.

His entrepreneurial journey progressed with the founding of RPD International in 2012. At 19, he successfully secured a £250,000 seed funding round, valuing the company at over £1 million within six months of its inception. RPD International, later known as RPDK, grew into a global entity, employing over 60 individuals worldwide and collaborating with more than 100 factories to supply major manufacturing businesses. The company created a global network and used a ‘distributed creativity’ model to combine expertise in heavy engineering, precision engineering, sculpting, and art. This enabled RPDK to produce objects from unique prototypes to mass production runs for clients across various sectors, including airlines and hotels. In 2023, Valman sold RPD to Kinara International, where it was integrated and continued operations as RPDK under the new ownership.

Valman’s work has encompassed various aspects of manufacturing and business. His contributions include addressing problem-solving, market disruption, supply chain management, research and development, and innovation. He has also explored emerging technologies such as the internet of things, wearable technology, and 3D printing, consistently examining their impact on manufacturing and global development.