Quantonation’s €220M Fund Signals Robust Confidence in Quantum Computing’s Future
In an era where quantum computing remains on the horizon of technological breakthroughs, investor enthusiasm continues to surge. Quantonation Ventures, a firm specializing in quantum and physics-based startups, has successfully closed its second fund at €220 million (approximately $260 million), more than doubling the size of its initial fund. This substantial increase underscores a growing confidence in the potential of quantum technologies.
Since its inception in 2018, Quantonation has observed significant advancements in the quantum sector, marked by both technological progress and increasing interest from academic and industrial laboratories. This evolution has broadened the spectrum of investment opportunities. Will Zeng, a partner at Quantonation, highlighted a shift towards supporting foundational technologies that bolster the quantum industry. He cited the example of Qblox, a Dutch startup specializing in quantum control hardware and software, which transitioned from a bootstrapped entity to securing Series A funding co-led by Quantonation.
The expanding quantum ecosystem has attracted a diverse array of investors. Quantonation’s second fund has garnered support from both returning and new limited partners, including the European Investment Fund, Grupo ACS, Novo Holdings, Planet First Partners, and Toshiba. This diverse backing reflects a collective belief in the transformative potential of quantum technologies.
Quantonation’s investment strategy is characterized by early-stage commitments aimed at capturing substantial value. The firm has already invested in 12 startups through its second fund, with plans to build a portfolio of approximately 25 companies. These investments span various facets of the quantum industry, including software, industrial applications, and adjacent physics-based technologies such as photonics and lasers.
Geographically, Quantonation maintains a global perspective. With dual headquarters in Paris and New York City, the firm has invested in French quantum companies like Pasqal and Quandela, while also extending its reach to Asia and North America. Zeng noted the absence of clear regional leaders in many areas of quantum research, emphasizing the global nature of the field and the widespread origins of groundbreaking research.
The sustained investor interest in quantum computing is further evidenced by the emergence of dedicated quantum funds such as QDNL and 55 North. These developments indicate a robust belief in the future of quantum technologies, despite the complex and nascent nature of the industry.
In summary, Quantonation’s successful closure of its €220 million second fund highlights a strong and growing confidence in the potential of quantum computing. The firm’s strategic investments and global approach position it as a key player in the advancement of quantum technologies.
