Dutch firm launches new fund to support quantum startups around the world
The Dutch quantum-focused firm QDNL Participations has announced a new fund to support quantum technology startups around the world. It has already secured 25 million euros for the fund, and aims to increase that amount to 60 million euros, the firm announced.
QDNL Participations was established to accelerate the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem and, with its first fund of 15 million euros, invested in nine of the Netherlands' most high-potential quantum startups. These included Qblox, QuantWare, QphoX, and Q*Bird.
The new fund will expand that support to quantum startups around the world. QDNL Participations believes now is a good time to expand as quantum technologies are starting to grow beyond the laboratory and toward early commercialization.
“Our goal is to help identify and build the next wave of global leaders in quantum technology and become the best-performing quantum-specific venture firm,” said Ton van ‘t Noordende of QDNL Participations. “And that level of expertise really is required. The quantum space is just too specialized, and the companies and market so unique, that a generalist or hands-off investment model just won’t work.”
The fund has several quantum experts on its staff, including Silicon Valley-based quantum computing pioneer Chad Rigetti as venture partner, London-based Kris Kaczmarek as investment director, and Nadia Carlsten, CEO of the Danish Centre for AI Innovation, and Charles Marcus of the University of Washington as special advisors. Its investors include family offices, wealthy individuals, funds-of-funds, and endowments. It also has the support of the Quantum Delta NL Foundation.
