Quantum Computing Investment Continues to Rise in 2026
Despite the fact that quantum computing is not expected to replace supercomputers by 2026 or reach industrial scale, investor interest in companies pursuing the elusive quantum advantage is on the rise. One such firm, Quantonation Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in quantum and physics-based startups, recently closed its second fund at €220 million (approximately $260 million), more than doubling the size of its inaugural fund.
This increase in investment signals that the predicted “quantum winter” has not yet arrived. The belief that quantum technology will eventually crack modern encryption, although without a clear timeline, has spurred governments and tech giants to invest heavily in the sector.
Since its launch in 2018, Quantonation has witnessed significant growth in the quantum technology sector, with notable technological advancements and increasing demand from academic and industrial labs. This growth has led to a shift in investment opportunities, with a focus on companies developing technologies that support the quantum industry.
One example of this shift is Dutch startup Qblox, which provides quantum control hardware and software to Quantonation portfolio companies. The firm recently co-led Qblox’s Series A funding round, highlighting the expanding ecosystem within the quantum technology sector.
As the quantum technology sector matures, dedicated quantum funds like QDNL and 55 North have emerged, reflecting the increasing recognition among investors of the complexity and specificity of the quantum market.
Despite the challenges of investing in early-stage quantum companies, Quantonation remains committed to capturing value through early investments. Several quantum companies have already gone public, with their shares experiencing significant growth in recent months. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, declared in 2025 that quantum computing is approaching an inflection point, further fueling the excitement around quantum technology.
While quantum chips have yet to outperform classical computers in real-world applications, advancements in error correction have paved the way for future breakthroughs. Companies like Google, with its Willow chip, have made significant strides in error correction, driving optimism for the future of quantum computing.
Quantonation’s investment portfolio now extends beyond quantum chips to include software and industrial technologies essential for realizing quantum advantage. The firm’s second fund has already invested in 12 startups and aims to support around 25 companies, covering a wide range of physics-based technologies such as photonics and lasers.
With a diverse group of investors, including major players from its first fund and new partners like the European Investment Fund and Toshiba, Quantonation’s international reach spans across regions like Europe, Asia, and North America. The firm remains focused on identifying and supporting emerging technologies in the quantum and physics sectors, with a keen eye on future advancements and opportunities.
