Quantonation's double-sized second fund shows quantum still has believers | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Anna Heim

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Quantonation Ventures has successfully closed its second fund at €220 million ($260 million), nearly doubling the size of its first fund. This milestone highlights continued strong investor interest in quantum technology despite challenges in the sector. While quantum computing is not yet practical on an industrial scale, the ecosystem has matured, attracting more funding and a diverse range of investment opportunities. The firm’s success reflects the growing belief that the "quantum winter" may not arrive as feared. Investors are drawn to supporting foundational technologies like quantum control hardware and software, which enable broader applications in areas such as photonics and lasers. Quantonation has already invested in 12 startups with plans for a portfolio of around 25 companies across various stages of development. Notable investors returning for the second fund include Singapore’s Vertex Holdings and Bpifrance, while new limited partners like the European Investment Fund and Toshiba have joined. The firm's international approach spans Paris, New York City, and regions including Asia and North America, backing promising startups like Qblox and Pasqal. The quantum ecosystem is thriving due to advancements in error correction and increasing demand from academic and industrial labs. While public market excitement has grown with companies like Nvidia and Google making significant strides, Quantonation focuses on private opportunities offering long-term potential. This expanded investment thesis positions the firm at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/22/2026