Quantonation Ventures closes €220M quantum fund backed by Toshiba

European venture capital firm Quantonation Ventures has announced the successful closure of its second dedicated quantum technology fund, securing €220 million. This landmark achievement positions Quantonation as the largest quantum fund globally by assets under management and signals a significant surge in investment within this nascent but potentially transformative sector. The oversubscribed fund, which surpassed its initial €200 million target, aims to bolster early-stage deep physics and quantum technology companies, underscoring a growing European commitment to fostering cutting-edge technological development. Fund II will focus on pre-seed and seed stage investments, supporting innovative startups in critical areas such as molecular design, advanced cybersecurity solutions, and ultra-precise sensing technologies. Notable investors in this round include established players like Toshiba and Novo Holdings, alongside returning backers such as Vertex and Fonds National d’Amorçage 2 managed by Bpifrance. This broad support base, encompassing both industrial giants and public investment vehicles, highlights the increasing confidence in the long-term viability and industrial applicability of quantum advancements beyond theoretical research. The substantial capital infusion reflects a maturation of the quantum technology ecosystem, moving beyond a singular focus on hardware development to encompass integrated solutions. This shift, as noted by Quantonation's managing partner Christophe Jurczak, signifies a critical alignment between hardware, software, supply chains, and tangible industrial demand. The fund’s strategy to invest across diverse quantum applications, including computing, sensing, and supply chain optimization, positions it to capitalize on the gradual scaling of these complex technologies and contribute to Europe's burgeoning digital sovereignty in a field poised to revolutionize multiple industries.