Irish quantum semiconductor startup Equal1 closes €51 million round to scale silicon-based quantum computing

Irish quantum semiconductor company Equal1 has secured €51 million ($60 million) in funding, signaling a significant step in the development of silicon-based quantum computing. This investment aims to accelerate the deployment of its datacenter-ready Bell-1 quantum server, positioning the company at the forefront of quantum technology. This advancement is crucial as classical computing faces limitations in cost and power, with quantum computing offering a promising solution. The funding round was led by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), with participation from various investors, including Atlantic Bridge and the European Innovation Council Fund. The investment marks a transition for Equal1 from development to deployment. Equal1's focus on building quantum processors on standard silicon aims to transform quantum computing from bespoke hardware into accessible infrastructure. This investment underscores the growing momentum of European quantum technology companies, with approximately €330 million in disclosed funding flowing into the sector in 2025. Equal1's raise is among the larger late-development rounds, contributing to Ireland's growing footprint in the industry. This funding supports the company's international expansion and its role in the future of High-Performance Computing.