A US Air Force Reserve brigadier-general will this week unveil a $5m funding boost for her British-based quantum computing start-up.
Sky News understands that Mandy Birch, who is also an adviser to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, has secured the capital for TreQ, a manufacturing company focused on building and operating open-architecture quantum computers.
Based at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, TreQ’s seed funding round is being led by Lavrock Ventures, a US-based venture firm focused on deep tech and national security.
It also includes participation from the UK-based Creator Fund and firstminute capital, both of which are focused on early-stage European deep-tech companies.
Silicon Valley-based Green Sands Equity also contributed to the round.
“Having served alongside the British military and worked here in quantum, I know the incredible talent in the UK’s tech and defence community,” Ms Birch said.
“The UK is rapidly commercialising quantum: this aligns with our vision and desire to combine strengths among allies to fully realise quantum computing’s potential.”
Read more from business:
TGI Fridays close to rescue deal
UK ‘risks losing AI leadership’
Compare the Market investor plots stake sale
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
A quantum computer can carry out a single calculation that no conventional computer would be capable of within a reasonable time.
TreQ said it chose the UK as its base because of its status as a global quantum computing hub, and because of Ms Birch’s experience serving with British military personnel during counter-terrorism operations in Africa.
The company said its team had collectively built roughly a dozen quantum computers around the world.
It says its approach is distinct from single-technology, lab-based quantum computing, with its engineers building systems from a growing ecosystem of small and medium enterprises offering innovative components.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
“The UK is establishing itself as a quantum world leader, and TreQ has a team of quantum experts from across UK universities,” said Henry Lane Fox, chairman of Creator Fund.
“It has the potential to be a catalyst for the first generation of quantum computers that address real world needs, built from this country’s innovation in this space.”
