Universal Quantum raises $100M for trapped-ion computer

Universal Quantum is developing a trapped-ion quantum computer for public agencies and businesses that want to run software beyond the reach of classical machines. For now, those organizations are preparing for hardware that does not yet exist as an operating product. The British startup said it secured a $100 million Series A to keep building.

Investing.com reported, citing the company, that DCVC and Firgun Ventures co-led the round, with Singapore’s EDBI and Roblox CEO David Baszucki among the investors. Universal Quantum plans to expand research facilities in Germany and Singapore. CEO Sebastian Weidt did not disclose a valuation.

The machine would use lasers to perform calculations on trapped ions—charged atoms held in place—rather than the superconducting processors pursued by Google and Microsoft. Universal Quantum is still developing the hardware, not selling access to a finished computer.

Until then, the company’s commercial work looks more like preparation than computing. It consults public agencies and businesses on software they may eventually run on its machines, and it has contracts to develop computers for the German government. Weidt did not provide revenue figures.

Universal Quantum disclosed neither valuation nor revenue. Weidt expects to build a working computer within the next decade but gave no specific date, so the round is financing the research path to a product rather than the expansion of an established computing service.