How a European quantum-computing startup plans to take on IBM and Google

Core Insights - Europe is positioning itself as a global leader in quantum computing, with IQM being a significant player in this initiative [1][10] - IQM recently raised over $300 million in a Series B funding round, indicating strong investor interest in European quantum technology [1][10] - The company has established itself as a leading quantum computing provider in Europe, with notable clients and a focus on superconducting quantum processors [4][5] Company Overview - IQM was founded in 2018 and became the first Finnish start-up to raise seed funding in 2019, securing €11.4 million ($13.4 million) [3] - The company has achieved a technical milestone with one of its quantum processors reaching 99.9% fidelity, crucial for quantum algorithm performance [6] - IQM has sold and shipped more on-premises quantum computers than any other manufacturer in the past year, with a production capacity of up to 20 computers annually [7] Market Position and Strategy - The company primarily generates revenue through hardware sales, integrating its quantum computers with existing CPU and GPU systems for research clients [8] - Customers typically renew their hardware every three years, providing a recurring revenue opportunity for IQM [9] - IQM is preparing for a shift towards cloud computing and quantum as a service in the future, while currently focusing on hardware sales [8] Competitive Landscape - The European Commission has set a strategy to make Europe a global leader in quantum technology by 2030, increasing competition among local firms [10] - IQM's recent funding round included significant participation from European investors, despite the lead being a U.S. firm, highlighting regional support for the company [10] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential and the overall sentiment in the European quantum sector, indicating a renaissance in the industry [11]