Quantum-Si (QSI) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Quantum-Si (QSI) - **Industry**: Life Science Tools and Diagnostics - **Technology**: Next generation protein sequencer utilizing single molecule detection technology for amino acid detection [1][3] Core Points and Arguments Technology and Market Position - Quantum-Si is the first company to commercialize next generation protein sequencing, aiming for de novo sequencing of proteins [3][4] - The technology is currently used for targeted applications, with plans to expand sequencing output and amino acid coverage [4] Market Dynamics - **U.S. Academic Market**: Experiencing slowdowns in capital purchasing; however, consumable purchases from existing customers are ahead of expectations [5][6] - **Biopharma Market**: Positive traction with applications in protein barcoding; the company has increased opportunities from 30 to 60 in this sector [6][7] Capital Acquisition Models - New models for capital acquisition have been introduced, allowing customers to reagent rent or lease the platform, which may enhance long-term customer engagement [9][10] - A six-month evaluation period is set for customers using the device to assess usage and potential purchase [12][13] Sales Cycles - Academic sales cycles have stretched due to funding issues, while biopharma sales cycles remain longer due to the complexity of implementation [15][16] - Biopharma customers are committing significant time and resources, creating high barriers for competitors once contracts are secured [17] Utilization Patterns - Academic customers show episodic usage patterns, while biopharma customers exhibit more consistent purchasing behavior [22][23] - The platform is expected to generate consumable revenue equivalent to its list price of $125,000 annually at scale [25][26] Product Development - The launch of the Platinum Pro sequencer has been successful, offering onboard analysis capabilities and access to dyes for various applications [28][29] - Upcoming products include V3 and V4 library prep kits aimed at expanding amino acid coverage and lowering sample input requirements [31][34] PTM Detection Kits - PTM detection kits are anticipated to significantly expand the customer base and revenue potential, particularly in developed markets [36][39] - The ability to combine pre-sequencing detection with sequencing runs will enhance the depth of protein profiling [38] Future Product: Proteus - The Proteus device, set to launch in 2026, will feature a new optics-based architecture, allowing for higher density and lower production costs [41][44] - The development timeline is on track, with a prototype expected to demonstrate sequencing capabilities by the end of the year [45] AI Integration - AI is being utilized to develop amino acid recognizers and improve kinetic databases, which is expected to accelerate the path to complete proteome coverage [50][52] - The company has screened over a million binder candidates, providing a rich dataset for AI training [55][56] Additional Insights - There is a perception that the potential of Quantum-Si and its technology may be underestimated, particularly regarding the capabilities of the upcoming Proteus device [58][59] - The complexity of protein sequencing presents high barriers to entry for competitors, suggesting a strong market position for Quantum-Si [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $842,000, representing an 84% increase compared to Q1 2024, although it was slightly below expectations [7][18] - Gross profit was $486,000 with a gross margin of 58%, influenced by low or no-cost inventory utilized during the quarter [18][19] - Total operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $25.6 million, up from $23.6 million in Q1 2024, while adjusted operating expenses were $22.9 million compared to $21.9 million in the previous year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The launch of the Platinum Pro system occurred during the first quarter, with initial customer sales reported [6][7] - Existing US academic customers continued to purchase consumables, despite a slowdown in new instrument purchases due to NIH funding uncertainties [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US academic market is experiencing a slowdown in new instrument purchases, expected to persist until at least fall 2025 [7][8] - The company has 23 international distribution partners, and international business performed well during the first quarter [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate commercial adoption, deliver on its innovation roadmap, and preserve financial strength [6][10] - Emphasis is being placed on the pharma and biotech sectors in the US market due to ongoing NIH funding uncertainties [8][10] - The technology roadmap includes the launch of Version four sequencing kits in Q3 2025 and improvements in library preparation kits by the end of 2025 [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term market opportunity in proteomics despite current market uncertainties [17][23] - The company is monitoring potential impacts from evolving tariffs and has strategies in place to mitigate long-term effects [20][21] Other Important Information - The company has $232.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, providing a runway into the second half of 2027 [20][23] - The company is focused on maintaining its technology leadership and is committed to investing wisely in R&D and commercialization efforts [45][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about biopharma spending and tariffs - Management noted that current funding levels in biotech and pharma are stable and not significantly impacted by policy discussions [28][29] Question: Feedback on the Platinum Pro system - The system is considered locked down, with positive feedback from early adopters regarding reliability and performance [31][32] Question: Future gross margin expectations - Historical margins are expected to remain in the 40% to 50% range, with variability based on product mix and sales [37][38] Question: Cash runway and potential need for additional capital - The company has sufficient cash to sustain operations through the second half of 2027, with a focus on targeted investments [41][46] Question: International distribution partners and tariff impacts - No significant tariff impacts have been observed, and the distribution network has expanded to 23 partners covering multiple countries [49][50] Question: Sequencing kit improvements and market competition - The next version of the sequencing kit will provide meaningful performance improvements, with a focus on maintaining a competitive edge [72][76]