TreQ, a British-based quantum computing startup, has secured $5 million in funding to develop open-architecture quantum computers. The funding round was led by Lavrock Ventures, with participation from Creator Fund, firstminute capital, and Green Sands Equity. The company, headquartered at Milton Park in Oxfordshire, chose this location due to the UK’s status as a global quantum hub and founder Mandy Birch’s military experience working with British forces.
Birch also serves as an adviser to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre. “Having served alongside the British military and worked here in quantum, I know the incredible talent in the UK’s tech and defence community,” Birch said. “The UK is rapidly commercializing quantum: this aligns with our vision and desire to combine strengths among allies to fully realize quantum computing’s potential.”
Quantum computing is an emerging field that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways traditional computers cannot.
While classical computers rely on bits, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can represent multiple states simultaneously. This capability allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations much faster and more efficiently. TreQ aims to differentiate itself through its focus on open-architecture quantum computers.
Unlike companies that develop their systems around a single technology, TreQ collaborates with a network of small and medium enterprises that contribute innovative components.
treQ secures funding for growth
This ecosystem approach allows the company’s engineers to integrate a diverse array of technologies into its systems.
TreQ’s team boasts significant expertise in the field, having collectively built approximately a dozen quantum computers worldwide. This experience positions the startup to leverage its open-architecture model effectively as it works to create versatile systems capable of scaling up as the quantum computing market matures. The UK is increasingly positioning itself as a leader in quantum technology.
Birch’s dual role as a military leader and an adviser in the UK quantum community underscores her strategic focus on building transatlantic partnerships to advance the field. The collaboration with both US and UK investors signals a commitment to building a quantum ecosystem that combines strengths from both countries. With the new funding, TreQ plans to expand its operations and enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
The startup aims to capitalize on the UK’s supportive infrastructure and talent pool as it scales its efforts to develop commercially viable quantum systems. Henry Lane Fox, chairman of Creator Fund, commented, “The UK is establishing itself as a quantum world leader, and TreQ has a team of quantum experts from across UK universities. 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.”
