European Quantum Startups Raise $404 Million in Q1, Closing on North America's $417 Million
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Jul 17
European Quantum Startups Raise $404 Million in Q1, Closing on North America's $417 Million
1 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jul 17
Summary
$404 million flowed to European quantum computing startups in the first quarter, leaving them only $13 million behind North America's $417 million, according to PitchBook.
That narrowed a gap that was much wider last year, when Europe's $1.4 billion was about 60% of North America's total—far stronger than the broader VC market, where Europe raises only 24% of US levels.
Government-backed commercialization efforts are helping drive the catch-up: UK and French spinouts such as Oxford Quantum Circuits, Quantum Motion and Quobly recently raised rounds mixing public and private capital.
The UK and EU have committed roughly twice as much money as the US to quantum computing investments, a contrast with sectors such as fusion, where Europe's strong research has not translated into comparable private funding.
The funding surge suggests quantum could become a rare emerging technology where Europe competes closely with the US after falling behind in AI.
Does Europe's risk-averse investment culture create a glass ceiling for its quantum startups, regardless of their technological breakthroughs?
As the US accelerates its national quantum strategy, is Europe's policy response too little, too late to compete effectively?
Europe’s Quantum Leap: $10 Billion in Public Funding, Growth Capital Gaps, and the Battle for Tech Sovereignty
Overview
In 2026, Europe experienced a major surge in quantum technology funding, rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in the field. This momentum was driven by a flurry of investment activity, especially in the spring and early summer, reflecting growing confidence from both investors and governments in the commercial potential and strategic value of quantum advancements. Key players like Ground State Ventures exceeded funding targets and expanded internationally, while quantum technology became a top sector for capital within the broader tech ecosystem. This wave of investment is fueling innovation and strengthening Europe’s position in the competitive quantum landscape.