Japanese startup Yaqumo, which is developing neutral-atom quantum computers, announced it has raised funding from JIC Venture Growth Investments Co., Ltd. (JIC VGI) and Toyota Invention Partners, Inc. (TIP) in a seed extension round. Both investments were made via J-KISS (Keep It Simple Security), a streamlined convertible equity instrument designed specifically for the Japanese startup ecosystem.
JIC VGI and TIP will join investors such as global quantum-focused venture capital (VC) firm Quantonation and US-based VC Alumni Ventures, who earlier invested in Yaqumo.
This investment marks JIC VGI’s first investment in a quantum computing hardware startup; JIC VIG is a government-backed a venture capital firm, and is an arm of the Japan Investment Corporation (“JIC”) group. Through JIC VGI’s participation, Yaqumo will deepen its collaboration with government-related institutions and strengthen the foundation supporting its long-term growth.
Likewise, this is TIP’s first investment in a startup working on quantum computing, through which TIP aims to explore potential applications of quantum computing in materials development, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and mobility.
Kazuhiro Nakashoji, Representative Director and CEO of Yaqumo, said “We are deeply encouraged to receive support from JIC VGI and TIP, two investors that play important roles in strengthening Japan’s industrial competitiveness and shaping the future of mobility.
Neutral-atom quantum computing is a technology with tremendous potential to realize truly useful quantum computers. At the same time, bringing this technology into society requires far more than research and development alone. It requires long-term capital, exceptional talent, collaboration with industry, and connection to the global ecosystem.
Through this financing, Yaqumo will connect Japan’s outstanding foundation in quantum science with real social value, and as a Japan-born quantum computing company, we will help open the future of the global quantum industry.”
Yuki Kuwabara of JIC VGI said, “Quantum computing is a deep tech field with the potential to become a foundational technology for next-generation industries, requiring long-term and sustained R&D efforts as well as close industry collaboration before achieving real-world deployment. In this context, Yaqumo is a team pursuing the realization of scalable neutral-atom quantum computers, building on Japan’s strong research foundation in quantum science. We highly value both its technological potential and its strong commitment to commercialization and have therefore decided to make our first investment in a quantum computing hardware startup.
JIC VGI will support Yaqumo’s challenge to expand a Japan-originated quantum industry globally by providing risk capital and strengthening public-private collaboration.”
Masayuki Shimizu of TIP said, “We believe the neutral-atom quantum computers being developed by Yaqumo represent an important technology area with future applications across complex social challenges, including materials development, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and mobility.
TIP aims to go beyond investment by leveraging Toyota’s manufacturing expertise and points of contact with business operations, strengthening collaboration between the Toyota Group and partners who share the same aspirations.
This marks TIP’s first investment in a startup working on quantum computing, and we have strong expectations for the Yaqumo team’s technological capabilities and execution, and we will provide long-term support for their challenge to bring Japan-born quantum technology into real-world implementation.”
