After the successful listing of IonQ, a quantum computing company via a vehicle known as a SPAC, it should come as no surprise that other Quantum Companies would look to the same methodology. Rigetti, is one of those companies that has decided to also seek a public listing to help it gain more of a footing in the market.
Perhaps the hottest word on Wall Street right now around Wall Street is “SPAC”, which stands for Special Purpose Acquisition Company. According to SPAC Research data, by July 2021, US-listed SPACs had raised $111.7 billion. This figure alone had eclipsed the total amount raised by SPACs in 2020 – $83.4 billion. So, in summary, the hype is real. But what exactly are they?
SPACs, also known as “blank check” companies, exist only to bring another firm, typically private-owned, to the public market through a merger. Investors set up SPACs with the sole aim of raising money through an IPO and then using the funds raised to form a merger with another company. Investors usually have no idea of which company the SPAC will acquire, hence, the name “blank-check.”
“In the next decade one Rigetti quantum computer could be more powerful than today’s entire global cloud. Rigetti is the leading innovator in this space. Our team has solved the most pressing scientific problems associated with bringing quantum computing to market by creating a scalable computer and high-performance integration with existing computing systems. We plan to use this capital to accelerate our product development and accelerate our goal to bring this transformational computing capability to every major industry.”
Chad Rigetti, Rigetti Computing CEO and Founder
SPACs are slowly creeping into all the major industries of the world, and the quantum computing industry is no exception. Last year, word started spreading that IonQ, a Quantum-computing startup, was planning to go public. Earlier this year, they did, but through a SPAC.
IonQ and dMY Technology Group III, a SPAC, formed a merger with a deal in the region of $2 billion. This deal was revolutionary and groundbreaking in the quantum computing industry, and many companies are seeking to emulate IonQ. One such company is Rigetti. In October, Rigetti announced a merger deal with Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd. (“Supernova II”), a SPAC. The merger company will be known as Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NYSE: RGTI) when the transaction is completed.
Rigetti is one of the world leaders in scalable quantum processor technology. There are many major players in the quantum computing world, all competing to building top-notch quantum processors. Earlier this year, in June, Rigetti introduced its scalable superconducting chips.
“The widespread adoption of quantum computing will have a significant impact on the economy and humanity in the next decade and beyond, on par with the advent of mobile and cloud technologies. Rigetti systems’ speed and scalability set them apart amongst competitors. With its model of easy integration into existing systems, Rigetti’s technology will be used by businesses, governments and institutions across the globe.”
Michael Clifton, Supernova II
The benefits of quantum computing transcend a wide range of industries, including the energy, biotech, and even financial sectors. The transaction is estimated at $1.5 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, the gross cash proceeds to the combined company are estimated to be roughly $458 billion. The PIPE transaction, which is subscribed to by some of the biggest world firms, is expected to surpass $100 million. Rigetti plans on using the proceeds from the transaction to scale its quantum computers from 80 qubits in 2021 to 1000 qubits in 2024 and 4000 qubits in 2026.
The leaders of both the private company and the SPAC, Chad Rigetti and Micheal Clifton, have been vocal about their excitement with the deal. Clifton has praised the speed and scalability of Rigetti systems over that of competitors and has been duly backed by Chad Rigetti. It is expected that Clifton will join the Board of Directors upon completion of the deal.
The proposed deal between the two companies has been approved at the Board of Directors level of both companies and should proceed as normal when approved by the stockholders of Supernova II, as well as some other closing conditions.
