Q-CTRL has secured US$290 million in Series C funding led by Salesforce Ventures to accelerate the merging of quantum technology and artificial intelligence. The oversubscribed round establishes Q-CTRL as a quantum-sector unicorn and one of the best-capitalized quantum firms in private markets, fueled by its “AI for quantum” infrastructure software.
This software delivers global firsts in both quantum computing and sensing, with its Ironstone Opal system offering an unjammable quantum navigation solution, Q-CTRL says. “The hard problem in quantum is not building the machine, it is getting useful output from it,” said Robert Keith, Partner at Salesforce Ventures, explaining the investment’s focus on Q-CTRL’s AI-powered control software.
$290 Million Series C Funding Led by Salesforce Ventures
Affinity Partners joined Salesforce Ventures in leading a US$290 million Series C funding round. The substantial investment, which also included participation from Bullhound Capital and MPower Partners, will specifically accelerate the convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence within infrastructure software development.
This funding round positions Q-CTRL as one of the most well-capitalized, privately held quantum firms focused on software solutions, and represents the largest such fundraise for a company in that sector. The influx of capital will enable the company to expand its global reach and address growing customer demand across diverse industries, including finance, energy and aerospace and autonomy.
The company’s Ironstone Opal system, a quantum navigation solution, is already undergoing deployment on commercial aircraft and on unmanned drones with Lockheed Martin, demonstrating a move beyond laboratory demonstrations toward real-world utility. “From enabling navigation where GPS fails to delivering the quantum-powered data center, Q-CTRL is solving mission-critical challenges across global industry and resilience,” said Kathy Matsui, General Partner at MPower Partners. The investor syndicate assembled by Q-CTRL reflects a strategic alignment with key sectors that will benefit from quantum technologies.
Beyond financial backing, investors bring expertise in areas like strategic corporate ventures, private equity and growth-stage venture capital, facilitating joint sales efforts, technology integration and direct revenue generation. “The investor syndicate we’ve assembled showcases the strength of our technology, revenue growth, and strategic alignment with some of the most important sectors today, from AI to aviation,” said CEO and Founder Michael J.
Biercuk. “At Q-CTRL, one of our core values is to Be Real, and that means a continued drive to deliver true customer value from quantum technology through our unique focus on infrastructure software.” The company’s software-first approach is central to its success, addressing what many in the field consider the primary challenge in realizing quantum advantage, according to Q-CTRL.
Q-CTRL solves that with AI-powered control software. The proof is already public: a materials simulation on IBM hardware that any developer can now call directly through its Platform, and the first quantum navigation system qualified for safety of flight. This emphasis on software allows Q-CTRL to operate independently of specific hardware platforms, increasing its adaptability and potential for widespread integration.
Bullhound Capital’s continued investment highlights consistent progress and execution of its stated goals. “Q-CTRL is one of the few quantum companies with real customers and real revenue,” said Per Roman, Founding Partner at Bullhound Capital. “Michael has executed on everything he told us he would and then some. We’re pleased to keep backing him.” Square Peg’s commitment also highlights broader impact.
Q-CTRL’s contributions to aviation and autonomy through its leadership in GPS-free quantum navigation are already reshaping the future of commercial air travel and boosting passenger safety, the firm reports. The company’s technology is designed to make quantum sensors thousands of times more powerful, opening up possibilities across computing, sensing, and health, and positioning the company as a versatile player in the emerging quantum landscape.
That software layer will decide whether quantum shows up in enterprise data centers this decade, and it is why Salesforce Ventures led this round.
Robert Keith, Partner, Salesforce Ventures
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