Phasecraft, a force in the field of quantum algorithms, has recently announced the successful completion of a significant $34 million Series B funding round. This remarkable achievement is poised to accelerate the company’s transformative work in quantum computing, which aims to translate the theoretical potential of this technology into practical, real-world applications. The funding round was co-led by Plural, with notable participation from existing investors such as Playground Global and Novo Holdings’ Quantum Fund, marking its first direct investment in quantum software. Additionally, other investors, including AlbionVC, Latitude, and Parkwalk Advisors, also joined the round.
As the realms of quantum computing hardware and software begin to converge, it becomes increasingly clear that this intersection is vital for unlocking commercial utility. Phasecraft stands at the forefront of this evolution, thanks to its development of ultra-efficient algorithms that are designed to be hardware-agnostic.
These unique algorithms enable the company to collaborate with prominent industry leaders, including Google Quantum AI, IBM, Quantinuum, and QuEra. Such partnerships not only enhance the capabilities of Phasecraft’s algorithms but also propel the company toward achieving what is referred to as “quantum advantage,” a state where quantum computing outperforms classical computing for specific tasks.
One of the intriguing aspects of Phasecraft’s approach is its innovative use of quantum computing. The company leverages quantum technology in conjunction with traditional computing methods to overcome the inherent limitations of both. This strategy opens the door for today’s Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices to tackle challenges that were previously deemed insurmountable.
Phasecraft is taking proactive steps to bring quantum applications to various industries sooner than anyone anticipated. The company’s impressive list of collaborators includes a range of end-users, such as Johnson Matthey, a developer of specialty materials; Oxford PV, which focuses on solar cell technology; the UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO); and BT, a leading telecommunications provider.
The recent round of funding, which has elevated the total amount raised to over $50 million—including grants—will allow Phasecraft to intensify its research and development endeavors. With these resources, the company plans to expand its industrial efforts further, working towards creating tangible solutions that can have a significant impact on its customers.
What sets Phasecraft apart is its pioneering approach to algorithm design, which is grounded in a rich combination of theoretical physics and computer science. The company’s team applies insights gained from extensive numerical simulations and possesses an in-depth understanding of quantum hardware to drive its innovations. This multifaceted approach is generating considerable momentum within the industry.
Phasecraft’s research is making strides in diverse areas, including materials science, where it has developed methods for simulating materials with unprecedented efficiency. Additionally, the company is focused on biological research, applying its quantum computing capabilities to key biochemical processes vital for drug development aimed at addressing genetic conditions. In the realm of energy, Phasecraft is helping to enhance energy resilience by optimizing energy networks, showcasing the flexibility and utility of its work across different sectors.
The vision behind Phasecraft was brought to life by its co-founders, Professors Toby Cubitt, Ashley Montanaro, and John Morton. Each of these individuals boasts a wealth of experience in quantum computing, having led top research initiatives at prestigious institutions such as University College London (UCL) and the University of Bristol. They have assembled an unrivaled team, which includes leaders who previously held significant roles at AWS, Johnson Matthey, and Goldman Sachs. Last year, under the leadership of Professor Steve Flammia, Phasecraft expanded its reach by opening a new research and development office in Washington, D.C., further solidifying its position as a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of quantum computing.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re actively creating quantum advantage at Phasecraft. Our algorithms are delivering meaningful results now, whether it’s simulating the physics of complex materials or optimizing the structure of a large energy network, whilst our partnerships with the world’s top quantum hardware providers increase the impact our algorithms will have for commercial applications. We’re delighted to have the backing of our visionary investors such as Plural, Playground Global, and Novo Holdings, to support us on the mission to bring quantum advantage to the world faster.”
Ashley Montanaro, co-founder and CEO of Phasecraft
“Phasecraft is revolutionizing the quantum landscape in ways that were previously thought impossible. Its hardware-agnostic approach means it’s been able to work with several of the world’s most powerful computing devices, creating algorithms that are more efficient by factors of millions and that are now helping to solve real-world problems like material discovery and the optimization of our energy networks. It’s to the credit of the best-in-class team that Ashley and Toby have built that some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Google and IBM, see Phasecraft as the way to accelerate the impact of their own devices. I’m incredibly excited to continue supporting Phasecraft not just as Chairman, but as an investor as well.”
Ian Hogarth, partner at Plural
“Today, we are living in a world without quantum materials, oblivious to the unrealized potential and abundance that lie just out of sight. With advancements in quantum algorithms from Phasecraft, we are poised to shift from discovery to design, entering an era of unprecedented dynamism in chemistry, materials science, and medicine.”
Peter Barrett, general partner at Playground Global
“The impact quantum computing will have on the world is undeniable, particularly in the life sciences. Quantum algorithms offer tremendous potential for molecular simulation to predict drug efficacy and optimize design. This is why we are excited to make our first quantum software investment from our new Quantum Fund in Phasecraft. We’re excited about Phasecraft’s ability to enable healthcare breakthroughs that could save millions of lives while reducing R&D timelines from decades to years.”
Jeroen Bakker, Partner at Novo Holdings