Quantum Computing: Not Just a Decade-Long Bet Anymore
It’s long been assumed that quantum computing is a moonshot—years away from commercial payoff. But Finnish startup IQM is shattering that myth, using a strategy inspired by SpaceX to generate revenue from quantum computers much sooner than anyone expected.
The SpaceX-Inspired Strategy: Sell Early, Fund the Future
When IQM launched in 2018, most investors believed it would take five to ten years to see any returns. Co-founder Jan Goetz disagreed. Drawing inspiration from SpaceX, which sold early rockets to government clients even when many failed, IQM began selling its nascent quantum computers to state-funded research institutions. This approach secured early revenue and built crucial partnerships to fund ongoing development.
| Company | Founded | First Sale | Units Sold | Bookings Pipeline | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQM | 2018 | 2020 | 13 | €90+ million | $210 million (€181M) |
Why This Approach Works
Early Revenue: IQM didn’t wait for a “perfect” product. By selling early-stage machines, they proved value to research clients and generated cash flow.
Funding Innovation: Like SpaceX, IQM uses these early partnerships to finance further R&D, accelerating their roadmap.
Market Leadership: With 13 quantum computers sold and a robust bookings pipeline, IQM is now Europe’s second best-funded quantum hardware company.
The Real Challenge: Money, Not Technology
Goetz argues that Europe’s quantum race isn’t lost—but warns that without major investment, it could fall behind the U.S. and China. He sees the next big leap coming from data center operators and infrastructure providers, not just end users.
Quantum and AI: The Next Frontier
While quantum computers aren’t yet ready to power large-scale AI, IQM is already exploring quantum-enhanced machine learning with Siemens. Their focus? Using quantum’s ability to generate true randomness to create synthetic training data for AI—potentially making future models smarter and more robust.
Expert Opinion: Will the SpaceX Model Reshape Deep Tech?
“IQM’s bold, SpaceX-inspired approach is a game changer for deep tech startups. By monetizing early and building strategic partnerships, they’re accelerating both innovation and commercial adoption. The lesson? In frontier tech, waiting for perfection means missing the market—early action and creative funding win the race.”
Would you bet on quantum computing’s early movers, or do you think the risks outweigh the rewards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
