Qnami raises CHF 4 million to advance its patented quantum microscope technology

11.05.2021 14:00, Isabelle Mitchell

Qnami raised CHF 4 million in a Series A financing round led by venture capital funds Runa Capital and SIT Capital, further supported by Seed-round investors Quantonation, Verve Ventures, ZKB Start-up Finance, and the High Tech Gründerfond. The funds will support the extension of Qnami’s patented quantum microscope technology into applications enabling the design and production of quantum computers and spintronics devices, plus scaling the launch of the Qnami ProteusQ™, the first commercial quantum microscope. Qnami was a Venture Kick winner in 2018 and a Venture Leader Technology and one of the TOP 100 Swiss Startups in 2019. 

Qnami is a Swiss startup founded in 2017. In 2019, it launched the Qnami ProteusQ™, the first commercial Scanning NV (Nitrogen-Vacancy) Magnetometer. This tool, which uses Qnami’s patented Quantilever™ diamond scanning probes, provides an innovative platform for analyzing magnetic materials at the nanoscale. “We have gained good market traction with the launch of the ProteusQ and Quantilevers in the materials research setting. Top researchers already use Qnami’s technology to discover and describe the magnetic properties of new materials,” said Mathieu Munsch, co-founder and CEO of Qnami.

Magnetic properties of materials will also play a fundamental role in the future of computing—in quantum computing and spintronics devices (e.g., MRAM). The markets for Scanning NV microscopy in the cryogenic and spintronics design and manufacturing settings expand Qnami’s focus from research to industrial customers. “Tools to control the design and manufacturing process of such materials at the sub-micron scale are needed to steer product development and improve manufacturing yields,” said Munsch. “With this new investment, we will extend our technology into the cryogenic low-temperature environment, as well as into the spintronics design and manufacturing space, allowing scientists and process engineers to visualize directly the effect of any small change in their design or fabrication process,” he continued.

Qnami’s Series A equity round was led by Runa Capital and SIT Capital. Runa Capital is a global venture capital firm built by serial entrepreneurs that invests in early-stage software and quantum startups around the world. Dmitry Galperin, General Partner, Runa Capital, and new member of the board of Qnami, said, “Quantum technologies leverage the non-intuitive properties of quantum mechanics to develop disruptive applications in fields such as quantum computing, sensing, and communications. The company’s current focus on the microscopy market demonstrates the existing demand and application for this technology. Runa believes the technology will also find additional applications in fields ranging from medical imaging to navigation. Qnami has assembled a strong team that pairs unique technological capabilities with seasoned business and operations experience and has made strides towards establishing its position as a leader in the Quantum sensor market.”

To learn more about Qnami and the recent fundraising round, we talked to Mathieu Munsch. 

Mathieu, Qnami won Venture Kick in 2018. In 2019, you participated in Venture Leader Technology and among the TOP 100 Swiss Startups. How did these achievements help you with your fundraising?  
Venture Kick was the catalyzer that drove us through the first important steps in our journey. The Venture Leader Technology program was an immersive experience, offering a deep dive into the US ecosystem as well as an opportunity to connect with a great team of Swiss entrepreneurs.
 
What inspired you to found Qnami?
The idea of Qnami emerged in 2016. Patrick (Maletinsky, co-founder) and I were on a train together, traveling back from a Quantum Conference that takes place every year in the Swiss Alps. Patrick showed his technology to me and how disrupting this could be for a wide range of applications. By the end of the journey, it was clear that time was right to start something. 
The funds that we just raised will allow us to invest in new developments to expand the capabilities of our existing products and address new market segments in the quantum and semiconductor industries.

What is your advice for high-tech entrepreneurs launching companies in Switzerland today?
Deep technologies are transformative. Recent history shows us how new technologies can trigger an avalanche of societal changes with profound impact. Yet, maturing new technology can take time. To lead the change, entrepreneurs in deep tech need even more passion and persistence.


The Qnami team