Qnami closes 4.0M CHF Series A financing round

May 11, 2021

Qnami announced today the closing of a 4.0M CHF (4.4M USD) 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 Gründerfonds. The funds will support 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 is a Swiss start-up 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 the analysis of 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.

Mathieu Munsch, Co-Founder & 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. 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.

Mathieu Munsch, Co-Founder and CEO of Qnami

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.

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 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.

Dmitry Galperin, General Partner, Runa Capital, and new member of the board of Qnami

About Qnami
Qnami is a VC-backed high-tech company with its roots at the Physics Department of the University of Basel in Switzerland. It develops fundamental new technology using quantum mechanics. The control of the state of a single electron enables measurement with a precision that could never be achieved before. The technique is called quantum sensing and Qnami is enthusiastically developing it to improve people’s lives and the world. Extensive academic research and deep knowledge build the ground for all that Qnami does. With this technology, Qnami is redefining the common understanding of precision. Qnami offers an open team culture of mutual respect and intercultural understanding which is both business and scientific minded. Qnami attracts young, multicultural, open and skilled team members, who have a deep passion for the work.
www.qnami.ch

About Runa Capital
Runa Capital was founded in 2010 by a group of successful serial IT entrepreneurs, each with significant experience building companies, and has since become a leading Global VC firm. Runa Capital is currently investing from Fund III, which focuses on early stage investments in deep tech including quantum technologies and cloud infrastructure as well as SaaS, including vertical solutions for the healthcare, finance and education industries. Runa Capital has invested in more than 80 companies across Europe and North America to date, including: Mambu, Smava, Nginx, MariaDB, Brainly, Acumatica and others.  For more information, visit www.runacap.com

About SIT Capital
SIT Capital is an international venture capital firm built by the world’s leading entrepreneurs to support early-stage digital startups around the world. SIT Capital members are science-based investors with vast startup and technology transfer expertise who have built several global tech companies, including Acronis, Parallels, and Acumatica, and use this entrepreneurial experience to help both startups and investors. The SIT Capital partner network includes several venture investors, specializing in tech projects, scientific research, and digital transformation activities. Together with the Schaffhausen Institute of Technology, SIT Capital drives transformative advances in science, research, and technology.
For more information, visit www.sit.capital

About High-Tech Gründerfonds
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a seed investor that finances high-potential, tech-driven start-ups. With around EUR 900 million in total investment volume across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has already helped forge more than 600 start-ups since 2005. Driven by their expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion, its team of experienced investment managers and startup experts help guide the development of young companies. HTGF’s focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial technology, life sciences, chemistry and related business areas. To date, external investors have injected more than EUR 3 billion into the HTGF portfolio via more than 1,700 follow-on financing rounds. HTGF has also successfully sold interests in more than 120 companies.
Investors in the public-private partnership include the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, KfW Capital, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and 32 companies. The Fund Investors
www.htgf.de/en

Media contact:
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Stefanie Grüter, Head of Marketing & Communications
T.: +49 228 82 300 – 188
s.grueter@htgf.de

Contact:
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Yann Fiebig, Principal
T.: +49 228 82 300 – 144
y.fiebig@htgf.de
www.htgf.de