The European Investment Fund supports the French fund Quantonation II aimed at reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty and closing the funding gap in deep tech.
The European Investment Fund (EIF) has announced a strategic investment of €30 million in the French fund Quantonation II, which specializes in quantum technology and deep physics. The goal is clear: to solidify Europe’s position as a powerhouse of disruptive innovation and to reduce the historic lack of funding in early-stage scientific startups.
Quantonation II is the natural evolution of the first European fund dedicated exclusively to deep physics and aims to build a portfolio of around 25 high-potential startups and 5 venture studios globally. EIF’s support, under the InvestEU program, is part of its strategy to promote technological sovereignty and strengthen high-impact sectors such as quantum computing.
“Supporting Quantonation II allows us to invest directly in the heart of European quantum technology,” stated Marjut Falkstedt, CEO of the EIF. “We are committed to strengthening the most transformative sectors and reducing the capital gap that prevents many brilliant ideas from reaching the market.”
Quantum technology: from theory to real impact
Deep physics explores the fundamental principles governing the universe, and on that basis, emerging technologies such as quantum computers and quantum sensors thrive. These tools promise to solve calculations that are impossible for traditional computing or perform ultra-precise measurements with applications in healthcare, navigation, security, and advanced materials.
“This investment from the EIF is a strong signal of confidence in our vision,” declared Olivier Tonneau, a partner at Quantonation. “We want Europe to move beyond being just a cradle of scientific discoveries and become a global leader in commercially viable solutions based on quantum physics.”
A talented sector, but lacking sufficient funding
Despite Europe’s talent and scientific prestige in the quantum field, access to capital remains one of the major obstacles for turning ideas into global companies. The quantum sector is still in its embryonic phase: without defined standards, facing intense international competition, and an increasing urgency to establish a center of excellence on the continent.
The EIF’s investment also aims to mitigate this structural funding deficit in early stages (pre-seed and seed), a problem that delays the industrial development of strategic technologies and weakens Europe’s positioning against giants like the U.S. and China.
What is Quantonation II?
Quantonation II stands as the only venture capital fund with a dedicated team of experts in quantum physics, enabling it not only to finance but also to provide technical advice to its portfolio companies. Based in Paris and Boston, Quantonation already has investments in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Its investment focuses include high-performance computing, quantum cybersecurity, molecular design, and ultra-precise sensors. The fund aims to raise a total of €200 million, combining public and private investors.
A commitment to technological sovereignty
The investment aligns with the strategic objectives of the European Union: to foster a competitive industrial ecosystem in critical sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and microprocessors. In all of these areas, the EU seeks to regain autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
With this operation, the EIF also sends a clear message to the investment community: investing in deep tech is investing in Europe’s economic future.
About the EIF
The European Investment Fund is part of the European Investment Bank Group. Its mission is to support European SMEs by facilitating their access to financing through venture capital funds, guarantees, and microfinance.
About Quantonation
Quantonation is the first European venture capital fund specializing in deep physics and quantum technologies. It supports startups in fields like advanced computing, secure communications, and quantum sensors, accelerating their transition to the market.
via: eif