:

PHOTONIC HITS $2B VALUATION WITH $70M FUNDING CLOSE

AI DESK1 MIN READ
TUE, MAY 12, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Vancouver-based quantum computing startup Photonic secured an additional $70 million USD, completing its latest funding round. The raise follows a $130 million Series B announced in January, bringing the company to a $2 billion post-money valuation.

Photonic's latest close represents strong investor confidence in the quantum computing sector. The company now has access to $200 million in total funding from its most recent funding campaign. The startup joins a growing number of quantum computing firms attracting significant capital. Photonic develops photonic quantum computers, using light-based systems rather than traditional superconducting qubits. The funding comes as quantum computing advances accelerate across the industry. Major tech companies and startups continue investing heavily in the space, viewing quantum systems as critical infrastructure for future computing needs. Photonic's valuation milestone reflects investor appetite for quantum technologies, despite the sector remaining largely pre-commercial. The company's ability to secure additional capital beyond its Series B suggests strong momentum and investor interest in its technical approach.

■ SOURCES

Techmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE STARTUPS DESK

Drew Baglino, former Tesla executive and CEO of Heron Power, has founded Sadi Thermal Machines, a heat pump company. This marks his second startup since departing Tesla in 2024.

JUST NOWIndustry Desk

Havoc, a startup building autonomous boats and software to manage thousands of vessels simultaneously, closed a $100 million Series A round led by Cobalt and Boardman Bay.

JUST NOWAI Desk

Early-stage venture firm A* Capital, founded by Kevin Hartz, has closed its third fund with $450 million in commitments.

3H AGOIndustry Desk

A-Star, co-founded by Eventbrite's Kevin Hartz, announced a $450 million third fund on Tuesday—its largest yet, but a deliberate counterpoint to the multibillion-dollar AI investment vehicles gaining traction across venture capital.

9H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.