The archive · Space, Robots, Defence · Technical decision · 2017–2026
Quantum Motion's silicon-chip bet: $160M Series C, quantum in a box not a building
UCL–Oxford spinout turns standard CMOS chips into qubits; 2025 NQCC deployment plus $160M Series C back its 'transistor moment'.
Quantum Motion
What the business is
Quantum Motion builds full-stack silicon-based quantum computers: QPU, control stack, and software integrated; chips go through the GlobalFoundries 300mm wafer production line, with the goal of fitting directly into existing data-center racks.
Starting capital：In 2023, Bosch Ventures led an approximately USD 50 million Series B; in May 2026, it closed a USD 160 million Series C (co-led by DCVC and Kembara, with British Business Bank and Firgun participating), bringing cumulative funding to more than USD 200 million.
How it started
Founded in London in 2017 by Professor John Morton of UCL and Professor Simon Benjamin of Oxford (牛津), betting on the silicon spin quantum-dot route; about 30 employees in 2022, and after the approximately USD 50 million Series B in 2023 it began internationalising, establishing sites in Spain, Australia, and the United States.
What happened
In 2025, it deployed a full-stack silicon CMOS quantum computer at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC): one- and two-qubit gates, entanglement, and stable measurement were completed within three standard server racks; it deepened cooperation with GlobalFoundries, connecting the roadmap to a 300mm wafer production line; employees grew from about 30 in 2022 to more than 120 in 2026; it was selected for the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (量子基准计划) Stage B.
How it ended up
Still expanding: after the USD 160 million Series C in May 2026, it became the UK's most-funded quantum company, claiming it will commercialise 'utility-scale' silicon quantum processors; it has not yet delivered a commercial fault-tolerant machine, and mass production and commercial deployment are still in progress.
Background
Quantum Motion, founded in London in 2017 by John Morton and Simon Benjamin, bets on CMOS silicon spin qubits, reusing smartphone chip fabs. It claims 100x cost/footprint and 1000x energy reductions. Bosch led a $50M Series B in 2023; in 2025, a full-stack system at UK NQCC ran in three racks, with GlobalFoundries partnership.
In May 2026, DCVC and Kembara led a $160M Series C; total funding exceeded $200M, making it UK's most-funded quantum firm. Headcount grew to 120+, and it joined DARPA Stage B. As of September 2026, no commercial fault-tolerant machine; mass production ongoing.
What has to be true
- Reuse mature CMOS fabs and data centers; cost and energy figures persuade industrial capital.
- Validate first: deploy prototype at UK NQCC, then use DARPA benchmarks to secure funding.
- Diversify capital: industrial and institutional funds share long-cycle risk.
- Risk in mass production: fault tolerance and yield unknown; funding cadence tied to roadmap.
What can be applied
Borrow mature supply chains: define qubits as a semiconductor problem to reuse fabs and data centers. Funding and performance hinge on the same narrative; validation cadence determines capital flow.
Aftermath
As of 2026-09-01: Quantum Motion remains on the eve of commercialisation—after the May 2026 Series C, it continues to advance 'utility-scale' silicon quantum processors and mass-production cooperation with GlobalFoundries; the full-stack prototype deployed at NQCC in 2025 is the current publicly validated milestone; a commercial fault-tolerant machine has not yet been delivered, and the company has not disclosed revenue or shutdown information.
Sources
- Bosch Ventures participates in USD 160 million Series C of Quantum Motion
- UK quantum outfit Quantum Motion run on silicon chips raises $160M
- Quantum Motion Secures $160M Series C to Scale Silicon Spin QPUs
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