Firgun Ventures Backs LA-based Startup, Quantum Elements, and its AI-Powered Platform to Accelerate Quantum Computing
Insider Brief
- Firgun Ventures has invested in Los Angeles–based Quantum Elements, backing its AI-driven quantum software platform Constellation and a leadership team that includes prominent figures in quantum computing.
- Constellation integrates AI-based digital twins with hardware-aware simulation to allow users to design and test quantum circuits before deploying them on physical quantum processors, aiming to reduce cost, time, and technical risk.
- Since launching its cloud platform in October 2025, Quantum Elements has formed partnerships with Rigetti, IBM, Quantum Machines, and AWS, alongside research collaborations with the National University of Singapore and UCLA, and counts Dr. Chad Rigetti among its board members.
PRESS RELEASE — Firgun Ventures has announced its strategic investment in Quantum Elements, a Los Angeles–based start-up developing Constellation, which it believes will become the leading tool for developing quantum applications. It backs an exceptional founding team, with Dr Chad Rigetti, Founder of Rigetti Inc, on its board.
Unlike other quantum software solutions, Constellation combines AI-driven digital twins with hardware-aware simulation, enabling researchers and companies to design, test, and refine quantum circuits before running them on expensive quantum processors. The platform’s unique approach reduces cost, time, and risk while making quantum computing more accessible and practical for real-world applications.
Since launching its cloud platform in October 2025, the startup has secured early commercial traction with leading quantum hardware companies and research institutions, including partnerships with Rigetti, IBM, Quantum Machines, and AWS, as well as research collaborations with the National University of Singapore and UCLA, clearly demonstrating its ability to deliver usable software across the ecosystem.
“This is exactly the type of innovation and team we have been looking for, and we’re thrilled to be backing the Quantum Elements,” said Dr Kris Naudts, co-founder of Firgun Ventures. “Their first-of-its-kind software is laying the foundations to make quantum computing more scalable and accessible, helping accelerate use cases across industries such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and energy”.
The stellar Quantum Elements leadership team consists of:
- CEO Izhar Medalsy, PhD – a serial technology entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling advanced hardware companies
- Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer Professor Daniel Lidar – director of the University of Southern California’s Centre for Quantum Information Science & Technology and a pioneer in quantum error correction and open quantum systems
- Co-founder Professor Amir Yacoby – a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, known for his work in solid-state quantum physics
The company’s board includes Dr Chad Rigetti, founder of Rigetti Computing and a pioneer in quantum computing. Other investors in this SAFE include early stage quantum specialist funds QDNL Participations in The Netherlands, the first investor in Quantum Elements, and Quantacet in Canada, as well as R-Squared Ventures in LA.
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Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE
Firgun Ventures
Firgun Ventures is a global quantum-first venture capital firm investing in Series A/B quantum scale-ups. The firm combines capital with quantum-specific operational and commercial support, aiming to set a new AI-aided standard for venture capital. Firgun Ventures focuses on bridging the funding gap at the Series A/B stage for quantum technology companies, supporting their growth into category leaders and delivering economic impact across sectors such as healthcare, energy, finance, and cybersecurity.
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Quantum Elements
Quantum Elements pioneers quantum systems simulation, enabling increased performance for quantum hardware across platforms with tools and solutions.
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Rigetti Computing
Rigetti Computing develops integrated quantum computers and superconducting processors specialized for complex aerospace optimization and satellite communication tasks, including collaborations with the U.S. Air Force. Founded in 2013, the firm produces modular, multi-chip processors internally and provides cloud-based access for large-scale, complex simulations.
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IBM
IBM is an iconic technology pioneer founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company and officially renamed International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. Beyond foundational computing, IBM possesses a deep legacy in aerospace and defense from building the guidance computers and Instrument Unit for NASA's historic Apollo missions to partnering with Airbus on CIMON, the first AI assistant on the ISS.
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Quantum Machines
Quantum Machines develops operational and control systems (both hardware and software) for quantum computers.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Braket – A fully managed service that allows scientists, researchers, and developers to begin experimenting with computers from multiple quantum hardware providers in a single place. Bra-ket notation is commonly used to denote quantum mechanical states, and inspired the name of the service.
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National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a prominent national public university and research institution in Singapore. Established in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS holds the distinction of being the country's oldest independent university.
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UCLA
The University of California, Los Angeles, commonly referred to as UCLA, is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. Its origins date back to 1881 when it started as a normal school called the southern branch of the California State Normal School. It later became part of the University of California system in 1919 and was officially established as UCLA, making it the second-oldest campus among the ten in the University of California system.
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