Arq, a UK quantum technology startup developing networking hardware for the quantum internet, has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed funding round to accelerate the development of its quantum communication technology. The round was led by Ground State Ventures, with participation from Big Sur Ventures.
Founded in 2025 by quantum scientists Samuele Grandi and Emanuele Distante, Arq is developing quantum repeaters designed to connect quantum computers over long distances. The company's technology combines quantum memories based on rare-earth doped crystals with photon-pair sources to enable reliable, high-speed communication across fibre optic networks.
At the core of Arq's approach is multiplexing, which allows multiple photons to be stored and transmitted simultaneously, improving the speed and efficiency of quantum communication. The company says the technology offers a faster and more cost-effective approach to networking quantum computers than existing alternatives and could provide the foundation for large-scale quantum networks.
Commenting on the investment, co-founder Emanuele Distante said the company is working with research institutions, quantum technology companies and public organisations to move quantum communication beyond the laboratory:
Our technology could lay the groundwork for quantum-exclusive networks that allow the impact of quantum technology to scale exponentially.
Arq is targeting applications across industries including telecommunications, financial services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, where future quantum networks could enable new capabilities beyond those possible with today's communication infrastructure.
The funding will be used to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory and accelerate the development of Arq's next generation of quantum memory devices, with a focus on improving reproducibility and reliability.
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