Tel Aviv’s Classiq Secures $110 Million, Eyes Quantum Software Supremacy

Israeli startup Classiq just pulled off a huge win — $110 million in fresh capital — and it’s setting its sights sky-high. The company wants to become the “Microsoft of quantum computing.” Big claim? Yes. But they’ve got the tech, the vision, and now, the funding.

Founded just five years ago, Classiq isn’t building quantum computers. Instead, it’s building the brains — the software stack — that could make these futuristic machines actually useful. And with backing from some serious names, they’re not dreaming small.

A Startup With Quantum Confidence

You know you’re making waves when a long list of heavyweight investors wants in. This latest $110 million round was led by Entrée Capital, and joined by everyone from Samsung Next and HSBC to Team8 and NightDragon.

Total funding? Now at $173 million.

But who are these people exactly? Classiq was founded in 2020 by CEO Nir Minerbi, CTO Dr. Yehuda Naveh, and CPO Amir Naveh — a father-son duo in the tech trenches. Their mission? Build a software platform that lets engineers and scientists design quantum algorithms without needing a Ph.D. in physics.

And they’re not kidding.

What Makes Classiq’s Platform Different

Quantum computers are weird. Like, really weird. Instead of bits, they use qubits. Instead of clear answers, they deal with probabilities. It’s powerful — in theory — but insanely hard to work with.

That’s where Classiq steps in. Its software platform sits between the complicated quantum hardware and the engineers who want to use it.

One platform. Compatible with all major quantum systems.

A sort of universal translator — or in their words, the Microsoft of the quantum space. Sounds ambitious, but also kinda makes sense.

Here’s what it enables:

• Data scientists and engineers can build apps for quantum machines without learning quantum mechanics from scratch.

• Programs can be written faster, with fewer errors, and optimized across different hardware providers.

• Algorithms become reusable, scalable, and production-grade — not just academic proofs of concept.

Investors Smell Something Big

This wasn’t a local angel round. This was global.

Names like Norwest Venture Partners, Hamilton Lane, Clal, Neva SGR, Phoenix, Wing, IN Venture, and QBeat all jumped in. That tells you something. They’re betting not just on Classiq, but on the idea that quantum computing is finally crossing the threshold from “someday” to “soon.”

And the money isn’t just going into R&D. Classiq plans to use the cash to scale its go-to-market efforts, grow its team globally, and strengthen its ties with quantum hardware providers. It’s a full-stack expansion — tech, sales, people, partnerships.

Still, it’s not just about funding. It’s about timing. The industry is in a weird spot — quantum hardware is developing fast, but software is lagging. Companies like Classiq could close that gap.

Quantum Software Is Becoming the Real Battleground

Here’s the thing: everyone talks about the hardware. Google. IBM. IonQ. D-Wave. They all want to build the most qubits, the most stable systems, the biggest machines.

But the real challenge? Making software that works on these machines.

That’s the bottleneck right now. Even if someone built a million-qubit machine tomorrow, without proper software to run on it, it’s just a big expensive science project.

That’s why quantum software is now attracting serious attention — and serious money.

One sentence here for flow.

Quantum computing promises breakthroughs in materials science, pharmaceuticals, finance, and more. But right now, the apps aren’t really there. Software like Classiq’s could be the missing puzzle piece.

Israel Is Quietly Becoming a Quantum Powerhouse

You hear about Tel Aviv’s fintech scene. Or its cybersecurity giants. But quantum?

Israel’s deep bench of math and physics talent — often spun out of its universities and elite military units — is starting to show up in quantum innovation. Classiq is a prime example.

And government support isn’t far behind. The Israeli Innovation Authority has started pumping millions into quantum research and startups. Quietly, the country is positioning itself as a key player in this high-stakes tech race.

One short paragraph to break the rhythm.

If Classiq succeeds, it won’t just be a big win for its founders or investors — it’ll be a feather in the cap for Israel’s broader tech ambitions.

The Next Few Years Will Be Critical

Quantum computing is still, let’s be honest, early. But it’s early in the way AI was early 10 years ago. And we all know how that turned out.

Classiq’s bet is clear: become the go-to platform for developers before quantum computing goes mainstream.

They’re not trying to out-hardware the Googles and IBMs of the world. They’re trying to out-software them.

Will it work? Too soon to say. But one thing’s certain: $110 million buys a lot of runway. And in this game, timing might just be everything.