Episode 47: Building a Portfolio, Connecting the Ecosystem

<p>In this episode of <em>The Quantum Spin by HKA</em>, Veronica Combs speaks with Zeynep Korutürk, founding and managing partner of Firgun Ventures, a fund focused exclusively on funding Series A and B rounds for quantum companies. As an early investor in Cambridge Quantum Computing, which later became Quantinuum, she has seen the evolution of quantum tech from a niche scientific field into a maturing global investment category.  She explains how Firgun is building a comprehensive portfolio and what it takes to communicate scientific accomplishments for a business audience.</p><p>00:00 Welcome and Mission</p><p>00:34 Meet Zeynep and Firgun</p><p>01:14 Firgun Quantum Strategy</p><p>02:13 Sensing and Comms Upside</p><p>02:48 Quantinuum Early Bet</p><p>04:50 SPACs and Going Public</p><p>06:29 Quantum Investing Today</p><p>08:57 Government Funding and China</p><p>11:32 Portfolio Approach and Modalities</p><p>12:18 From Goldman to Quantum VC</p><p>15:44 How Firgun Diligences Deals</p><p>18:19 Explaining Qubits Clearly</p><p>21:29 Quantum Tipping Points</p><p>23:31 AI and Quantum Feedback Loop</p><p>25:16 What to Watch Next</p><p>26:11 Wrap Up and Where to Listen</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Zeynep Korutürk</strong> was Executive Director at Goldman-Sachs for over a decade and brings a similar proven record as a successful Quantum investor, having also acted as an early angel investor into Cambridge Quantum Computing (now Quantinuum). At Goldman Sachs, she has co-founded and steered the company’s Tech Initiative for a decade, meeting with over 1,000 tech founders, acting as an angel investor, board member or advisor. </p><p>She was a Board Member of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Alumni Board of Directors, from where she holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy. Zeynep is also a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a member of Milken Institute’s Young Leaders Circle.</p><p><br></p><p>Host <strong>Veronica Combs</strong> is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.</p><p><strong>Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:</strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/"><u>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</u></a></p><p><strong>Connect with HKA Marketing Communic