While giants chase superconducting qubits, planqc is quietly building quantum processors using individual atoms trapped in artificial crystals of light. It's a fundamentally different architecture, and they're betting it's the fastest path to quantum advantage.

"planqc isn't building a quantum computer—they're making quantum matter. The distinction matters."

Their team of 63 isn't just engineering hardware—they're building an ecosystem. Key hires like Verena Zimmermann (Chief Staff) and Davide Dreon (Head Product Development) signal a focus on scaling operations, not just R&D. Jochen Wolf's role as Patent and Partnerships Manager reveals a strategy: protect IP early, partner strategically, and avoid the isolation trap that sinks many hardware startups.

• Trapped ion architecture: Uses individual atoms in optical lattices instead of superconducting circuits
• Munich hub: Positioned in Europe's quantum hardware corridor, near Max Planck and Fraunhofer institutes
• Product-first approach: Revenue of $24.5M suggests they're already selling solutions, not just research
• Lean scaling: 63 employees generating $24.5M = ~$389K revenue per employee—high efficiency for hardware