Quantum Cybersecurity Startup QNu Labs Nets ₹200 Cr To Scale R&D

QNu Labs has raised ₹200 Cr in its Series A1 funding round co-led by the state-backed National Quantum Mission and Speciale Invest, along with participation from Sony Innovation Fund, Gaja Capital and Artha Ventures, among others

The latest fundraise takes QNu Labs’ total capital raised to ₹375 Cr. Prior to this, QNu Labs raised ₹60 Cr in its Series A funding round

Founded in 2016 by Sunil Gupta and Srinivasa Rao Aluri, QNu Labs is building cybersecurity products aimed at protecting data and communications against quantum computing-led threats.

The Bengaluru-based startup plans to use the fresh capital across R&D, sales and go-to-market strategy, and forging partnerships. Cofounder and CEO Sunil Gupta told Inc42 that the startup will also invest in internal processes, IT and automation as it moves from a technology development phase into a “proof-of-scale” business.

The latest fundraise takes QNu Labs’ total capital raised to ₹375 Cr. Prior to this, QNu Labs raised ₹60 Cr in its Series A funding round.

The investment comes at a time when QNu Labs is expanding beyond its existing cybersecurity portfolio. The startup has built a new platform, QShield 2.0, focused on the discovery and assessment of cryptographic assets as enterprises begin preparing for quantum-safe migration.

It is also working on security solutions for drones and satellites, with its drone security technology already undergoing pilots. Gupta said QNu Labs expects the offering to cater to the defence sector.

Additionally, the fundraise will also help QNu Labs meet the matching requirement for its RDI project. After being awarded a ₹150 Cr project under the government’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, QnU was required to raise a matching amount from its side.

The fresh capital will help it meet this requirement, with the startup saying it has already signed the final term sheet for the project.

Founded in 2016 by Gupta and Srinivasa Rao Aluri, QNu Labs is building cybersecurity products aimed at protecting data and communications against quantum computing-led threats. It currently offers solutions based on quantum random number generation (QRNG), quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

It claims that its quantum-safe VPN is currently its most sought-after product. It has around 180 employees as of now.

Underlining the necessity of the fund raise, Gupta said quantum tech is moving closer to mainstream adoption, with India targeting 2029 for the transition.

“Now the common understanding across the globe is that this tech will become mainstream in the next 2 to 3 years,” he said.

The startup is also strengthening its international expansion, with a presence in Australia and the US and partnerships in other markets. While it sells hardware and software in India, its international business largely focuses on subscription-based platforms for enterprises across sectors such as banking and healthcare.