In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, executive director of QED-C, sits down with Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, for a conversation on the realities of building and scaling a quantum technology company. Kinsella shares his path from the investment world into quantum, tracing how early exposure to the UK Quantum Initiative, time at Y Combinator, and a meeting with Infleqtion founder Dana Anderson ultimately led him to help launch commercialization efforts around neutral-atom technology in 2018 before stepping into the CEO role in 2024. The discussion explores the difference between evaluating companies as an investor and leading one as an operator, with Kinsella reflecting on the constant demands of culture, strategy, fundraising, hiring, and storytelling. He also explains what makes quantum distinct from other deep tech sectors, emphasizing the importance of balancing long-term computing ambitions with near-term commercial applications. Along the way, Kinsella offers practical advice for founders navigating emerging markets, including how to communicate value beyond technical detail, why startups should carefully evaluate potential investors, and the risks around commercialization and sustained fundraising that are often underestimated in deep tech.

Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Matthew Kinsella is the Chief Executive Officer of Infleqtion. Before joining Infleqtion, Kinsella was Managing Director at Maverick Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on early and growth-stage investments. During his tenure, which spanned nearly two decades, he partnered with many world-class entrepreneurs and had several successful exits. Matt loves helping scale high growth companies. He was the first investor in Infleqtion in 2018 and has been on the board ever since. He joined the company full time as CEO in April, 2024.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, sits down with Alex Shih, head of product at Q-CTRL, to talk about what it takes to build products in an emerging field like quantum technology. At the center of the conversation is a key tension: balancing breakthrough innovation with real customer needs. Alex shares how successful product strategy in deep tech requires meeting users where they are, reducing friction, and co-creating solutions alongside partners rather than building in isolation. They also explore how product teams operate in uncertain, fast-moving environments—continuously iterating as markets evolve and defining success in real time. Alex breaks down the role of a product manager, from evaluating what’s worth building to ensuring it delivers value, and highlights leadership practices that keep teams aligned and adaptable.

Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, sits down with Niels Bultink, co-founder and CEO of Qblox, to explore the path from academic research to entrepreneurship in the quantum technology sector. Niels shares how Qblox was founded to address a critical need in the quantum stack: scalable, high-performance control electronics for quantum computers. The conversation walks through the realities of building a deep-tech startup, including navigating intellectual property, moving from concept to product, and securing early customers. Niels also discusses Qblox’s approach to growth, from international expansion to balancing long-term technological vision with near-term business demands. Niels offers practical advice for researchers considering entrepreneurship and provides perspective on the evolving timeline for practical, real-world quantum computing applications.

Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.