Quantum Leaps & Cap Table Logic: Founders, It’s Time to Get Real

Welcome

Dear Reader,

This week, we’re going deep. From the cutting edge of quantum computing in London to the humble but powerful cap table, we’re unpacking what really matters for the builders and backers shaping the future. Whether you're an AI optimist, a pre-seed founder, or a VC navigating the valuation rese, there’s something here for you.

Let’s bridge the gap between hype and reality, and between entrepreneurs and investors.

🔦 Weekly Spotlight

For Founders:
🚀 Master Cap Tables – Don’t let confusion around equity kill your startup. Access a free course that’s already helped 100+ founders get clarity. DM me for a free coupon.
👉 Check out the course preview

For VCs:
⚛️ Quantum’s Commercial Breakout: Real-world applications are closer than you think. Post-quantum encryption, data integrity, and machine learning are leading the way. More below.

💸 VC Perspective

Inside the Economist’s 4th Annual Commercialising Quantum Global 2025
A bright day in London lit up by the future of compute. I joined a stellar panel including experts from T-Systems, Citi, Entain, and the former CIO, U.S. Department of Energy. We explored how quantum and AI will collide (and collaborate).

Key takeaways from the panel:

• 🤝 AI + Quantum = Amplification, not replacement

• 🔐 Post-quantum encryption is already critical

• 🚀 Use cases (like simulation and optimisation) are imminent

• 🧠 Training AI with quantum is still far off, so efficient models matter now.

📹 Watch the excerpt here, 📷 pics and write-up here & follow me for more insights.

Onsite with IBM Quantum

Tom and I snapped a moment in front of IBM’s Quantum System One and dove into the second quantum revolution. Key IBM stats:

• 80+ quantum systems deployed.

• 15+ utility-scale machines live.

• $500B+ value creation potential.

Investor Panel Highlights:

• Now is the time, if you’re bold.

• Govt will likely drive early revenue.

• Focus on real commercial pathways, not just the qubit dazzle.

• Ecosystem-building is essential.

• Hardware hurdles remain: this is deep tech for a reason.

📷 Pics and write up here, 📹 video and write up here.

Huge thanks to everyone who made this a week to remember: Andrei, Alex J, Nicky, Stephanie, Alex, Thomas, Meredith, and so many others.

Quantum isn’t fringe anymore. It’s the next frontier.

🚀 Entrepreneur Corner

Cap Table Confusion? Let’s Fix That.
Your cap table defines your future. Get it right.

I ran a live session for 40 founders this week, and the feedback says it all:

👉 Join the course now – It’s free. It’s clear. It’s founder-friendly. DM me for a coupon code.

📊 Common Ground / Industry Trends

BVCA Accelerate 2025 Recap: 8 Truth Bombs for UK VC

1. 📉 Valuations are down. DPI is king.

2. 👥 Pre-seed = People bets.

3. 🇬🇧 UK is undervalued. Great vintage for bold investors.

4. 📊 Emerging managers: Tech stack + clarity = edge.

5. 🦓 Zebras > Unicorns. Go deep, not wide.

6. 🎓 University spinouts are a superpower.

7. 🌈 DEI isn’t gone. It’s a performance driver.

8. 🌍 Think global, act local. US still matters.

The UK has brains, brands, and opportunity. Let’s back the builders.

📷 Pics and text here, 📹 video and text here

Shoutout to Chris Elphick, Leon de Bono, Suzi Gillespie and the whole BVCA crew.

@thetippytopblog

British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) Accelerate 2025 Conference Lessons Pre-seed: Roderick Beer. Oliver Kicks. Nic... See more

💬 Ask Alex

Q: What does the market look like right now?

A: “It’s a bit rough out there right now so:

Batten down the hatches in 2025.
Look after your cash.
Startups don’t die from lack of ideas, kombucha, or team spirit.
They all die from running out of cash.”

Have a question? Send it my way and you might see it featured here.

🎯 Closing Thoughts

Whether it’s understanding quantum computing or getting your cap table in shape, one thing is clear: the future belongs to the curious, prepared, and collaborative.

Let’s reach the Tippy Top, together.

See you next week,
Alex

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