Kris Kaczmarek promoted to partner

Today we’re proud to announce the promotion of Dr. Kris Kaczmarek to become a partner in the firm alongside Ton van 't Noordende and Chad Rigetti.

Kris embodies our core thesis at Ground State Ventures. The best portfolio of early-stage investments in a highly technical, emerging field such as quantum can only be developed by a team of specialists who combine serious knowledge of the science with a real understanding of what it takes to build venture-scale successes in deep tech.

About Kris

Kris has a unique background that spans academia, entrepreneurship, and investing. In 2021 he was recognised by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for his contributions to quantum technologies.

His University of Oxford PhD research saw him lead a team that demonstrated the first successful storage of single photons in a room-temperature quantum memory. He also contributed to the invention and commercialisation of a novel technique for microwave-to-optical conversion using Rydberg atoms.

His academic research led to the formation of the photonic quantum computing and AI company ORCA Computing. As part of the management team, he built and led teams in atomic physics, engineering, product, AI, business development and sales. Kris then transitioned into the venture capital world, as an investor at quantum-focused firm 2xN.

Kris joined Ground State Ventures in 2024 and has played an important role in our international expansion and the growth of our portfolio. He currently sits on the boards of our portfolio companies SiC Systems and EuQlid, and serves as a board observer for Quantum Elements and OrangeQS.

Kris says:

“I am excited to partner with Ton and Chad to build the world’s leading quantum fund. We’re at an inflection point in quantum. The next generation of winners are just getting started and we are there to support them.”

This announcement follows the recent news of our rebrand from our original name, QDNL Participations, and recent investments such as Seed and Series A investments in US quantum-AI startup Sygaldry, and participation in the $178 million Series B round for QuantWare.

As with all of our portfolio, we backed both of these teams from the beginning of their journeys.

There is a lot more to come.