The Quantum Spin

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Veronica Combs speaks with Zeynep Korutürk, founding and managing partner of Firgun Ventures, a fund focused exclusively on funding Series A and B rounds for quantum companies. As an early investor in Cambridge Quantum Computing, which later became Quantinuum, she has seen the evolution of quantum tech from a niche scientific field into a maturing global investment category.  She explains how Firgun is building a comprehensive portfolio and what it takes to communicate scientific accomplishments for a business audience.

00:00 Welcome and Mission

00:34 Meet Zeynep and Firgun

01:14 Firgun Quantum Strategy

02:13 Sensing and Comms Upside

02:48 Quantinuum Early Bet

04:50 SPACs and Going Public

06:29 Quantum Investing Today

08:57 Government Funding and China

11:32 Portfolio Approach and Modalities

12:18 From Goldman to Quantum VC

15:44 How Firgun Diligences Deals

18:19 Explaining Qubits Clearly

21:29 Quantum Tipping Points

23:31 AI and Quantum Feedback Loop

25:16 What to Watch Next

26:11 Wrap Up and Where to Listen

Zeynep Korutürk was Executive Director at Goldman-Sachs for over a decade and brings a similar proven record as a successful Quantum investor, having also acted as an early angel investor into Cambridge Quantum Computing (now Quantinuum). At Goldman Sachs, she has co-founded and steered the company’s Tech Initiative for a decade, meeting with over 1,000 tech founders, acting as an angel investor, board member or advisor. 

She was a Board Member of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Alumni Board of Directors, from where she holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy. Zeynep is also a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a member of Milken Institute’s Young Leaders Circle.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website https://hkamarcom.com/ 

Venture investor Russ Fein moved to Colorado for family reasons – landing in the heart of one of America’s biggest quantum ecosystems was an unexpected bonus. This new homebase was the perfect place to pursue his pandemic research project: quantum tech. Russ tracks advances in quantum hardware and software on his Substack newsletter, The Quantum Leap, and guides investment decisions at Corporate Fuel. Russ is also CFO and a board member at Colorado-based Vescent. He spoke with The Quantum Spin about why he likes investing in the “picks and shovels” opportunities in the quantum sector. 

00:00 Welcome to Quantum Spin

00:34 Meet Russ Fein

01:08 How Russ Found Quantum

02:46 Inside The Quantum Leap

03:39 How Investors Evaluate Quantum

05:53 Why Vescent Won Him Over

08:58 Vescent Tech Lasers to Clocks

11:16 Investor Misconceptions

13:31 Colorado Quantum Hub

16:55 Policy Funding and Supply Chain

19:14 Benchmarking Quantum Computers

23:10 Pitching Quantum to Investors

26:08 Error Correction to Watch

27:34 Closing and Where to Listen

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website https://hkamarcom.com/ 

With the growing momentum and investment in the quantum sector, now is the time to tell a clear and compelling story about this powerful technology. That's the advice from HKA Marketing Communications leaders Cierra Lunde, Director, Strategic Content, and Mike Kilroy, Executive Vice President, who explain why the key to success is passion for quantum. In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Cierra describes her path to quantum tech and the strategies she uses to make quantum computing understandable for everyone. While Cierra has become a world-class communicator in a relatively short period of time, Mike weighs in based on his three decades in tech PR, including the last 7 years of quantum at HKA.

00:00 Welcome to Quantum Spin

00:34 Meet the New Director

01:25 Why Now for Quantum

03:15 Cierra’s Quantum Journey

05:16 Stories the Public Needs

07:08 Humanizing the Science

09:15 Multi Platform Strategy

12:13 GEO and Website Basics

14:48 How HKA Helps Now

16:11 Trends to Watch

18:52 Advice for Quantum Companies

21:49 Wrap Up and Where to Listen

Mike Kilroy is the Executive Vice President of HKA Marketing Communications and a veteran PR executive with decades of experience in leading award-winning communications programs for top-tier, mid-sized and emerging technology companies.  Mike was instrumental in the agency transitioning to representing the quantum industry back in 2019. He leads the team and oversees the strategic direction and tactical execution for all clients. 

Cierra Lunde is the Director of Strategic Content at HKA Marketing Communications, a deep tech journalist, a data analyst and a passionate advocate for deep tech. 

She created The Daily Qubit newsletter and founded Universum Labs, a platform that uses emerging technologies to drive scientific discovery and innovation with open-access tools. Cierra is a founding member of the Quantum and AI Learning and Innovation Alliance. She has carved her own path in science and technology and believes that access to science and discovery is a fundamental right. 

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website https://hkamarcom.com/ 

How do you make your quantum startup stand out in an industry where every company name starts with the letter Q? One powerful way to do that is to tell the stories of the people building the technology. Christopher Godfree, Commercial Director at Across the Pond, has worked with Ai executives, robotics experts and Google’s Quantum Team to explain how their work will change the world. In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Christopher and host Veronica Combs discuss how storytelling can derisk deep tech investments and why it’s important to do more than just explain how something works to attract new employees and investment.

00:00 Welcome to Quantum Spin

00:46 Meet Christopher Godfree

01:59 Making Complex Human

03:55 Finding Quantum Use Cases

08:29 Storytelling Grows Business

11:30 Engineers as Story Fuel

13:21 Google Quantum Launch Playbook

16:12 Branding That Stands Out

20:15 Storytelling at Tech Speed

24:45 Culture and Quantum Narratives

26:50 What’s Next and Wrap Up

Christopher Godfree is the Commercial Director of Across the Pond, the creative consultancy and studio in one. Based in London, but with teams in San Francisco and Singapore, he works with some of the world's fastest-growing tech businesses, helping them tell more effective stories about their science and technology. He has worked in communications for twenty years, including at a scale up tech business in Tokyo, ad agency JWT London, and the BBC.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website https://hkamarcom.com/ 

Kids ask the best questions: simple, direct and sometimes painfully honest. Science communicator Katia Moskvitch, MPHIL, uses this approach in the podcast she hosts with her young son Kai. The co-hosts of “The Quantum Kid” channel Kai’s curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM into an educational show about quantum tech. Katia also shares her experiences working with IBM, the importance of effective science communication, and plans for her new company, Tesseract Quantum. Katia is also the director of communications at Quantum Machines. 

00:00 Introduction to The Quantum Spin

00:34 Meet Katia Moskvitch: The Quantum Kid

00:51 Kai's Journey into STEM

06:02 The Quantum Kid Podcast: Format and Guests

08:06 Challenges in Quantum Communication

13:08 Educational Initiatives in Quantum

17:14 Katia's Experience with IBM and Quantum Communication

22:57 Advice for Quantum CEOs and Future Plans

24:32 Conclusion and Farewell

Katia Moskvitch is a theoretical physicist, science communicator, founder and president of Tesseract Quantum and director of communications at Quantum Machines. She also co-hosts The Quantum Kid podcast with her son Kai. Katia worked in science journalism for 20+ years of experience turning complex technologies into compelling stories and strategies as a business editor at WIRED and at IBM Research.

Today her work is all about explaining quantum technologies to a general audience, educating developers, CEOs, and the next generation about quantum, and helping to ensure the technology truly matters. She is passionate about quantum and focused on expanding access to quantum education — through university partnerships, public content, and corporate upskilling. She helps learners and leaders understand not just how quantum works, but why it matters.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website https://hkamarcom.com/ 

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs takes a deep dive into how to make difficult topics interesting and engaging with Rachel Rayner, Science Explainer. A communicator, writer, and performer, Rachel shares her unique journey of combining science with the arts, highlighting her one-woman comedy show, “A Flying Photon,” and her work on the EV Nautilus. They discuss the importance of improvisation, deep listening, and knowing one's audience to effective communication. Tune in to understand how blending wonder and curiosity with scientific stories can make complex subjects accessible to all.

00:00 Welcome to The Quantum Spin

00:34 Meet Rachel Rayner: The Science Explainer

00:55 Rachel's Journey and Career Highlights

01:46 The Art of Science Communication

03:43 Improvisation and Audience Engagement

06:27 Elevating Women's Voices in Science

11:27 The Intersection of Science and Poetry

14:50 The Importance of Place in Communication

22:39 Rachel's Work with Dr. Robert Ballard

24:56 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Information

Rachel Rayner is a science communicator, producer and performer who has contributed to projects throughout Australia, Vietnam, the USA and South Africa. She performs her latest one-woman comedy show, “Atomically Correct” at festivals all over Australia and in New Zealand. She also hosts a podcast, “Australian Highlights” that tells stories of innovation in her home country. She toured Vietnam on a diplomatic mission to invigorate science education, broadcasted the frontline of ocean exploration from the bottom of the Pacific, supported the launch of one of the world's largest science experiments in the South African desert, and co-authored a paper on science poetry. She has had roles in strategic marketing, events, PR, communications and education across government organisations, charities and corporate enterprise. She has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a graduate diploma in science communication.

Connect with Rachel: https://raynerexplainer.com/about

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs interviews Carmen Palacios Berraquero, founder and CEO of Nu Quantum. They discuss the company’s entanglement fabric, a cutting-edge mechanism for connecting individual quantum processors into a larger, more powerful machine. Carmen also explains the importance of industry collaboration as supported by the new Quantum Datacenter Alliance. Nu Quantum is also developing a quantum networking test bed. Join this enlightening discussion for an insider's view on the next frontier of quantum computing.

00:00 Introduction to The Quantum Spin Podcast

00:35 Interview with Carmen Palacios Berraquero: Nu Quantum's Vision

00:53 Understanding the Entanglement Fabric

04:14 Qubit Modalities and Networking

06:19 Nu Quantum's Rack-Mounted Solutions

07:34 Building a Strong Company Culture

11:31 The Quantum Data Center Alliance

16:03 Government Support and Future Plans

17:55 Exciting Announcements and Test Bed Development

19:50 Conclusion and Farewell

Dr. Carmen Palacios-Berraquero is the Founder and Chief Executive of Nu Quantum, the leading quantum entanglement company, which recently raised a £8.5M pre-Series A from leading VCs including Amadeus Capital, IQ Capital, and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF). She is an award-winning quantum physicist and inventor, author of several high-impact research papers and a book based on her doctoral research. Prior to founding Nu Quantum, Carmen earned her PhD in physics at the University of Cambridge and undergraduate degree at Imperial College London. She also serves on the Technical Advisory Board of the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre and is Cofounder and Director of UKQuantum, the UK’s quantum industry group. She has been the leader of several pro-equality and LGBTQIA+ visibility groups, and initiatives in STEM.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs discusses the intersections of quantum technology and cybersecurity with Chuck Brooks, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and the president of Brooks Consulting International. Chuck discusses how the evolution of technology, particularly AI and quantum computing, has dramatically transformed cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on the role of CISOs, the integration of new technologies, and the importance of ongoing education and adaptation in the face of rapidly changing technologies.  

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Guest Introduction: Chuck Brooks

00:46 Chuck Brooks' Career Journey

02:09 Evolution of Cybersecurity

02:47 Challenges for CISOs

04:27 Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity

07:43 Future of Quantum and AI

10:51 Disruptive Technologies in Organizations

15:15 AI in Academia and Professional Use

17:06 Effective Communication on LinkedIn

18:23 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Chuck Brooks serves as President of Brooks Consulting International with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. He also is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in the Cyber Risk Management Program, where he teaches graduate courses on risk management, homeland security, and cybersecurity. 

As a thought leader, blogger, and event speaker, he has briefed the G20 on energy cybersecurity,  He has been a leading voice in risk management keynoting dozens of global conferences and writing over 450 articles relating to technologies and cybersecurity. He is also the author of two books on cybersecurity. 

In his career, Chuck has received presidential appointments for executive service by two U.S. presidents and served as the first Director of Legislative Affairs at the DHS Science & Technology Directorate.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom

In this special episode, host Veronica Combs is joined by Leland Miller and Mike Kuiken, members of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. They discuss the Commission's 2025 report on U.S.-China relations and one of the Top 10 recommendations: Quantum First by 2030. Leland and Mike share what they learned from visiting quantum labs and the strategic importance of funding a robust quantum ecosystem. The commissioners share their analysis of supply chain security, the importance of funding basic scientific research and the crucial role of government and private sector collaboration. Don't miss this in-depth exploration into the future of quantum technology and its national security implications. 

Link to report, Live on 11/18: https://www.uscc.gov/annual-report/2025-annual-report-congress

00:00 Introduction to The Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Meet the Guests: Leland Miller and Mike Kuiken

01:35 Overview of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

02:55 Focus on Quantum Industry Recommendations

04:18 Quantum's National Security Implications

05:38 The Importance of Quantum Software and Ecosystem

09:22 Supply Chains and Quantum Technology

11:49 Biotech and Quantum: Converging Technologies

13:52 China's Quantum Strategy vs. U.S. Innovation

27:51 Workforce Development in Quantum Technology

32:13 Future Investments and Policy Recommendations

35:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike Kuiken serves as a Commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission following nearly 23 years in the U.S. Senate. He is Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. He is also a member of Anthropic’s National Security and Public Sector Advisory Council, and consults with CEOs, boards, and senior leaders across investment, AI, defense, technology, and multinational firms globally.

Leland R. Miller  serves as a Commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and is the co-founder and CEO of China Beige Book. A noted authority on China’s economy and financial system, he is a frequent commentator on media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg TV, CNN, and FOX Business. Before co-founding China Beige Book in 2010, Leland was a capital markets attorney based out of New York and Hong Kong and worked on the deal team at a major investment bank.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom

Dr. Bob Sutor has seen the tech industry from multiple perspectives: IBM executive, industry analyst and now independent consultant. He tracks the quantum news from this informed point of view and advises companies on how to expand the industry.

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Bob and host Veronica Combs discuss quantum networking, the qubit competition and the vital role of communications and marketing.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Meet Dr. Bob Sutor: A Quantum Industry Veteran

00:50 From IBM to Quantum Startups

01:06 The Journey into Quantum Computing

05:04 Writing 'Dancing with Qubits'

07:31 Challenges in the Quantum Industry

11:34 Quantum Modalities and Future Prospects

14:03 Supply Chain Issues in Quantum Hardware

16:14 The Importance of Quantum Networking

17:35 Quantum Sensing and Networking

18:27 The Role of Quantum Sensors in GPS Denial

19:56 Quantum Computers in Data Centers

21:56 The Future of Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity

24:57 Engaging the Quantum Community

29:25 Effective Communication Strategies for Quantum Companies

31:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Sutor is the CEO and Founder of Sutor Group Intelligence and Advisory. He helps clients and investors understand sophisticated technologies such as quantum computing and use them effectively to succeed in their organizations and industries. As an author and communicator, Bob helps clients bring their messages to current and potential customers in clear, powerful, and impactful ways. Bob is a member of the Board of Directors of Nu Quantum and an advisor to the Forma Prime venture capital firm. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Buffalo, New York, USA.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 15 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom