Why a Venture Capitalist Believes Quantum Technology Is More Transformative Than Artificial General Intelligence

Depending on your perspective, there are numerous ways to approach hardware. I became particularly enthusiastic about the neutral atom method within this framework, viewing it as having significant potential. That’s why we invested in [Thompson’s] company, Logiqal.

What if you’re right?

As a venture investor, I’m a firm believer in convexity—embracing risks on ventures that may seem unlikely to succeed but could offer a 500x return if they do.

It’s a groundbreaking innovation if quantum computers manage to achieve meaningful advances. They could unlock powerful cognitive and computational engines that shape the future of material science, pharmaceutical breakthroughs, logistics, and financial markets in unprecedented ways.

Imagine a world where pharmaceutical innovations could extend human life by 20 to 30 years or where advancements in material science lead to entirely new products. Such breakthroughs could even facilitate our journey to Mars! That’s the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Your perspective on quantum computing echoes the enthusiasm AI enthusiasts have for artificial general intelligence.

In many respects, quantum computing today mirrors the landscape of AI in 2015, marked by substantial research and scientific endeavors, gradually transitioning into practical applications rather than remaining purely theoretical.

You mentioned it’s challenging to fake expertise in quantum science. I would argue that faking AI expertise is not as difficult. How do you determine whom to support?

Numerous AI companies are emerging, but looking ahead 5 to 10 years, most will lack a genuine competitive advantage beyond brand or speed. However, brand and speed seldom offer sufficient barriers to create a lasting enterprise.

For instance, BrightAI produces stickers roughly this big [she gestures with her hand]. They place these stickers on every telephone pole, HVAC system, and water line, then monitor them over extended periods—5, 10, 15, 20 years—to flag potential issues. That constitutes a robust competitive advantage. You’re unlikely to peel off all those stickers.

Generally, AI’s value tends to favor the established players. My cofounder Penny sits on Microsoft’s board. Consider Microsoft and Google—Google boasts 3 billion users, while Microsoft has about a billion. They can introduce a product that’s merely adequate and still maintain pricing and distribution power. Thus, we encourage a perspective where when the giants engage, you shouldn’t be an ant.

How do you incorporate AI into your work?

In every aspect. There’s absolutely nothing we don’t use AI for. Just today, I likely used it 25 times.

Has it taken over your reliance on Google?

Absolutely. For everything. Comprehensive research, sourcing. Today, I was looking into the fastest declining jobs in the world. I’d estimate I utilize it not just a dozen times a day, but multiple dozens.

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