MPower Partners Fund II (“MPower”), a global venture capital fund, has invested in LQUOM Inc. (“LQUOM”), a company advancing the R&D and commercialization of quantum communications and quantum internet core technologies.

From left to right: Kazuhiro Hosaka (MPower), Yuya Mochizuki (LQUOM), Kazuya Niizeki (LQUOM), Yumiko Murakami (MPower)

As global competition in quantum computing accelerates, establishing a secure communications infrastructure capable of withstanding future breakthroughs in quantum computational power has become a critical priority. In particular, as the risk of existing cryptographic systems being compromised by quantum computers becomes more widely recognized, building next-generation communication infrastructure to protect national security, financial systems, healthcare data, and other highly sensitive information has become increasingly urgent. LQUOM is addressing this challenge by developing long-distance quantum communication technologies centered on quantum repeaters and quantum memory.

Guided by its vision to realize a secure and sustainable digital society through quantum communication infrastructure, LQUOM integrates core technologies—including quantum entanglement sources, quantum memory, and multiplexing—to advance quantum cryptographic communications and enable future distributed quantum computing. The company is one of the only startups in Japan focused on the commercialization of quantum repeaters, building devices and systems that enhance the scalability and practical deployment of quantum networks.

Through participation in government-led quantum initiatives and joint research with major electronics manufacturers and telecommunications operators, LQUOM is steadily advancing its technologies toward practical deployment. While initially focused on national security and critical infrastructure applications, the company also envisions expansion into distributed quantum computing and the broader quantum internet as foundational next-generation digital infrastructure.

LQUOM’s efforts represent a critical step toward strengthening Japan’s industrial foundation and advancing digital sovereignty amid intensifying global competition in quantum technologies. This investment aligns closely with MPower’s core theme of “Japan Dynamism.” Going forward, MPower will support LQUOM’s domestic and international expansion through business development, public-private partnerships, and broader strategic initiatives.

Comment from Kazuya Niizeki, Ph.D., CEO of LQUOM

LQUOM has been accelerating hardware development with a clear focus on bringing long-distance quantum communication into practical use as a core foundation of the quantum internet. We are deeply honored to receive strong support and investment from MPower Partners and to have our technological strengths recognized. Their understanding of both the societal importance and our core technical capabilities marks a significant milestone for LQUOM as we prepare for the quantum era. Through this funding, we will continue advancing the quantum internet as the foundational infrastructure of future quantum technologies.

Comment from Yumiko Murakami, General Partner, MPower Partners

As quantum computing continues to advance, the vulnerabilities of existing cryptographic infrastructure are becoming an urgent cross-industry concern. LQUOM, originating from a research laboratory at Yokohama National University, combines deep academic expertise with rare end-to-end capabilities across the key component technologies required to realize quantum repeaters. Leveraging Japan’s long-standing strengths in quantum optics and precision engineering, we are committed to supporting LQUOM’s ambition to pioneer next-generation quantum internet infrastructure on a global stage.

About LQUOM

• CEO: Kazuya Niizeki, Ph.D.

• Established: January 2021

• HQ: 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

• Corporate URL: https://lquom.com/

About MPower Partners

MPower Partners is a Japan-based venture capital fund with a mission to empower visionary gamechangers and unlock transformative growth. With our diverse investment team and deep global networks, we identify and support high-potential ventures both in Japan and internationally. We go beyond capital investments by helping drive true and sustainable growth among our portfolio startups via our proprietary ESG framework. On a broader level, as bridge-builders and ecosystem shapers, we hope to leave the Japanese venture capital ecosystem better than we found it, one with more diversity and scale.

Fund website: https://www.mpower-partners.com

For inquiries, please contact: info@mpower-partners.com

This press release has been prepared for the purpose of providing information to qualified institutional investors and potential portfolio companies of the Fund, and is not a disclosure document pursuant to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, and does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation to purchase the Fund.