Deep Tech · VC Firm · Active

Supernova Invest

Supernova Invest is a Paris-based deep-tech VC with ~€500M AUM under management, structurally tied to CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) as its founding partner.

Stage Seed → Series B
Ticket $1.0M - $12.0M
Quantum focus Quantum Computing HW, Photonics
Geography Europe

Investment thesis

Supernova Invest is a Paris-based deep-tech VC with ~€500M AUM under management, structurally tied to CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) as its founding partner. Supernova Innovation 3 (€100M seed fund) plus Ambition Amorçage Angels and growth vehicles cover pre-seed to Series C. Cheques €1-10M.

Quantum exposure is diversified across two PROQCIMA selectees: Alice & Bob (cat qubits, Series A lead 2022 + Series B January 2025 at €100M) and Quobly (silicon spin qubits from Grenoble, first company to integrate quantum wafers into STMicro's 300mm production line in Crolles Dec 2025). Also backs Aledia (3D LED/photonic semiconductor). Unusual multi-modality French hardware conviction.

Value-add via CEA integration: portfolio founders get direct access to CEA-Leti cleanroom facilities in Grenoble (critical for silicon-quantum fabrication), CEA TGCC HPC testbeds, and CNRS research partnerships. Partner Etienne Moreau leads quantum deployment.

Differentiated as the only VC structurally embedded in France's sovereign quantum-technology apparatus (CEA), making it a near-automatic co-investor on French hardware rounds.

Anti-thesis

The patterns that trigger a fast no with this fund.

  1. Deep tech projects without a defensible IP or scientific moat (typically rooted in CEA, CNRS or equivalent lab)
  2. Hardware plays without a clear industrialization partner or pilot line access (CEA-Leti, STMicro, Soitec ecosystem)
  3. Founders unwilling to base R&D in France/Europe or to leverage public co-funding (Bpifrance, France 2030, EIC)
  4. Pure-software quantum or quantum-as-a-service wrappers without proprietary hardware or algorithmic IP
  5. Markets too small or too far from industrial end-customers (energy, mobility, health, defense, semiconductors)

Notable quantum portfolio

Full portfolio →
Alice&BobQuoblyAledia

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