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IQM Advances SPAC Deal To Expand Europe’s Quantum Sector

Finland’s pioneering quantum computing startup, IQM, has announced a landmark move to become one of Europe’s first publicly listed quantum companies. The firm is positioning itself for a merger with special purpose acquisition company Real Asset Acquisition Corp in a New York listing that values IQM at an initial $1.8 billion. Pending shareholder consent and regulatory clearance, the transaction is expected to conclude by June, with a potential dual listing on the Helsinki stock exchange further reinforcing its European ties.

Strategic Merger And Funding Milestone

Founded in 2018, IQM has raised $320 million, including a Series B round led by Ten Eleven Ventures and Finnish investor Tesi. The proposed merger is expected to generate more than $300 million through a combination of private investment in public equity and funds held in the SPAC trust account.

The company plans to use the capital to accelerate development of full-stack, open-architecture quantum systems designed for both on-premise installations and cloud access.

Commercial Deployment And Industry Breakthroughs

Quantum computing is being developed to process complex calculations faster than traditional systems, with potential applications in medicine, scientific research, and finance. While large-scale commercial adoption remains limited, analysts note steady technical progress across the sector. Recent commentary from UBS indicates that the industry is gradually moving from research-driven experimentation toward practical use cases.

Industry Momentum Across Europe And Beyond

IQM’s progress reflects broader momentum in the European quantum ecosystem. The company has sold 21 systems to 13 customers and reported at least $35 million in unaudited revenue in 2025. Other European firms, including UK-based Quantinuum and Spain’s Multiverse Computing, have also attracted significant investment.

Globally, competition continues to intensify. China has committed close to $18 billion to quantum research, while the European Union is expanding funding initiatives aimed at strengthening regional capabilities in advanced computing.

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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