Startup Fundraising

QNu Labs Raises ₹200 Cr for Quantum Cybersecurity

QNu Labs secures ₹200 Cr Series A1 from National Quantum Mission, Speciale Invest, and others to scale quantum-safe security solutions. Carrum Mobility also raises $10M.

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Alvaro de la Maza

Partner at Aninver

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Key Takeaways

  • QNu Labs raised $23.8M from National Quantum Mission, Speciale Invest, Sony Innovation Fund, Gaja Capital, Artha Ventures, Uber, Ashok Chokalingam, Robert Sellares, Ishank Gupta.
  • Sector: Technology, Software & Gaming.
  • Geography: India.

Analysis

In a significant development for India's deep-tech sector, QNu Labs has successfully closed a ₹200 crore Series A1 funding round. This substantial capital infusion was co-led by the government's National Quantum Mission and early-stage venture firm Speciale Invest, underscoring strong backing for quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions. The round also saw participation from prominent investors including Sony Innovation Fund, Gaja Capital, and Artha Ventures, bringing the company's total funding to ₹375 crore.

The newly acquired funds are earmarked to accelerate QNu Labs' research and development initiatives, bolster its technological capabilities, and aggressively scale its sales and go-to-market strategies. The company, incubated at IIT Madras and co-founded in 2016 by Srinivasa Rao Aluri and Sunil Gupta, is at the forefront of developing quantum-resistant infrastructure and platform solutions. This funding positions QNu Labs to play a pivotal role in India's ambitious National Quantum Mission and expand its quantum-safe technology stack into emerging areas like quantum sensing and artificial intelligence.

Beyond the headline quantum cybersecurity deal, the fleet management sector also saw notable activity. Carrum Mobility secured $10 million (approximately ₹96 crore) in a Series B investment from ride-sharing giant Uber. This marks Uber's second investment in Carrum Mobility this year, following a $7 million round in January. The capital injection will fuel Carrum Mobility's expansion into new and existing markets, enhance its technology platform, and support operational scaling and team growth.

Founded in 2024, Carrum Mobility operates a technology-driven fleet management system, focusing on CNG and electric vehicles. The company currently manages over 5,000 vehicles across six cities, engaging more than 18,000 driver partners. Demonstrating robust growth, Carrum Mobility reports nearly doubling its business since its last funding round while maintaining profitability, with an annualized revenue run rate nearing ₹400 crore.

In the consumer goods space, Delhi-based alco-bev startup Marmalade raised ₹6 crore in seed funding. The round was supported by a cohort of investors, including Ashok Chokalingam, Robert Sellares, Ishank Gupta, and HomeLane founders Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry. These funds will be deployed to expand distribution networks, drive brand-building efforts, and strengthen sales and operational infrastructure.

Marmalade, co-founded in 2025 by Udit Mediratta and Surojit Bhattacharya, aims to capture a significant share of the flavored alcoholic beverage market. Its flagship product, Brightside, features an Indian craft whiskey developed in collaboration with Amrut Distilleries. The company is targeting an annual recurring revenue of ₹15 crore by December 2026 as it expands its presence beyond Maharashtra.

These diverse funding activities highlight the continued investor appetite for innovative Indian startups across critical sectors, from national security and advanced technology to logistics and consumer products. The substantial investment in QNu Labs, in particular, signals a strong commitment to securing India's digital future against emerging quantum threats.