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Black Quant
Black Quant operates from Munich under founder Michael Kott, who concurrently leads CM-Equity AG, a regulated German financial services firm.
Black Quant
Black Quant operates from Munich under founder Michael Kott, who concurrently leads CM-Equity AG, a regulated German financial services firm. The vehicle emerged from the Quantum Business Network, an industry association initiated by Johannes Verst that convenes quantum technology companies and research institutions. This dual operating-company and investment-manager structure is atypical for a thesis as narrow as quantum computing. The firm deploys capital across early-stage seed rounds through expansion-stage deals, targeting companies where quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensing create commercial moats. While specific portfolio disclosures are limited, the strategy spans enterprise software, cybersecurity, fintech, and industrial technology — sectors where quantum algorithms promise the sharpest edge against classical systems. The connection to CM-Equity AG suggests deal flow may route through both direct investments and structured products that give European institutional investors exposure to illiquid technology assets. Black Quant maintains its headquarters on Munich's Kaufingerstrasse and draws operating talent from the Quantum Business Network ecosystem, which includes research labs and corporate partners across Germany and wider Europe. The firm's known relationships include Jens Brunke, who sits on CM-Equity's executive board alongside Kott, and Johannes Verst, whose QBN role provides access to the network's member companies. No public AUM or deployment figures are available. The firm holds a proprietary Bitcoin position on its balance sheet, indicating opportunistic allocation beyond the core quantum mandate. Black Quant's structural differentiator lies in its regulatory infrastructure. Unlike most quantum-focused investors — typically venture funds or corporate venture arms — Kott's simultaneous leadership of CM-Equity AG places Black Quant inside a licensed securities firm. This allows the vehicle to underwrite tokenized assets, structured notes, or fund vehicles that a standalone venture capital partnership cannot. For institutional allocators seeking quantum exposure through regulated European wrappers, that architecture may matter more than deal-by-deal performance data.
General information
Firm type
Generalist
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Europe
Country
Germany
City
Munich
Corporate office
Kaufingerstr. 20, 80331 Munich, Germany
Principals
Michael Kott
Founder
Jens Brunke
Executive Board Member, CM-Equity AG
Johannes Verst
CEO, Quantum Business Network
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who makes investment decisions at Black Quant?
Michael Kott is the founder and primary investment decision-maker. He also serves as CEO of CM-Equity AG, a regulated German securities firm, and his operating team includes Jens Brunke from CM-Equity and Johannes Verst from the Quantum Business Network. The exact investment committee structure has not been publicly detailed.
How is Black Quant related to CM-Equity AG?
Michael Kott leads both entities as founder of Black Quant and CEO of CM-Equity AG. CM-Equity is a licensed German financial services company that provides brokerage, asset management, and tokenization services. Black Quant benefits from this shared leadership through regulated infrastructure that most quantum-focused venture firms do not possess.
Where does Black Quant source its deals?
Deal flow comes primarily through the Quantum Business Network, an industry association that connects quantum computing startups, research labs, and corporate partners. Founder Johannes Verst of QBN is a co-investor aligned with Black Quant. This network-driven model gives the firm early visibility into European quantum technology companies.
Does Black Quant only invest in quantum computing companies?
No. While quantum computing is the core thesis, Black Quant targets adjacent sectors where quantum algorithms unlock value — including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and industrial technology. The firm also holds a proprietary Bitcoin position, suggesting a broader mandate than pure quantum hardware or software.
What investment stages does Black Quant target?
The firm invests from seed through late-stage expansion rounds, concentrating on European technology companies. The stage range implies Black Quant can lead or participate in rounds from initial formation through pre-IPO financing, though no specific fund structure or vehicle size has been publicly disclosed.
Is Black Quant open to external co-investors?
The publicly available information does not confirm whether Black Quant syndicates deals with external limited partners or operates as a proprietary capital vehicle. The relationship with CM-Equity AG and Quantum Business Network members suggests some co-investment activity, but no public fund documents outline LP terms or minimum commitments.
What is the Quantum Business Network?
The Quantum Business Network is a member-driven innovation association based in Germany that connects quantum technology companies, researchers, and investors. Johannes Verst serves as its CEO and initiated the Black Quant Fund through this network. QBN provides the ecosystem from which Black Quant draws its investment pipeline and technical expertise.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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