How to Build a Unicorn Startup with Christian Weedbrook, Xanadu AI

Christian Weedbrook shares his experience and insights as Founder & CEO of Xanadu Quantum Technologies. He joins Katie in this episode to talk about the groundbreaking journey of Xanadu and the relentless dedication required to succeed in the quantum computing industry. Christian delves into his unique background, starting with his academic pursuits in quantum physics, and discusses Xanadu’s innovative approach using photonics.

Get Mic’d teaches individuals and company leaders how to make their brands notable. Join us for the latest episode of Get Mic’d, where Christian Weedbrook shares how he built Xanadu into a leader in quantum computing. Discover valuable insights on establishing a cutting-edge company and crafting a personal brand that stands out in the tech world.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Learn about Xanadu’s groundbreaking achievement in quantum supremacy and how their Borealis computer solved a problem in minutes that would have taken a supercomputer millions of years.
2. Gain valuable advice from Christian Weedbrook on what it takes to build a successful startup.
3. Understand how Xanadu is not only pushing the boundaries of technology but also creating significant job opportunities in the tech sector.

Resources

• PennyLane
• Borealis
• Follow Xanadu on X: @XanaduAI
• Connect with Xanadu on LinkedIn, GitHub and Youtube
• Listen to more Get Mic’d episodes

Episode Highlights

[02:45] Building a Unicorn Startup

• Christian discusses the significant achievement of demonstrating quantum supremacy with their Borealis computer—solving a problem in two minutes that would have taken a supercomputer seven million years to solve.
• Christian emphasizes the critical traits for entrepreneurial success: a strong belief in your mission, relentless hard work, and a genuine passion for your field. He notes the importance of perseverance and maintaining enthusiasm despite challenges.
• Christian discusses the early days of Xanadu, including his first startup, Cipher Q, and the transition to Xanadu.
• He describes the excitement and challenges of securing initial funding, highlighting the significance of the first $2 million investment.
• Christian emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the “numbers game” in securing venture capital funding.

[09:52] Christian Weedbrook: “Belief is very important. You need an insane belief in what you’re doing and in yourself.”

• Reflecting on Xanadu’s journey, Christian recounts the numerous rejections from venture capitalists and emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence in building successful partnerships and achieving breakthroughs.

[10:28] The Value of Hard Work and Passion

• Christian delves into the long hours and dedication required for startup success. He stresses the importance of loving what you do and being passionate about your work. He contrasts this with pursuing opportunities purely for financial gain, noting that true commitment comes from genuine interest and enthusiasm.

[16:59] The Future of Quantum Computing and Job Creation

• Christian discusses Xanadu’s impact on the quantum computing industry and its role in job creation. He reflects on the satisfaction of providing opportunities for physicists who might otherwise have struggled to find roles in academia or traditional sectors.
• Christian also explores the exciting potential of quantum computing for breakthroughs in drug development and new materials and its role in advancing Canada’s tech landscape while expanding globally.

[19:05] Christian Weedbrook: “I hope Xanadu can do something similar to what other tech giants have achieved—creating jobs, advancing technology, and making a global impact.”

[40:56] Christian’s MicDrop Moments

• Notable Brand Definition:

“Showing that you love what you’re doing and you love the product.”

• Memorable MicDrop Moment:

Xanadu’s team demonstrated quantum supremacy. They tackled a complex math problem that the world’s fastest supercomputer would have taken 7 million years to solve. Xanadu’s quantum computer, Borealis, solved it in just two minutes.

• Brand Admiration:

Christian admires SpaceX

• Recommended Resources for Brand Building:

• • Christian says founders should be reading everything from fiction to non-fiction.

• Upcoming Projects and Connection:

Christian is looking to raise more funds by the end of this year, and Xanadu has some big milestones and announcements coming up.

About Christian

Christian Weedbrook is the CEO and Founder of Xanadu Quantum Technologies, a quantum technology company building fault-tolerant quantum computers using light. Over the last 15 years, he has been at the forefront of bringing quantum technology to the world through his research and leadership in academia, government, and industry. Christian holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Queensland and has held postdoc positions at MIT and the University of Toronto. You can connect with Christian Weedbrook: LinkedIn

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