IQM Quantum Computers Appoints Vanguard Board Director Barbara Venneman to Board as Company Prepares for Nasdaq Listing
Espoo, Finland – June 12, 2026: IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in superconducting quantum computing, has announced the appointment of Barbara Venneman—Vanguard Board Director and former Global Head of Deloitte Digital—to its Board of Directors. This strategic appointment comes as IQM accelerates its global commercial expansion and readies itself for a public listing on the Nasdaq through a merger with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ). The F-4 registration statement for the business combination has been declared effective, representing a major milestone in IQM’s journey to become the first publicly listed European quantum company on the Nasdaq Global Exchange.
Key Points from the Announcement
- Barbara Venneman’s Appointment: Venneman brings over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and enterprise technology. Her leadership at Deloitte Digital and current position on Vanguard’s board add depth to IQM’s expertise in scaling technology businesses, go-to-market strategies, and global business transformation.
- Board Changes: CEO and Co-founder Jan Goetz will now replace Co-founder Juha Vartiainen as the Founder representative on IQM’s Board, signaling a new phase in board leadership as the company prepares for public markets.
- PIPE Upsized Ahead of Listing: IQM has reported increased commitments to its PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity), driven by strong investor demand ahead of its Nasdaq debut—a clear sign of market confidence and a potentially price-sensitive development for investors.
- Full-Stack Quantum Computing Leadership: IQM designs and builds quantum computers from the ground up, offering a vertically integrated, open-architecture platform. Customers can opt for on-premises infrastructure with full ownership or cloud-based access, targeting enterprises, research institutions, and national labs globally.
- Strategic Vision: The company is focused on accelerating the transition from quantum research to real-world enterprise applications, with a clear commitment to building a scalable, accessible quantum ecosystem.
- Operational Scale: With over 400 employees and major operations in Finland and Munich, IQM already operates across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Details Shareholders Need to Know
- Imminent Nasdaq Listing: IQM is set to become the first publicly listed European quantum company on the Nasdaq, a move that could significantly enhance its visibility, access to capital, and valuation. The effectiveness of the F-4 registration statement confirms that regulatory hurdles have been cleared.
- Strengthened Leadership and Governance: Venneman’s appointment brings proven expertise in scaling global technology businesses and navigating complex digital transformations. Her experience on the boards of Vanguard and leading technology firms is likely to enhance governance and strategic oversight at a critical juncture.
- PIPE Upsizing: Increased investor demand for the PIPE suggests strong institutional interest and confidence in IQM’s growth prospects. This could positively impact the company’s valuation and liquidity when trading commences.
- Competitive Edge: IQM’s control over the entire quantum computing stack and its flexible deployment models position it as a frontrunner as the industry transitions from research to enterprise-scale commercial applications.
- Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development: Venneman’s track record in forming global alliances and strategic partnerships is expected to further accelerate IQM’s ecosystem development, a key factor for sustained long-term growth and adoption.
- Board Realignment: The shift in the Founder representative role to CEO Jan Goetz may reflect a renewed focus on execution and leadership continuity as IQM enters public markets.
Quotes from Leadership
“Barbara’s track record of scaling global technology businesses and guiding enterprises through transformative change makes her an exceptional addition to our Board as we prepare to enter the public markets and scale our commercial presence in the U.S. and globally. As we accelerate our path toward fault-tolerant quantum computing, her experience in enterprise technology commercialization, AI, and governance will be invaluable.” — Sierk Poetting, Chairman, IQM Board of Directors
“IQM has established itself as a leader in the emerging quantum computing market through a combination of technological excellence, customer focus, and execution. What attracted me to the company is its commitment to building a scalable and accessible quantum ecosystem that aligns with the needs of enterprises today while preparing them for the opportunities of tomorrow. As quantum computing moves from research to real-world application, IQM is exceptionally well positioned to create lasting value for customers, shareholders, and society.” — Barbara Venneman, newly appointed Board Director, IQM
About Barbara Venneman
Venneman currently serves on the board of advisors of Decagon.AI, an enterprise AI software company, and on the board of Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment managers. She has also served on the board of Reality Changers, a nonprofit focused on first-generation student success. Venneman holds an MBA from McGill University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Université de Montréal.
About IQM Quantum Computers
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Finland, with major operations in Munich, IQM Quantum Computers is a global leader in delivering full-stack quantum computers and cloud access to research institutions, universities, HPC centers, national laboratories, and enterprises worldwide. IQM employs over 400 people and operates across Europe, Asia, and North America. The company’s unique on-premises deployment model provides customers with direct ownership and control of their quantum infrastructure.
Contact Information
- Media Contact: Michael Bruce, PR Manager ([email protected])
- Investor Contact: Blair Robertson, VP, Strategy ([email protected])
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. The information contained herein is based on publicly released company statements as of June 12, 2026, and may be subject to change without notice.
