WISeKey's Subsidiary, SEALSQ Announces Entry into a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding a Potential Strategic Investment and Acquisition of Quantum Computing Firm Quobly
MWN-AI** Summary
WISeKey International Holding Ltd., a global leader in cybersecurity and IoT, announced that its subsidiary SEALSQ Corp has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to negotiate a potential strategic investment and acquisition of Quobly, a pioneering French firm specializing in silicon-based quantum processors. This collaboration represents a significant move in SEALSQ's strategy to bolster its presence in the growing field of quantum technologies.
Under the terms of the MoU, SEALSQ intends to make an initial minority investment in Quobly, with plans for a subsequent acquisition of a majority stake. The deal, if finalized, is estimated to involve an investment of approximately $200 million by SEALSQ, pending regulatory approvals and due diligence. This partnership aims to solidify SEALSQ's position as a leader in semiconductor security and post-quantum cryptography while enhancing the development of secure quantum computing technology.
Quobly, founded in 2022 in Grenoble, France, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to quantum microelectronics and has previously secured significant funding to support its advancements in quantum technology. By integrating its expertise with SEALSQ's capabilities, the two companies aspire to create industrial-scale quantum systems that address critical security needs across various sectors such as defense and finance.
Maud Vinet, CEO of Quobly, highlighted the strategic partnership as a vital step in advancing their technological capabilities and market presence. Meanwhile, Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey, emphasized the synergy between Quobly’s technology and SEALSQ’s post-quantum security framework, setting the groundwork for a new era in secure quantum computing. The potential acquisition reflects WISeKey's commitment to strengthening its quantum roadmap and fostering innovation within the sector.
MWN-AI** Analysis
WISeKey’s subsidiary, SEALSQ, has taken a significant step in the growing quantum technology sector by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding to potentially acquire Quobly, a company pioneering silicon-based quantum processors. If the anticipated $200 million transaction is fully realized, it could enhance SEALSQ's position as a leader in post-quantum security and semiconductor technologies. This potential acquisition aligns with the global shift towards quantum computing, which promises to revolutionize various sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, and defense.
Investors should also consider that SEALSQ's strategic investment is backed by its dedicated Quantum Fund, indicating a serious commitment to establishing secure and scalable quantum technologies within Europe. The combined expertise of both firms—Quobly’s advancements in quantum microelectronics and SEALSQ's deep roots in cybersecurity—could result in competitive advantages in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Analysts suggest that this move could lead to substantial long-term growth, especially as the market for quantum computing is projected to expand significantly in the coming years. As security will be a critical issue in quantum computing, the merge of Quobly's quantum microprocessors with SEALSQ's post-quantum security solutions could set industry standards for secure quantum infrastructures.
It is important to note that this deal is still contingent on due diligence and regulatory approvals, which means there are risks involved. Investors should follow developments closely, as the completion of this acquisition could affect share prices for both SEALSQ and WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY). Staying informed and adjusting portfolios based on evolving news in the quantum computing sector could yield lucrative returns in an increasingly digital and security-focused world.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
WISeKey’s Subsidiary, SEALSQ Announces Entry into a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding a Potential Strategic Investment and Acquisition of Quantum Computing Firm Quobly
Quobly is a pioneer in quantum microelectronics, developing silicon-based quantum processors using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes
Geneva, Switzerland, January 14, 2026 – Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR - WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a global leader in semiconductors security and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions, has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding leading to exclusive negotiations with the shareholders of Quobly SAS, a leading French technology company pioneering the development of silicon-based quantum computers (“QUOBLY”), to make an initial minority investment and then potentially acquire a majority stake in QUOBLY. The proposed transaction remains subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, completion of financial, legal, technical and commercial due diligence, receipt of required corporate and regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
These exclusive negotiations result from the execution of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding that contemplates a multi-stage transaction.
This transaction is anchored within SEALSQ’s Quantum strategy and supported in part by its dedicated Quantum Fund designed to accelerate the emergence of sovereign, secure, and industrial-scale quantum technologies across Europe. If completed, the transaction would result in a total investment of approximately $200M by SEALSQ in return for a majority stake in QUOBLY.
The entering into exclusive negotiations with QUOBLY follows the ongoing strategic collaboration between SEALSQ and QUOBLY, announced on November 21, 2025. The collaboration as proposed to be expanded, plans to deliver accelerated benefits, including joint leadership in trustworthy and industrialized quantum computers and enhance EU and US market expansion.
SEALSQ and QUOBLY aim to establish a reference platform for secure-by-design quantum computing to define how quantum-resistant security can be embedded directly into future quantum infrastructures serving defense, intelligence, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and other mission-critical sectors.
Maud Vinet, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of QUOBLY, commented: “This proposed transaction by SEALSQ marks an important step in QUOBLY’s industrial journey. Joining forces with a global leader in post-quantum security and semiconductor expert accelerates our ability to bring secure, scalable silicon-based quantum processors to market, and to expand internationally while consolidating our technological roadmap.”
Carlos Moreira, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WISeKey, stated: “The proposed acquisition of QUOBLY is fully aligned with our Quantum roadmap. As quantum computing becomes a strategic infrastructure, security must be embedded at the hardware level from day one. QUOBLY’s CMOS-compatible quantum technology, combined with SEALSQ’s post-quantum Root-of-Trust capabilities, creates a unique platform to build sovereign, trusted, and industrialized quantum systems for Europe, and their strategic partners.”
About Quobly:
Quobly is a pioneer in quantum microelectronics, developing silicon-based quantum chips using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes. Founded in 2022 in Grenoble, France, the company builds on over 15 years of collaborative research between world-class institutions CEA-Leti and CNRS, combining expertise in quantum physics and microelectronics. Co-founded by Maud Vinet, Ph.D. in quantum physics, author of 300+ papers and 70+ patents, and Tristan Meunier, a leading expert in semiconductor quantum engineering trained under Nobel laureate Serge Haroche, Quobly bridges science and industry to make quantum computing scalable and manufacturable.
Quobly has a strategic partnership with STMicroelectronics to accelerate the industrialization of its silicon quantum chips. In 2023, Quobly raised €19 million, a record European seed round for a quantum hardware startup, followed in 2025 by €21 million to advance its Q100T program, a key step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Quobly media contacts
marie.cabrieres@quobly.io
About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.
Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa's predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
Press and Investor Contacts
| WISeKey International Holding Ltd Company Contact: Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@wisekey.com | WISeKey Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@theequitygroup.com |
FAQ**
How does the proposed investment and acquisition of Quobly align with WISeKey International Holding AG WKEY's broader quantum strategy and objectives in the semiconductor and cybersecurity sectors?
What specific technological advancements does WISeKey International Holding AG WKEY expect to achieve by integrating Quobly's silicon-based quantum processors into its existing platforms?
Given the rapid advancements in quantum computing, how does WISeKey International Holding AG WKEY plan to manage risks associated with the competitive landscape following the acquisition of Quobly?
Can WISeKey International Holding AG WKEY elaborate on the expected timeline for completing the due diligence process and finalizing the agreements associated with the acquisition of Quobly?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about WISeKey International Holding AG (NASDAQ: WKEY).
NASDAQ: WKEY
WKEY Trading
-2.19% G/L:
$7.38 Last:
47,914 Volume:
$7.52 Open:
