Taking quantum computing public

 IonQ is a leader in quantum computing, with a proven track record of innovation and deployment. IonQ’s next-generation quantum computer is the world’s most powerful trapped-ion quantum computer.

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Challenge

As an emerging technology, quantum computing is constantly evolving, and the landscape remains chaotic and in flux. In 2021, big name competitors were noisily touting incremental advances and, in some cases, even marketing well beyond their products’ capabilities. IonQ needed to cut through the hype to clearly articulate its own technical and business advantages. By establishing that foundation, IonQ could then set the tone for the entire market as the first-ever publicly traded pure-play quantum computing company.

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Strategy

Mission North leveraged IonQ’s public listing to position the company at the forefront of the market. Our collaboration with IonQ began developing messaging that supported and validated IonQ’s market leadership and highlighted competitive differentiators to stand out from the hype. In the run-up to listing day, we inserted this messaging into aggressive outreach for a steady cadence of company announcements — largely driven by breakthrough scientific advancements — which built momentum and awareness for IonQ. As listing day drew closer Mission North conducted embargoed and day-of outreach to secure interviews both virtually and onsite at the New York Stock Exchange.

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Impact

IonQ garnered a total of 68 placements around its IPO via SPAC. Coverage appeared in top-tier business publications including The Financial Times, Fast Company and TechCrunch.

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Tied to Mission North’s strategic pre-pitching and aggressive cadence of announcements, IonQ secured a sub-3% stock redemption rate by shareholders ahead of listing day. By contrast, the SPAC industry average falls closer to 50-80%. We secured nearly half of all listing coverage in advance of the IPO. These placements spanned outlets such as TheStreet, Seeking Alpha, The Motley Fool and SiliconANGLE, as well as quantum trades like the Quantum Daily and Quantum Computing Report.

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Most importantly, the listing splash confirmed IonQ as a leader in the quantum computing race. Mission North continued capitalizing on IonQ’s pole position in the market, getting in front of press like CNBC, The Washington Post, VentureBeat and more in the month after the IPO.

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