Deal of the Week: New investment office backs deep-tech startup

An Oxford, UK-based startup building cryptographic platforms to secure hardware, software, and communications systems has received backing from a recently set up investment office. 

Braavos Capital, launched last year by Andre Crawford-Brunt, the former global head of equities trading at Deutsch Bank, and backed by South African billionaire, Magda Wierzycka, has joined a group of investors committing £5.5 million to PQShield. 

PQ stands for post-quantum and is in reference to the cybersecurity threats likely to emerge as quantum computing becomes a reality. PQShield is building technology to counter these threats.  

According to reports, PQShield, which was incubated at Oxford University, has amassed UK’s highest concentration of cryptography PhDs outside academia and defence/security agencies. 

Braavos Capital looks to be building a portfolio of cutting edge tech companies. Earlier this year, it was revealed to have built up a 20% stake in Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI), the university’s venture fund. OSI was also one of the backers of PQShield.