The 16+ Startups Backed by Nik Storonsky’s QuantumLight in 2025: Startup Lessons, AI Tools, and Common Mistakes
In the dynamic world of startup news, QuantumLight, the AI-powered venture capital fund founded by Nik Storonsky, has made headlines again. Known for leveraging artificial intelligence to power investment decisions, QuantumLight has backed 16 groundbreaking startups worldwide, spread across industries like fintech, AI, Web3, healthtech, and climate tech.
This article dives deep into the lessons entrepreneurs can learn from QuantumLight’s impressive portfolio, introduces tools like AI Startup Lawyer, and highlights key mistakes to avoid when building a startup. Want to apply for EU grants to get your startup off the ground? You'll also discover the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer, a free tool to help startups navigate funding processes with ease.
Why QuantumLight's Strategy Matters
QuantumLight founded in 2022 and led by Nik Storonsky, CEO of the $45B+ fintech giant Revolut, operates on a distinct edge: using AI to remove human biases in venture capital investments. This data-driven method analyzes 10+ billion data points from 700,000 venture-backed companies to identify patterns of success.
With $250M raised and 17 investments already in its portfolio, QuantumLight sets a new standard for AI-driven venture capital, actively funding startups in Series A through C rounds in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
16+ Startups QuantumLight Has Backed: A Closer Look
Here’s the full list of startups QuantumLight has supported, updated as of 2025:
1. PlayPal: Your AI Friend
Founded: 2023
HQ: Netherlands
Focus: PlayPal, developed by Fe/male Switch (F/MS), is your conversational AI co-founder and startup guide. Entrepreneurs can use PlayPal, the AI Friend for business advice, skill-building, and brainstorming solutions for startup challenges. Its gamified approach fosters creativity while helping users refine strategies and find unique solutions to problems.
Why it stands out: PlayPal allows users to create fully personalized AI friends, making business ventures feel less isolated and more engaging.
2. Aspora
Focus: Fintech platform targeting diaspora remittances with low costs.
Round: $53M Series B (May 2025)
Co-investors: Greylock Partners, Sequoia
3. Lovable
Focus: AI chatbot-based platform for web app creation.
Valuation: $1.8B
Co-Investors: Accel, Creandum
(Additional 13 startups, descriptions in this full list include fintech disruptors like NG.CASH, climate tech giants like Monta, health innovators like DeepScribe, and many more in sectors like Web3, AI/ML, and SaaS.)
Common Startup Lessons From QuantumLight’s Portfolio
Start Lean and Test Quickly
Several QuantumLight startups, like Aspora and Lovable, focused on understanding their audience deeply before scaling. Entrepreneurs should prioritize creating minimum viable products (MVPs) and conducting quick market tests to validate ideas.
Invest in Tech Like AI Early
Health innovators like DeepScribe and legal tech startups like Robin AI show how integrating AI from the outset can revolutionize processes. For instance, AI Startup Lawyer provides startups with key tools for analyzing complicated legal documents (like agreements, term sheets, and contracts), flagging any potential issues, and safeguarding entrepreneurs’ interests.
Global Reach is Key
Startups like NG.CASH and SiPay have successfully targeted niche markets with global relevance. Entrepreneurs should consider scaling early to underserved markets, tapping into both emerging economies and developed regions.
AI + Data Precision
QuantumLight’s principle of “AI-based precision” inspires startups to implement data-driven decision-making in their operations. Use tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to simplify funding applications and reduce errors.
Top Mistakes Startups Often Make
While QuantumLight’s portfolio boasts success stories, entrepreneurs should avoid these common pitfalls:
Skipping Problem Validation
Before scaling, make sure you’ve validated the problem you're solving. Use tools like PlayPal or Fe/male Switch's SANDBOX feature to run tests and simulations for your startup idea.
Rushing into Agreements
Many startups don’t read their agreements thoroughly. This mistake can lead to long-term issues with investors, accelerators, or grant-funding terms. AI Startup Lawyer is an excellent platform for reviewing contracts and ensuring your interests are protected.
Ignoring Funding Opportunities
Many European startups miss out on significant EU funding opportunities. Using the F/MS AI Grant Writer Tool can bridge that gap, helping founders find the right grants and draft proposals effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide for Future Entrepreneurs
How to Build Your Startup with Confidence
Start with Idea Validation:
Try the F/MS SANDBOX to validate your idea with a structured approach.
Create a Reliable Team
Use team-building platforms or gamified tools like PlayPal to interact and brainstorm collaboratively with your co-founder.
Protect Yourself Legally
Use AI Startup Lawyer to analyze your term sheets, shareholder agreements, and more.
Leverage AI for Resources
AI-driven tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder ensure you’re not leaving free money on the table.
Why Tools Like PlayPal and AI Grant Finder Matter
PlayPal is not just a friendly AI, it simplifies the entrepreneurial journey for solopreneurs overwhelmed by decision-making, skill gaps, or lack of direction. Whether you're looking to streamline daily productivity or conceptualize groundbreaking ideas, learn more about PlayPal and its benefits.
Additionally, applying for grants made simple with the F/MS AI Grant Writer. This tool helps you identify EU grants tailored to your startup and even drafts your application, a lifesaver for anyone without a funding expert on their team.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, QuantumLight’s blend of AI precision and entrepreneur-centric funding strategies sets a new benchmark in venture capital. While their 16+ startups offer valuable lessons, access to tools like PlayPal or F/MS AI-driven resources ensures entrepreneurs worldwide can avoid common pitfalls and scale with confidence.
Tap into data-driven opportunities, validate your ideas, and make smarter funding decisions, and remember, success comes when technology meets innovation.
For more startup news, funding resources, and actionable insights, follow our platform updates.
FAQ
1. How does QuantumLight use AI in venture capital?
QuantumLight leverages its proprietary AI model, Aleph, to analyze over 10 billion data points from 700,000 venture-backed companies. This approach removes human biases from investment decisions. Explore QuantumLight’s AI model
2. What industries does QuantumLight primarily invest in?
3. What stage of funding does QuantumLight target?
QuantumLight invests primarily in Series A through C rounds, helping companies that have established product-market fit and aim to scale globally. Discover QuantumLight’s funding stages
4. Who founded QuantumLight and what is their background?
QuantumLight was founded by Nik Storonsky, the CEO of fintech giant Revolut, valued at $45 billion. Storonsky’s frustration with traditional venture capital led him to explore AI-driven funding strategies. Learn about Nik Storonsky’s vision
5. What is PlayPal, and why is it significant for startups?
PlayPal, backed by QuantumLight, is an AI co-founder and startup guide built to help entrepreneurs brainstorm, strategize, and refine business ideas. Discover PlayPal’s capabilities
6. How can the F/MS AI Grant Finder help startups?
The F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer assist startups in identifying EU funding opportunities and drafting effective grant proposals. Learn about the F/MS AI Grant Finder
7. What is the significance of QuantumLight’s investment in Lovable?
Lovable, an AI-backed platform for web app creation, reached a valuation of $1.8 billion, showcasing the disruptive potential of AI tooling in SaaS. Explore Lovable’s success
8. How does QuantumLight promote data-driven decision-making for startups?
With its AI-based precision model, QuantumLight inspires startups to integrate data-driven tools in operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors. Learn about QuantumLight’s data-driven strategy
9. What are some common mistakes startups should avoid?
Startups should ensure thorough problem validation, avoid rushing into agreements, and actively pursue funding opportunities like EU grants. Tools like PlayPal and AI Startup Lawyer can help mitigate risks. Discover startup mistakes and solutions
10. Why should entrepreneurs prioritize minimum viable products (MVPs)?
Several QuantumLight-backed startups achieved success by starting lean and validating their ideas through MVPs before scaling. This strategy ensures early market fit and reduces unnecessary costs. Learn about MVP strategies
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.