Quantum computing startups can accelerate their path to market success by adopting strategies that proved effective in cybersecurity, according to Dorit Dor, co-founder of QBeat Ventures and a 30-year veteran of Check Point. Rather than assuming innovative technology sells itself, quantum entrepreneurs need to pair technical breakthroughs with clear go-to-market strategies, focus on specific problems, and embrace industry standards.

What Can Quantum Companies Learn From Cybersecurity's Evolution?

Dor, who spent three decades in leadership roles at Check Point managing research and development, product delivery, and mergers and acquisitions, recently shifted focus to quantum technologies. She co-founded QBeat Ventures two years ago with entrepreneur Maya Netzer to invest exclusively in quantum technologies across the full technology stack. Drawing from her deep experience in cybersecurity, Dor identifies several critical lessons that apply directly to quantum startups.

The most fundamental insight is that technology alone does not guarantee market success. Many quantum companies assume their innovations will naturally attract customers, but this approach overlooks the essential role of go-to-market strategy. Successful companies must understand their target customers, articulate clear value propositions, and build scalable business models from the outset.

"Technology by itself doesn't sell. Some technologies think that they just throw the technology in and it sells itself. It's not the case. And you have to tie a very specific go to market and understanding of where you want to go into the technology in order to be successful," said Dorit Dor.

Dorit Dor, Co-founder of QBeat Ventures

Dor also emphasizes that focus is critical in the quantum space. Because the industry remains in early stages without clear modularity or standardization, many startups attempt to build end-to-end solutions across the entire stack. This approach dilutes resources and increases the risk of failure. Instead, quantum entrepreneurs should identify where they can provide differentiated value and rely on other ecosystem partners for complementary capabilities.

How Should Quantum Companies Apply Cybersecurity Lessons to Their Strategy?

• Embrace Industry Standards: In cybersecurity, companies learned that customers prefer proven, approved standards over proprietary solutions. Quantum companies should follow this model by adopting established cryptographic standards and quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols rather than attempting to reinvent foundational technologies that customers cannot easily certify or validate.
• Prioritize Operational Feasibility: Customers will choose solutions that work reliably and integrate smoothly into their existing systems, even if a more secure alternative exists. Quantum startups should design products with implementation ease and compatibility in mind, not just maximum theoretical performance.
• Build Holistic Business Models: Success requires more than technical innovation. Quantum companies must develop comprehensive strategies that address market positioning, customer acquisition, scalability, and long-term competitive advantage alongside their core technology development.
• Understand Your Target Market: Different customer segments have different needs and risk tolerances. Quantum startups should deeply understand their specific customer base and tailor solutions to solve real, pressing problems rather than pursuing generic applications.

QBeat Ventures itself reflects these principles. The fund completed its first closing in January 2026 with four portfolio companies and targets a $50 million fund size with approximately 15 companies in its portfolio. The fund invests across the quantum technology stack, from hardware and components to applications and services.

Dor distinguishes between near-term and long-term value creation in quantum computing. In the near term, value will come primarily from hardware, core computers, and components as the industry operates in the NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) era. Applications must be ready to scale to high volume the moment quantum computers become powerful enough to run them. However, the companies that win in the short term may not be the same winners in the long term, as the industry matures and modularization increases.

Looking further ahead, Dor sees potential for different quantum modalities to emerge as winners once standardization and modularity improve. Companies with truly differentiated components that become essential across the stack could achieve significant value. Alternatively, vertical service providers that deliver complete solutions from hardware through software for specific industries, such as materials discovery or drug development, could also succeed if they build scalable, automated systems rather than relying on manual services.

The Israeli quantum ecosystem, where QBeat Ventures is based, represents a growing hub of innovation in this space. Dor's background in Israel's defense technology sector, including leadership roles in the 8200 unit of the Israeli Defense Forces, combined with her academic credentials in theoretical computer science and algorithms, positions her to identify quantum opportunities that others might overlook. This deep technical and entrepreneurial foundation informs QBeat's investment thesis and portfolio strategy.

For quantum entrepreneurs, the message is clear: passion for solving hard problems and technical expertise are necessary but insufficient. Companies must pair innovation with disciplined go-to-market execution, strategic focus, and respect for industry standards. By learning from cybersecurity's evolution, quantum startups can avoid common pitfalls and build sustainable, scalable businesses in this emerging frontier.