Nardo Manaloto: Quantum Computing & Beyond: Insights from Nardo Manaloto, Qubits Ventures

From the frontier of quantum computing to revolutionizing healthcare innovation, Nardo Monaloto’s journey is a deep dive into the future of technology and entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian interviews Nardo Monaloto — a seasoned technologist, investor, and mentor who has held pivotal roles at Kaiser Permanente, numerous startups, and now leads Cubits Ventures.

With a mission to accelerate the future of quantum technology and emerging tech startups, Nardo offers powerful insights into where the next tech revolutions are headed.

What We Explored with Nardo Manalac

Quantum Technology 101: Setting the Stage

Nardo explains the basics of quantum computing — from what “quantum” really means to how qubits, entanglement, and superposition can fundamentally change the way we solve complex problems like AI, drug discovery, logistics, and cybersecurity.

Inside the Quantum Investment Boom

We break down the $3.2B federal investment surge in U.S. quantum research, the global landscape where China is potentially investing upwards of $25B, and why over 33 countries are racing to master this transformative technology.

Healthcare Innovation and Catalyze

Drawing from his time leading innovation at Kaiser Permanente, Nardo shares how he transitioned from corporate innovation to founding Catalyze, a consultancy that helps startups, investors, and large enterprises embrace emerging technologies.

Building Cubits Ventures: A Quantum-Focused Fund

Nardo details why he launched Cubits Ventures, a pre-seed/seed fund investing across the quantum technology stack — from hardware components to quantum machine learning, hybrid applications, and secure cryptography — with an eye on bridging today’s classical systems to tomorrow’s quantum future.

Lessons for Startups Entering Emerging Tech

Nardo gives critical advice for founders:

• Understand enterprise procurement deeply.
• Don’t be intimidated by quantum — you don’t need to be a physicist to launch a quantum startup.
• Focus on execution, not just innovation.
• Look into licensing university IP to accelerate your product roadmap.

Key Takeaways

01:30 — Setting the stage: U.S. vs. global quantum investment race
04:00 — What quantum technology actually is, simplified for non-scientists
08:00 — Why quantum systems solve probabilistic problems better than classical computers
10:30 — Lessons from healthcare innovation at Kaiser Permanente
13:00 — Launching Catalyze: building an emerging tech innovation ecosystem
20:00 — The vision behind Cubits Ventures and Fund I
24:00 — Where quantum is already here (you’re using it in your Chrome browser and smartphone!)
30:00 — The importance of hybrid classical-quantum systems today
35:00 — What Nardo looks for in startup teams — coachability, early execution, and depth of talent
38:00 — Standout portfolio examples like Nix Labs and QC82
40:00 — Advice for founders: why the next frontier is bigger than AI

Final Thoughts

Nardo Monaloto’s journey from driving healthcare innovation to investing in the frontier of quantum technologies is a testament to what it means to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re passionate about deep tech, interested in understanding how quantum will reshape industries, or a founder navigating the complexities of enterprise sales, this conversation offers a masterclass in how to think strategically about the future of innovation.

If you believe AI has changed the world — quantum will change it again, even more dramatically.

Connect with Nardo Manalac

• LinkedIn: Nardo Manaloto
• Email: [email protected]