Moth Expands Into The US With Senior Hires From Amazon And IBM to Accelerate Growth

Insider Brief

• UK-based quantum company Moth is expanding into the U.S. with two senior hires and a new office aimed at accelerating North American growth.
• The company appointed Sebastian Hassinger (business development) and Stewart Smith (product), both bringing experience from major technology firms including Amazon and IBM.
• Moth is positioning itself around real-world, accessible quantum applications, with projects in media and entertainment signaling a shift from lab-based research to consumer-facing use cases.

PRESS RELEASE — UK-based quantum technology company Moth has announced two senior hires as it expands its operations in the United States, marking a significant step in its mission to make quantum computing accessible to businesses and consumers.

The company has appointed Sebastian Hassinger as Head of Business Development and Stewart Smith as Head of Product. Both will be based at Moth’s new US office at New Lab, which will serve as a strategic hub for growth across North America.

The hires strengthen the company’s credibility in the global market, as both bring experience from leading technology organisations Amazon and IBM.

The appointments bolster an already strong and diverse team, reinforcing Moth’s position as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the UK technology sector.

Moth is pioneering a new approach to quantum computing-moving it beyond theory and the lab into real-world applications. Over the past 18 months, the company has demonstrated working quantum-powered software through projects such as Recurse and its Space Moths computer game, signalling a major shift in how quantum technology can be used in media, entertainment and creative industries.

Sebastian Hassinger brings experience from the forefront of emerging technologies. His career spans the early commercialisation of the internet through to quantum computing, with senior roles at IBM Quantum and Amazon’s quantum technologies team. He has built foundational technologies including Apple’s first customer support website and IBM’s early internet systems management tools, and holds multiple patents. He is a seasoned consultant in quantum computing and market analysis, and has co-hosted some of the sector’s leading podcasts.

Stewart Smith brings a unique blend of creativity and technology from his experience at Unity, Google, and Amazon. A Yale-trained designer and founder of quantum creativity platform Parq, Smith has worked at the intersection of AI, advanced computing and art. His work has been exhibited globally, including at MoMA and the Venice Biennale, and he has collaborated on cutting-edge projects including visualising artificial intelligence in orbit with Google Suncatcher. His appointment reflects Moth’s ambition to redefine how quantum technology is experienced and used.

Moth CEO Sean Harpur, said:  “We’re delighted that Sebastian and Stewart have joined Moth. They both excel in their fields and bring enormous expertise, industry experience and new thinking to our growing enterprise. As we expand into the US, their experience and perspective will be invaluable in helping us scale and deliver on our vision.”

Speaking about his new role Sebastian Hassinger, said: “I’m really excited to be joining a team that’s ahead of the curve in the delivery of a viable quantum computing value proposition. Moth has taken quantum out of the lab and into the real world – that’s what makes this opportunity so exciting.”

Stewart Smith, said: “For years I’ve been excited by the idea of making quantum computing accessible to everyone. Moth takes that interest and elevates it to another level entirely; challenging me to do the best work of my career by making that dream of quantum accessibility not just a reality – but a fun reality.”

The US expansion is a key milestone in Moth’s growth, with the New Lab office operating as a strategic centre rather than a traditional startup outpost. 

While still a relatively young business, Moth is rapidly establishing itself as a standout player in the UK tech ecosystem breaking new ground in quantum computing and developing software that brings its potential into practical, real-world use.

By focusing on accessible, application-driven quantum technology, Moth is aiming to become one of the first companies to deliver quantum-powered tools that are actively used by businesses and consumers – unlocking new possibilities across industries, particularly in media and entertainment.