By Nathan Allen 
 

BASF SE (BAS.XE) said Wednesday that its venture-capital arm has invested in quantum-computing startup Zapata Computing, Inc.'s series A funding round.

Cambridge, Mass.-based Zapata is developing a software platform that will allow companies to harness quantum-computing hardware to crunch vast amounts of data.

"Quantum computing will enable BASF experts to very efficiently investigate complex questions and it will further shorten the time it takes to launch new products," BASF said.

Zapata said it raised $21 million through the financing, which was led by Comcast Corp.'s (CMCSA) Comcast Ventures.

BASF didn't disclose the size of its investment.

Write to Nathan Allen at nathan.allen@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 17, 2019 10:14 ET (14:14 GMT)