quantum

A nine-panel SMBC comic. An investor seated at a desk asks a red-haired founder, 'Why should I fund your startup?' The founder proudly announces, 'I've created a compact quantum computer!' and adds, 'It can factor larger numbers than any machine made by IBM.' The investor asks, 'What's the catch?' The founder admits, 'It's only a quantum computer in the sense that it's made of atoms having interactions,' then holds up a laptop and explains, 'Those interactions are currently running a detailed simulation of this slightly damaged MacBook.' The investor says, 'So...' The founder grins and delivers the real pitch: 'For an investment of just ten million dollars, I can convince a dumber, richer person to put even more money in before you cash out.' Won over, the investor extends his hand and says, 'May I shake your hand, young man?' The joke: the 'quantum computer' is meaningless jargon, but the actual product is a greater-fool investment scheme, and that's what impresses the investor. Votey (bonus panel): a contented close-up of a man's face as an off-panel voice asks, 'May I interest you in some mortgage-backed securities?'—extending the gag to financial scams more broadly.