Journey from the Israeli Navy to Nasdaq CEO - Yaki Baranes | Seth Farbman's Podcast

Most people hear "quantum" and think it's years away. Yaki Barnes disagrees. As CEO of Nasdaq-listed Quantum X Labs, he's building quantum computers, quantum navigation systems, and quantum sensing technology that are already moving from the lab toward commercial applications. In this episode, we break down what quantum technology actually is, why companies like IBM, Google, Amazon, and Nvidia are investing billions into it, and how quantum navigation could replace GPS in industries where accuracy and security are mission-critical. Yaki also shares his journey from serving as an officer in the Israeli Navy to helping take multiple companies public on Nasdaq, and explains the leadership lessons that shaped his approach to building one of the industry's most ambitious quantum companies. Whether you're an investor, founder, or simply curious about where technology is headed next, this conversation offers a practical look at one of the most exciting fields in innovation. Guests featured in the Episode: Yaki Baranes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaki-baranes-5a71b059/ Chapters 00:00 Trailer 00:50 Building a Nasdaq-Listed Quantum Company 06:26 Why Great CEOs Need Smarter Teams 08:05 Leadership Lessons from the Israeli Navy 11:58 The Career Path to Becoming a Quantum CEO 13:50 The Technology That Could Replace GPS 18:56 The Secret Behind Quantum X Labs' Advantage 21:47 IPO or Reverse Merger? Why They Chose Nasdaq 24:07 The Biggest Mistake Founders Make Before Going Public 26:10 The Future of Quantum Technology Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1