Rich Vibert

“Time does not count itself. You have only to look at a circle and this is apparent.”^{—Leto II, Children of Dune}

I am curious about the nature of time and its connection to consciousness. I believe that philosophical and scientific insights we have long sort after may be hidden in the subtle mathematics of quantum mechanics, general relativity, and number theory.I studied my master’s degree in mathematics from King’s College London and then founded a technology company which I grew and led for seven years.Currently, in 2025, I am riding a motorcycle from the UK to Japan with my partner before I pursue a new path in life.

Leaving the world of tech

For ten years I worked in technology startups, including starting and leading my own company as CEO for seven years in London. I raised $26m in venture capital funding and built a team of 50 people. In 2025 I stepped away from the company so I could spend more time doing the things I love, including thinking about why we exist in the first place.

Riding a motorcycle from UK to Japan

Whilst between different life pursuits, I began a six month journey travelling from the UK to Japan on a motorcycle with my partner. We plan to pass through over twenty countries, all overland.

Philosophy, metaphysics and time

Humans are naturally drawn to the question: Why are we here? I am particularly driven by this mystery—perhaps to an obsessive degree. But rather than confronting it as a monolithic question, I focus on isolated elements that may yield insight. The element that most captivates me is time.Time is typically visualised using clocks, planetary cycles, biological aging, or the variable t in physics equations. These representations serve well for practical purposes, but there are still many unanswered questions.

My working hypothesis is that time is not merely a parameter we measure, but something that is fundamentally linked to consciousness. Time is not only calculated—it is lived. This leads me to explore several conceptual domains that may help unravel the nature of time as both a physical and phenomenological entity.

Other interests

Teaching English
I am a CELTA (Cambridge) qualified English language teacher and teach students of different ages and backgrounds.

Sci fi
I love books and films that can create stories with tweaks to the physics we understand. Favourite book: God Emperor of Dune; Favourite film: The Matrix.

Cats
Balance, stealth, patience, and cleanliness… What’s not to love? I have always had cats in my life I hope that continues.

Surfing
I grew up on a small island called Jersey and have loved surfing since a very early age (although my skill level might not show it).

Architecture
Specifically of homes. I’m fascinated by the design concepts of the shelters within which some of our strongest memories are created.