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.

Building (and leaving) a tech startup

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 I founded so that I pursue new things in life.

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.

• Road to Tokyo

Metaphysics and interests

Metaphysics
I’m forever curious about the fundamental nature of reality. I lean to idealist views that reality — and perhaps even mathematics and science as we know them — don’t exist with consciousness.

Science fiction
I love books and films with stories created from tweaks to the physics we see around us. Favourite book: God Emperor of Dune. Favour film: The Matrix.

Teaching English
I am a CELTA (Cambridge) qualified English language teacher and teach students of different ages and backgrounds for conversational, academic, or any other reason.

Surfing
When I’m not doing any of the above, I could be surfing. I was fortunate to grow up near the sea and have loved the water ever since.