rob whitehead
I build technology for virtual worlds. Co-founder of Improbable, where I helped create SpatialOS; now CEO of MSquared and working on Somnia, a layer-1 chain fast enough for fully onchain games. I got my start at 14 as a virtual arms dealer in Second Life, then studied computer science at Cambridge.
writing
all posts →projects
- Somniablockchain · EVM · distributed systems
A layer-1 EVM blockchain built for real-time, fully onchain applications — games, social, finance. Launched mainnet and the SOMI token in September 2025 after a testnet that processed over 10 billion transactions, peaking at 1.9 billion in a single day.
- MSquaredmetaverse · infrastructure
Infrastructure for interoperable virtual worlds — think AWS for the metaverse. Thousands of concurrent users in a shared space, with portable characters and inventory. Powers live events like MLB's Virtual Ballpark and K-pop listening parties. Founded out of Improbable; I lead it as CEO.
- Improbablesimulation · distributed systems · gaming
Co-founded in 2012 out of Cambridge. Built SpatialOS, a distributed operating system that stitches a cluster of cloud machines into one giant simulation engine — it powered games like Worlds Adrift (Bossa), Scavengers (Midwinter), Nostos (NetEase) and Seed (Klang).
- MashAI · 3D · creator economy
A collaborative, AI-powered 'Wikipedia for 3D assets' from MSquared — photograph anything and turn it into a shared virtual object, with quality rankings and micro-royalties for creators. Beta launched November 2025.