Rich Robinson's journey through the world of business and technology is nothing short of remarkable. With over two decades of experience, he has established himself as a visionary leader and an influential figure in the tech industry.
Rich's career has spanned various eras of the internet, making him a true pioneer. He started his journey during the early days of the internet, commonly referred to as Web 1.0 (1995-2005), during which he witnessed the emergence of the digital era. As the internet evolved into Web 2.0 (2005-2020), Rich was at the forefront of the "Read/Write" era, actively contributing to the development of interactive online platforms.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, Rich recognized the potential of mobile services (from 2000 to the present) and played a significant role in shaping this domain. His deep understanding of mobile technology and consumer behavior allowed him to thrive in an era defined by the rapid adoption of smartphones and mobile applications.
As the tech landscape continued to evolve, Rich Robinson embraced the concept of Web3 (from 2020 to the present), a paradigm shift that encompasses not only reading and writing on the internet but also ownership and earning potential. In his role as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Animoca Brands, Rich is dedicated to empowering users to leverage digital assets within blockchain games and metaverses, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the digital realm.
Rich's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his extensive portfolio. He has been involved in the founding and leadership of eight startups, where he played pivotal roles as a co-founder or senior executive. Beyond that, he has contributed his expertise to dozens of other ventures as an investor, board member, advisor, or mentor, collaborating with renowned organizations such as HAX, Chinaccelerator, and 500 Startups.
Notably, Rich's career path has seen both triumphs and challenges. He initially rose through the ranks as a senior executive at three companies, overseeing their transformation from private entities to publicly listed firms. Subsequently, he took the bold step of founding five companies, with three achieving successful exits to publicly listed companies, while two faced the inherent risks of entrepreneurship.
Education and knowledge-sharing have always been close to Rich's heart. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at Peking University's Guanghua International MBA program in China, where he imparts valuable entrepreneurial insights to future business leaders. His dedication to education extends globally, as he has taught and guest lectured at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Southern California, Technical University of Munich, and Erasmus University.
Rich Robinson is not just a tech enthusiast; he is an active participant in the global tech and startup ecosystem. His expertise and insights have made him a sought-after keynote speaker and event MC at prestigious tech conferences and events worldwide, including Web Summit Lisbon & Dublin, TechCrunch Beijing, GMIC Beijing & Silicon Valley, Rise Hong Kong, and TechInAsia Singapore & Jakarta.
Hailing from Greater Boston, Rich's journey has taken him far from home. He pursued his education at USC in Los Angeles and Cambridge University in the UK. After completing his studies, he embarked on a globe-trotting adventure, working in diverse roles, from bartending in the Virgin Islands to teaching English in post-revolution Prague, and even laboring as a house painter in Norway. His travels took him on an unforgettable overland journey from Switzerland to Hong Kong via Beijing on the Trans-Siberian route in 1993, sparking his deep connection with China.
Rich's passion for technology was ignited during his MBA studies at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands from 1994 to 1996, where he discovered the immense potential of the internet.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Rich engages in creative endeavors to exercise his creative muse. He is a prolific children's book author, dedicating the proceeds to charitable causes. Additionally, he produces and hosts stand-up comedy shows across Asia, featuring top comedians like Jim Gaffigan.
Currently based in Bali, Indonesia, known as the "Island of the Gods," Rich enjoys life with his entrepreneurial wife and their three children, all proudly "Made in China." He is a perpetual student, continuously expanding his language skills by learning Mandarin and Bahasa, further enriching his global perspective. Rich Robinson's journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of creative endeavors.
September 2023, CryptoniteUae