Herman Narula: Improbable Founder and Technology Leader

Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Business Blog Media Editorial Team

Introduction

Herman Narula is a British technology entrepreneur, computer scientist and author. He is best known as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Improbable, a British technology company that develops virtual-world systems and supports new technology businesses.

Narula co-founded Improbable with Rob Whitehead in 2012. The idea developed from their shared interest in computer science, multiplayer games and large digital environments while studying at the University of Cambridge.

As of July 2026, Herman Narula remains the CEO and co-founder of Improbable. The company now operates as a venture builder focused on artificial intelligence, Web3, blockchain and virtual-world technology.

Herman Narula Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full name	Herman Narula
Born	April 1988
Nationality	British
Profession	Technology entrepreneur, computer scientist and author
Known for	Co-founding Improbable
Current role	CEO and co-founder of Improbable
Company founded	Improbable
Year founded	2012
Co-founder	Rob Whitehead
Education	Computer Science
University	University of Cambridge
College	Girton College
Published book	Virtual Society
Main business areas	AI, Web3, blockchain and virtual worlds

Who Is Herman Narula?

Herman Narula is a technology entrepreneur who helped create Improbable, one of Britain’s best-known virtual-world technology companies.

Improbable first attracted attention for developing systems that could support large and complex digital environments. These environments could include many users, objects and events operating at the same time.

The company’s technology has been connected with gaming, entertainment, simulations, blockchain and online communities.

Narula is also an author and public speaker. His book, Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience, discusses how digital worlds may affect work, entertainment, communities and online ownership.

Early Life and Education

Herman Narula was born in India and moved to the United Kingdom during his childhood.

He later studied Computer Science at Girton College, which is part of the University of Cambridge. He entered Girton College in 2007.

During his university years, Narula met Rob Whitehead. They shared an interest in multiplayer games, distributed computing and virtual environments.

They wanted to understand how computer systems could support large digital worlds containing many people and constantly changing objects.

This shared interest eventually became the foundation of Improbable.

How Did Herman Narula Start Improbable?

Herman Narula and Rob Whitehead founded Improbable in 2012.

The founders believed that existing computer systems limited the size and complexity of online worlds. Their goal was to build technology that allowed several computers to work together to support one large digital environment.

In simple terms, Improbable wanted to make virtual worlds bigger, more detailed and more interactive.

Peter Lipka joined the business during its early development and helped lead its commercial and operational strategy.

The official Improbable company website explains that the business was created by Cambridge computer science students who wanted to develop advanced virtual worlds.

What Does Improbable Do?

Improbable is a British technology company and venture builder.

Its original work focused on software for large-scale multiplayer games and simulations. The company developed systems designed to support digital spaces where thousands of users could interact.

Its technology has been connected with:

• Multiplayer games
• Virtual concerts
• Online events
• Digital communities
• Business simulations
• Defence training
• Blockchain applications
• Artificial intelligence projects
• Virtual economies

Improbable has changed its business model over time.

It is no longer focused only on supplying technology to outside developers. The company now helps create, fund and support new businesses.

This model is known as venture building.

A venture builder may help with product development, recruitment, marketing, finance, technology and business strategy. It may also provide funding to help a new company grow.

Improbable’s Early Funding

Improbable attracted major investors during its early years.

In 2015, the company raised $20 million in an investment round led by Andreessen Horowitz. Horizons Ventures and Temasek also participated.

This investment helped Improbable continue developing and commercialising its technology.

A much larger funding round followed in 2017.

Improbable raised $502 million in a round led by SoftBank. This deal valued the company at more than $1 billion at the time.

The investment placed Improbable among the most valuable young technology companies created in Britain during that period.

SoftBank received a minority interest in the business, while Improbable continued operating independently.

Why Did Improbable Become Famous?

Improbable became famous because it was trying to solve a difficult computer-science problem.

Online games and digital worlds often have limits on how many players, characters and objects can appear in one environment.

As more users enter a digital world, computers must process more actions and information.

Improbable developed systems designed to spread this work across several computers. This could help digital environments become larger, more detailed and more responsive.

The company’s ambitious technology attracted attention from investors, developers and technology publications.

Its large funding rounds also helped establish Improbable as an important name in the British technology industry.

From Technology Platform to Venture Builder

Improbable’s business has changed considerably since it was founded.

The company first focused on simulation software and multiplayer technology. It later expanded into metaverse systems and blockchain-related projects.

In 2023, Improbable moved towards a venture-builder model.

Under this model, the company develops new business ideas, supports founders and provides technology and operational services.

Improbable may help a new venture with:

• Product development
• Engineering
• Legal services
• Financial planning
• Recruitment
• Marketing
• Business partnerships
• Fundraising

The company may keep an ownership interest in a new venture or sell its interest later.

This model allows Improbable to use its technology and business experience across several companies instead of relying on one main product.

Herman Narula’s Work With AI and Web3

Improbable is now increasing its focus on businesses that combine artificial intelligence and Web3.

Artificial intelligence allows computer systems to complete tasks that normally require human thinking, learning or decision-making.

Web3 is a broad term used for online platforms built with blockchain technology, digital assets and decentralised systems.

Improbable believes these technologies could be used together to create new digital communities, games, online economies and interactive experiences.

In February 2026, the company confirmed that it was strengthening its focus on AI and Web3 ventures.

Narula continues to lead this strategy as Improbable’s CEO.

What Is Somnia?

Somnia is a blockchain network connected with technology developed by Improbable.

It is described as a Layer 1 blockchain.

A Layer 1 blockchain is a main blockchain network on which applications and digital transactions can operate.

Somnia was designed to support fast and interactive decentralised applications. These applications may include digital communities, games, online economies and virtual-world services.

The Somnia main network launched in September 2025.

Improbable has said that future ventures may use Somnia as a technical foundation.

Is Herman Narula Still the CEO of Improbable?

Yes.

As of July 2026, Herman Narula remains the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Improbable.

The company continued to identify him as CEO and co-founder in its official announcements published during 2026.

UK company records also continued to list him as an active director of Improbable Worlds Limited.

Does Herman Narula Own Improbable?

Herman Narula has an important ownership and control position in Improbable.

UK company records list him as a person with significant control over Improbable Worlds Limited.

The public record states that he controls:

• More than 25% but no more than 50% of the company’s shares
• At least 75% of the voting rights
• The right to appoint or remove directors

Share ownership and voting control are not always the same.

A founder may own less than half of a company’s shares but still control a larger percentage of voting rights.

These official ownership ranges are more reliable than unsupported estimates found on celebrity wealth websites.

Herman Narula’s Book

Herman Narula wrote Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience.

The book discusses his ideas about the future of virtual worlds and online communities.

Narula argues that virtual spaces may become more than games or digital copies of real places.

He believes people may use virtual worlds to:

• Create businesses
• Attend events
• Build communities
• Work with international teams
• Own digital items
• Develop online identities
• Take part in shared experiences

The book also examines how virtual environments could influence culture, economics and human relationships.

Public Speaking

Herman Narula has appeared at major technology events, universities and public conferences.

One of his best-known appearances was his 2019 TED Talk, titled “The Transformative Power of Video Games.”

During the talk, Narula explained that video games can create meaningful communities and shared experiences.

He argued that virtual worlds may eventually support social and economic activity that goes far beyond entertainment.

Narula has also spoken at Cambridge events and international technology conferences.

His public talks often explore one major question: can digital worlds become meaningful places where people build relationships, organisations and economies?

Improbable’s Financial Journey

Improbable has raised large amounts of funding, but it has also faced the high costs connected with developing advanced technology.

The company reported a profit for 2023 after selling parts of its business.

However, independent reporting later showed that Improbable returned to a loss in 2024.

This does not automatically mean the company failed.

Deep-technology companies often spend large amounts of money on engineering, research and product development before their technology becomes widely profitable.

Narula has argued that building complex technology companies requires long-term investment and a willingness to accept risk.

The company has continued to report a strong cash position while developing new ventures.

Why Is Herman Narula Important in British Technology?

Herman Narula is important in British technology because he helped build one of the country’s most heavily funded technology start-ups.

His company worked on large digital environments before the word “metaverse” became common in mainstream business discussions.

Improbable’s journey also shows how technology businesses can change.

The company moved through several stages:

• Simulation software
• Multiplayer infrastructure
• Metaverse technology
• Blockchain development
• Venture building
• Artificial intelligence and Web3 projects

Narula has also helped bring public attention to questions about digital communities, virtual economies and the future of online interaction.

Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Herman Narula

Start With a Difficult Problem

Improbable was created to solve a complex computing challenge.

The founders did not start with a simple product that could be copied easily. They focused on technology that required years of research and development.

Turn Education Into Real Work

Narula used his computer-science knowledge to create a real company.

His story shows how university ideas can become practical products and businesses.

Be Ready to Change the Business Model

Improbable started as a technology platform.

It later moved into metaverse infrastructure, blockchain and venture building.

Companies sometimes need to change direction as markets and customer needs develop.

Funding Does Not Remove Risk

Improbable raised hundreds of millions of dollars.

However, large funding rounds do not guarantee easy success. Advanced technology remains expensive and difficult to build.

Combine Technical and Business Skills

A strong invention is only one part of creating a company.

Businesses also need leadership, recruitment, marketing, finance and customer support.

Narula and Whitehead provided technical direction, while Peter Lipka helped develop Improbable’s business operations.

Readers interested in other British technology entrepreneurs can also explore how Will Shu built Deliveroo and how Simon Beckerman created Depop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Herman Narula?

Herman Narula is a British technology entrepreneur, computer scientist and author. He is the co-founder and CEO of Improbable.

What is Herman Narula famous for?

He is famous for co-founding Improbable, a technology company known for large-scale virtual worlds, simulations and metaverse infrastructure.

When did Herman Narula start Improbable?

He co-founded Improbable with Rob Whitehead in 2012.

What did Herman Narula study?

He studied Computer Science at Girton College, University of Cambridge.

Is Herman Narula still the CEO of Improbable?

Yes. As of July 2026, he remains the company’s CEO and co-founder.

What does Improbable do?

Improbable creates and supports technology businesses connected with artificial intelligence, Web3, blockchain, simulations and virtual worlds.

Who founded Improbable?

Herman Narula and Rob Whitehead founded the company. Peter Lipka joined during its early development and helped lead its operational strategy.

What book did Herman Narula write?

He wrote Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience.

Does Herman Narula own Improbable?

He owns a significant interest in the company. Public UK records show that he owns more than 25% but no more than 50% of its shares.

Is Improbable only a gaming company?

No. Improbable has worked in gaming, but it now operates as a venture builder focused on AI, Web3, blockchain and virtual-world technology.

Conclusion

Herman Narula is the British technology entrepreneur who co-founded Improbable in 2012.

He started the company with Rob Whitehead after studying Computer Science at the University of Cambridge.

Their original goal was to create technology capable of supporting extremely large and detailed virtual worlds.

Improbable later attracted major international investors, including SoftBank and Andreessen Horowitz.

The business has changed considerably since its early years. It moved from simulation software to metaverse infrastructure, blockchain technology and venture building.

As of July 2026, Herman Narula remains Improbable’s CEO. He continues to guide the company as it develops businesses connected with artificial intelligence, Web3 and digital worlds.

His career shows how a university idea can grow into a major technology company. It also demonstrates why founders must continue learning, changing and finding practical uses for difficult inventions.