About

Meet the team

Riverlane builds ground-breaking software to unleash the power of quantum computers

Transformational quantum software

Our software transforms quantum computers from experimental technology into commercial products. We tease the highest possible performance out of quantum software to reach quantum advantage sooner. By making Riverlane’s software portable across technologies, early adopters don’t need to choose which technology to pursue.

Solving the problems that matter

We go deep into the stack so that our hardware partners can focus on the physics and build better full-stack solutions. We work with the chemical, pharmaceutical and materials industries to improve algorithms and specify early killer applications of quantum computers.

01

Our vision

To develop pioneering quantum software that gets to quantum advantage sooner and unleashes the power of quantum computers.

02

Our mission

To build an ultra-low latency quantum operating system that accelerates quantum-classical hybrid algorithms and facilitates hardware R&D; and, to develop algorithms making optimal use of the full quantum computing stack.

Leadership (3)

  • Steve Brierley CEO and Founder
    Steve Brierley

    Bio

    Steve founded Riverlane because he believes that bringing together pioneers in software, algorithms and architectures in one company is the only path to commercially useful quantum computers. His dream is to make quantum computers as transparent and well known as RaspberryPi.

    Steve is a global leader in the commercialisation of quantum computers and sits on the UK government’s Quantum Computing Expert Group. He spent almost a decade in the intelligence community and as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge leading major research projects in quantum computing.

    Steve holds a PhD in quantum information from the University of York. He is a big music fan and spent much of his youth playing the saxophone in jazz, funk and soul bands.

    Recent posts by Steve Brierley

  • Leonie Mueck Chief Product Officer
    Leonie Mueck

    Bio

    As Chief Product Officer, Leonie is responsible for building, commercialising and marketing Riverlane’s product lines. Leonie is passionate about helping Riverlane’s customers move quickly and easily to quantum advantage.

    Leonie brings eight years’ experience in quantum technologies and business development, with a PhD in quantum chemistry from the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz in Germany. After her PhD, she held senior editorial roles at Nature andNature Communications where she was responsible for covering quantum computing and other topics in physics. An ardent supporter of Open Science, Leonie then joined PLOS ONE, building and leading a physical sciences and engineering division in a fast-paced management environment.

    Leonie is a huge supporter of diversity in STEM and serves on NumFOCUS’s diversity and inclusion committee. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the violin and spending time with her family.

    Recent posts by Leonie Mueck

  • Bek Simmons Chief Operating Officer
    Bek Simmons

    Bio

    Bek is responsible for building world-class teams and scaling company operations to enable Riverlane to reach its strategic goals. Bek enjoys supporting and empowering high-performing teams and has a supreme talent for driving work to completion.

    Bek has 15 years’ experience within leading health, research and higher education organisations. She co-founded THIS Institute, a £42m healthcare research institute at the University of Cambridge, building a team of 35 people in one year. Bek also has experience in fundraising and stakeholder management across a range of sectors and countries as Chief of Staff at the University of Cambridge.

    Bek holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the Open University. Outside of work, she runs, reads and plays a mean game of squash.

    Recent posts by Bek Simmons

Team (19)

  • Emma Bradshaw Executive Assistant
    Emma Bradshaw

    Bio

    Emma previously worked in the legal sector and has more recently managed PR for some local SMEs as part of a brand communications agency. She has professional administrative qualifications and has worked as an executive assistant for directors at a global tech consultancy firm. Emma achieved a first-class honours degree in English Literature at university. Emma lives in a cottage in the Cambridgeshire countryside, which she loves to explore in her spare time having grown up in the city centre. She also enjoys reading and crafting.

  • Ksenija Brankovic Senior Project Manager
    Ksenija Brankovic

    Bio

    Ksenija holds an MSc in Computer Engineering and Information Technology from the University of Belgrade. She has more than 15 years’ experience in Product Development of Distributed Control and Communication Intelligent Systems. Most recently, she worked in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) technology. Prior to that she was a System Architect and Product Development manager in the world of Small Cells and Mobile Network Infrastructure.
    Outside work, Ksenija does a bit of yoga, enjoys books, films, music and cooking for friends and family.

  • Anton Buyskikh Quantum Engineer
    Anton Buyskikh

    Bio

    After completing a PhD in theoretical physics Anton continued working on out-of-equilibrium simulations of quantum many-body systems with long-range interactions at the University of Strathclyde. Having always been interested in programming he focused on the development of research software, which brought him to Riverlane, where software development meets cutting edge research in quantum computing. In his spare time Anton enjoys playing sports and exploring the world.

  • Joan Camps Senior Quantum Scientist
    Joan Camps

    Bio

    Joan is a theoretical physicist with a PhD in General Relativity from the University of Barcelona (2010). Joan has conducted research in top universities within the UK, most recently on the interplay between quantum gravity, field theory and information science. This spurred his deep interest in quantum information, computation and technologies. Outside of work Joan loves spending time with his family. He also likes swimming, reading and listening to podcasts.

  • Ophelia Crawford Quantum Scientist
    Ophelia Crawford

    Bio

    Ophelia completed a PhD in Geophysics at the University of Cambridge, during which she gained expertise in numerical algorithms. At Riverlane, she is developing methods to reduce the resources required to perform calculations on quantum computers. Ophelia is also the lead PI on an Innovate UK Eureka grant, working with Canadian collaborators to enhance industrial productivity. Outside work, Ophelia enjoys cooking, knitting and doing crosswords.

  • James Cruise Principal Quantum Scientist
    James Cruise

    Bio

    James is a mathematician who works on the application of statistical and probabilistic techniques to real world systems. These include internet traffic modelling, social networks and most recently power systems. James completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge and has since held research positions at Bristol University and Heriot Watt University. Outside of work he enjoys playing board games and developing his skills as a weaver.

  • Amy Flower Communications Assistant
    Amy Flower

    Bio

    Amy started her career in the education sector before moving into events and community management within the Cambridge start-up world. With her extensive administration experience, she then joined Riverlane as Executive Assistant. Following the achievement of a first-class honours degree in English Language and Literature, she found her natural home in communications and is now Communications Assistant for Riverlane. Amy lives with her husband and two young daughters. She loves to read and is a huge podcast fan.

    Recent posts by Amy Flower

  • Marco Ghibaudi Senior FPGA and Embedded System Designer / Tech Lead
    Marco Ghibaudi

    Bio

    Marco is an FPGA expert with a PhD in Innovative technologies from CERN / ScuolaSuperiore Sant’Anna Pisa. As part of his PhD, he contributed to the design of the CERN ATLAS experiment back-end electronics and to the development of prototypes used in Automative, IOT and Fibre-optic Communications. In the past five years, Marco has worked in multinational companies specializing in Systems on Chip and Consumer Electronics. Outside work, Marco loves reading, boxing and baking.

  • Neil Gillespie Senior Quantum Scientist
    Neil Gillespie

    Bio

    Neil is a mathematician who is interested in applying the ideas and techniques from pure mathematics to real world scenarios. Most recently this has involved looking at packing problems in Euclidean space and their connection to physics. Neil completed his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Western Australis in 2011. After a post-doctoral position in Australia, he returned to the UK to join the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research as a research fellow, based at the University of Bristol. Outside of work Neil loves music, swimming, cycling and spending many, many hours playing monsters with his son.

  • Gianmarco Girau Senior FPGA and Embedded System Designer
    Gianmarco Girau

    Bio

    Gianmarco holds a PhD in Electronic and Communication Engineering from the Polytechnic of Turin. He has 15 years’ experience as an FPGA and Embedded Systems designer. Before joining Riverlane, he spent five years designing embedded logic for industrial manufacturing systems. Prior to that, he was a lead engineer on the development of the prototype for the current generation of deep-space modems at the European Space Agency’s ground stations. 

    Outside of work, he is a voracious reader and a lifelong learner on a wide range of subjects.

  • Nicole Holzmann Senior Quantum Scientist
    Nicole Holzmann

    Bio

    Nicole has a PhD in theoretical chemistry and has worked in different areas of computational chemistry from analyses of interactions in small complexes, photo excitation in anti-cancer drugs to mechanisms in large membrane protein systems. At Riverlane and together with Astex Pharmaceuticals, she works on designing covalent enzyme inhibitors using quantum computing technology. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys Canne de Combat (French Cane), sewing and games.

  • Alex Moylett Quantum Scientist
    Alex Moylett

    Bio

    Alex completed a PhD in Physics at the University of Bristol’s Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training, where they worked on how linear optical quantum computers are affected by photon imperfections. They have a range of experience in algorithms and software, having previously studied Computer Science at the University of Bristol and worked in various studentships across both industry and academia. Outside of work Alex enjoys running and playing music.

  • Tom Parks Quantum Engineer
    Tom Parks

    Bio

    Tom has a MPhil in computer science from the University of Cambridge, where they investigated quantum simulation methods using novel classical hardware architectures. Tom also holds a BSc in Theoretical Physics from Royal Holloway, University of London and has worked as a software developer in a variety of research fields including fusion energy and microscopy. Outside work, Tom enjoys hill walking and photography.

    Recent posts by Tom Parks

  • Andrew Patterson PhD Intern
    Andrew Patterson

    Bio

    Andrew is a PhD student in Quantum Computing. He is interested in researching quantum algorithms for near-term quantum devices, and getting the most out devices with low numbers of qubits and noisy results. He completed his MSci at UCL and is currently doing his PhD there also. Outside of his research Andrew enjoys cycling and watching football.

  • Dave Plant, FRSC Principal Quantum Scientist
    Dave Plant, FRSC

    Bio

    Dave joined Riverlane from one of the UK’s National Labs. As one of their youngest ever distinguished scientists, he spearheaded the deployment of computational chemistry at scale. Pioneering new methods and applications, Dave delivered a number of high-profile projects of national significance that resulted in cost savings to the UK government in the £10m’s.

  • Brendan Reid Quantum Scientist
    Brendan Reid

    Bio

    Brendan received his PhD in Quantum Information Theory from Queen’s University Belfast in 2018 where he focused on ultracold atomic dynamics and quantum thermodynamics with the application of quantum technologies in mind. With an interest in quantum computing, he completed a one year postdoctoral position at the University of Southern California designing algorithms to be implemented on the D-Wave 2X quantum annealer. Outside of work Brendan enjoys reading, exercising and exploring the local bars and restaurants.

  • Lisa Roberts Office & HR Manager
    Lisa Roberts

    Bio

    Lisa is a graduate from the University of Surrey with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. She has extensive experience as an Office, Facilities and Health & Safety Manager and has previously worked within the Semi-Conductor and FinTech industry. Lisa also has experience in HR administration and is actively deepening her knowledge in this area. Outside work Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new walks with her dog. She also loves quizzes, both participating in them and creating them.

  • Robin Sterling Quantum Engineer
    Robin Sterling

    Bio

    Robin completed a PhD in ion trap quantum computing, designing and operating the first microfabricated 2D ion trap lattice. After his PhD he moved into embedded hardware and software development, working on a range of high-volume consumer products. In his spare time, Robin likes to work on a variety of electronics projects, cycle and play board games.

  • Dan Underwood Quantum Scientist
    Dan Underwood

    Bio

    Dan obtained a PhD in Physics from University College London, where he developed and used high-performance quantum chemistry methods to investigate the properties of atmospheric molecules. He has worked in a mixture of industrial and academic roles, most recently as a Research Associate in the Cambridge University Department of Computer Science and Technology. Outside work, Dan enjoys cycling, reading and music – though not all at the same time.

Board (5)

  • Amelia Armour Partner Amadeus Capital Partners
    Amelia Armour

    Bio

    Amelia is a Principal in the Early Stage Fund at Amadeus Capital Partners with an investment focus of autonomous systems, AI and machine learning, cloud computing, digital health and medical technology.

    As well as sitting on the board of Riverlane she is Director at other technology companies including Paragraf, delivering the capabilities of graphene to the real world; Immense Simulations, an intelligent mobility enabling software company andSLAMcore, a spin-out from Imperial College, developing spatial intelligence for autonomous robotics and drones.

    Amelia holds a BSc in Chemistry and Biology from Durham University and is a mentor on the Judge Business School’s Accelerate Programme.

  • Carol Cheung Principal Cambridge Innovation Capital
    Carol Cheung

    Bio

    Carol is a Principal focusing on a range of technology investments.

    Prior to joining CIC she worked in a variety of roles at several UK-based early stage tech companies, most recently as Commercial Director of Speechmatics, a Cambridge-based speech recognition start-up. She has a background in financial analysis gained from working in both the UK and Canada. She holds a B. Comm from the University of Toronto, gained an MBA from the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School and is a CFA charterholder.

    Carol manages CIC’s investment in Cytora and Geospock.

  • Hermann Hauser Director Amadeus Capital Partners
    Hermann Hauser

    Bio

    In 2015 Hermann was awarded an KBE for services to Engineering and Industry.

    Serial Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners, Dr Hermann Hauser KBE has wide experience in developing and financing companies in the information technology sector. He co-founded a number of high-tech companies including Acorn Computers which spun out ARM, E-trade UK, Virata and Cambridge Network. Subsequently Hermann became vice president of research at Olivetti. During his tenure at Olivetti, he established a global network of research laboratories. Since leaving Olivetti, Hermann has founded over 20 technology companies. In 1997, he co-founded Amadeus Capital Partners. At Amadeus he invested in CSR, Solexa, Icera, Xmos and Cambridge Broadband.

    Hermann is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the Royal Academy of Engineering, as well as an Honorary Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. In 2001 he was awarded an Honorary CBE for ‘innovative service to the UK enterprise sector’. In 2004 he was made a member of the Government’s Council for Science and Technology and in 2013 he was made a Distinguished Fellow of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

    Hermann has honorary doctorates from the Universities of Loughborough, Bath, Anglia Ruskin, Strathclyde, Glasgow and York.

  • Dr Elaine Loukes Investment Director Cambridge Enterprise
    Dr Elaine Loukes

    Bio

    Elaine is an Investment Director in the Seed Funds team, focusing on spin-out opportunities emerging from the physical sciences.

    Since joining Cambridge Enterprise, she has spun-out nine new companies and worked on several follow-on funding rounds. She has held many director positions and currently sits on the boards of PervasID, Intellegens, Sorex, Xampla and CB2Tech as well as being an observer of AudioTelligence and Riverlane.

    She has extensive experience in all stages of the investment process including due diligence, financial modelling, deal negotiation and investment management.

    Elaine has worked in early-stage tech investing since 2001. At Dresdner Kleinwort Capital, she sourced new investment opportunities and managed the direct-investment portfolio for early-stage tech deals as well as leading on a £2bn fund of funds secondary sale. At PUK Ventures she focused on early-stage tech opportunities emerging from the public sector and UK universities.

    Elaine has a BSc in Laser Physics and Optoelectronics (University of Strathclyde), a PhD in Physics (Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton) and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) in 2000.

    Elaine Joined Cambridge Enterprise in December 2015.

  • Andrew Williamson Managing Partner Cambridge Innovation Capital
    Andrew Williamson

    Bio

    Andrew Williamson is the Managing Partner and specialises in technology investments.

    He has hands on experience of building technology businesses, coupled with a venture investing background and an understanding of Cambridge and its academic institutes.

    Prior to joining CIC, he was at True North Venture Partners in Chicago where he was a partner in its $300 million venture fund. Before this Andrew spent ten years leading materials science and semiconductor research in US government research laboratories, followed by managing director positions at venture capital funds Physic Ventures in San Francisco and MalibuIQ in Los Angeles.

    Andrew studied at the University of Cambridge as both an undergraduate and a graduate, receiving an MA in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Physics. He also holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

    Andrew manages CIC’s investments in Audio Analytic, AudioTelligence, Imagen, Origami Energy, PervasID, PragmatIC, Prowler.io, Riverlane, Swim.ai and Undo.

Trusted by

  • Universal Quantum
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Bristol
  • JM
  • Oxford Ionics
  • Seeqc
  • OQC
  • Hitachi
  • NPL
  • arm
  • astex

Recent Posts

In the press 07 Sep, 2020

Riverlane featured in The Times

Amy Flower, Communications Assistant

Riverlane featured in The Times
In the press 01 Sep, 2020

Riverlane featured in The Telegraph

Amy Flower, Communications Assistant

Riverlane featured in The Telegraph
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