# Alan Matthews

> Alan Matthews is a software entrepreneur and Rapid7 co-founder who served as CEO from April 2004 to July 2009 and chairman from July 2008 to June 2018. His earlier work included IBM operating systems, computer graphics at HBO/Time Warner, and financial software. In his public essays he connects company growth with trust, disciplined teamwork, and creating opportunity for employees.

- **Role:** Software entrepreneur, programmer, and former technology executive
- **Organizations:** Rapid7, Core31, IBM, HBO/Time Warner, First Boston, Merrill Lynch, People Making a Difference
- **Education:** Hurstpierpoint College
- **Known for:** Co-founded Rapid7 in July 2000., Led Rapid7 as CEO from April 2004 to July 2009., Chaired Rapid7 through its 2015 Nasdaq IPO.

## Career timeline

- **1976-1979** — Programmer and designer working on IBM’s VM operating system in the United Kingdom.
- **1980** — Emigrated from the United Kingdom to New York, according to his January 2015 essay.
- **—** — Developed a computer graphics lab at HBO/Time Warner; developed mortgage-backed securities software at First Boston; consulted to Merrill Lynch’s investment banking group.
- **2000-07** — Co-founded Rapid7.
- **2004-04 to 2009-07** — Served as Rapid7 CEO.
- **2006-2012** — Lists volunteer service with People Making a Difference.
- **2008-07 to 2018-06** — Served as Rapid7 board chairman.
- **2014-12** — Published Creating Wealth by building Belief.
- **2015-07** — Rapid7 went public while Matthews was chairman.
- **2016-10** — Published an essay on trust, honesty, respect, and investment in hiring.
- **2018-06-12** — Board service ended after he chose not to stand for re-election.
- **2022-08** — Published How I became a man, an essay about entrepreneurship and team building.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Rapid7 in July 2000.
- Led Rapid7 as CEO from April 2004 to July 2009.
- Chaired Rapid7 through its 2015 Nasdaq IPO.
- Self-reports starting fifteen companies over thirty-five years.

## Latest updates

- **—** — A public LinkedIn post visible on October 20, 2026 announces a planned move from Miami Beach to Uruguay; its exact publication date and completion of the move were not verified.
- **2022-08** — Published How I became a man, revisiting his approach to growth, character, and teamwork.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rapid7

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/alan-matthews
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20