William Hurley "whurley" is founder and CEO of Strangeworks, a quantum computing startup based in Austin, Texas. Whurley’s career has spanned over 25 years, founding startups such as Honest Dollar and Chaotic Moon Studios, as well as working in technical leadership roles for Apple, IBM, and Goldman Sachs. Prior to founding Strangeworks, Whurley was managing director at Goldman Sachs which he came to through the acquisition of Honest Dollar; a fintech startup that offers a retirement savings platform that simplifies and brings transparency to the investment products available for a range of consumers.

Whurley is dedicated to fostering collaboration and establishing unified metrics and standards across the quantum computing community. He partnered with StackOverflow to create the world’s largest community of quantum computing developers, and currently serves as the Chair of the Quantum Standards Working Group at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is leading the development of the first quantum computing standards, PAR7130 “Standard for Quantum Computing Definitions” and PAR 7131 “Standard for Quantum Computing Performance Metrics for Performance Benchmarking”.

Whurley is committed to making quantum computing more accessible and improving quantum literacy. His latest book, "Quantum Computing For Babies," offers simple explanations of quantum computing for the youngest audiences and is one of the best selling books on quantum computing. His upcoming book, Endless Impossibilities, continues his mission of improving quantum computing literacy and helps readers understand the potential of quantum computing. Whurley is a regular contributor to TechCrunch and regularly speaks around the world on the potential power and impact of quantum computing and what quantum needs to succeed.

He has received numerous awards and recognitions including being named a 2018 Eisenhower Fellow, the 2012 International Genius Grant recipient, and an IBM Master Inventor. Whurley is an advocate and works on a range of issues he cares about, including diversity and equality. Whurley is a founding partner of UN Women; ‘EQUALS’: The Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age bringing together partners across sectors to bridge the gender gap in technology by championing equality of access, skills development, and career opportunities.