Hugh & Marcus
Who we are
Hugh Taylor
I grew up on a small farm in Breadalbane, Australia, with three brothers. Summers were spent chasing yabbies in the dam, fixing fences, and helping out the farmhands. I also lived in Indonesia and Singapore for a few years, which taught me how to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds. As the second of four boys, I learned to stand up for myself early.
I studied Mechanical Engineering and Economics at Sydney University and joined a brain-mapping startup called Omniscient as the first employee. I did a bit of everything—found office space, built the team, wrote code, led research—and helped grow the business to a $400M valuation. I spent three years there, filed a few patents, and led a team of scientists doing cutting-edge neuroscience work.
What I enjoyed most was building something meaningful with people I trusted. That’s what brought me to Harvard Business School—to explore how I could do that again in a new way, and eventually build something of my own.
Outside of work, I love skiing, still play the odd game of rugby, and recently got my skydiving license in Utah. As you can see below, I also enjoy beating Marcus at fly-fishing.
Marcus Ringer
I grew up in England, where my dad ran a small real estate business. He never missed a school event and always found time for adventures with the family. It showed me that running your own business could be both meaningful and freeing—and planted the seed for wanting to build something myself one day.
At Durham University, I studied Humanities and stayed busy outside the classroom—captaining the hockey team, boxing competitively, and, like any good Brit, spending plenty of time with friends in the pub.
I spent several years in the UK Diplomatic Service, focused on counterterrorism, military risk, and cyber threats—often in partnership with American teams. It was demanding work, but I loved the pressure, the collaboration, and the chance to help solve real problems in tough environments.
Later on, I went to Harvard Business School to figure out how I could build something of my own—something grounded, resourceful, and built to last, like my dad’s business.
Outside of work, I’m into trail running, film photography, and planning trips that usually involve long walks and questionable transport.
