Brave is a privacy-first technology company that makes a fast, open-source, Chromium-based web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. Founded in 2015 by JavaScript creator Brendan Eich and engineer Brian Bondy, Brave has grown into a full privacy suite: an independent search engine (Brave Search), a built-in AI assistant (Leo), a Web3 crypto wallet, a VPN, and an opt-in advertising model powered by the Basic Attention Token (BAT) that pays users and creators. In 2025 the browser passed 100 million monthly active users.
Brian Brown is the Chief Business Officer of Brave Software, the privacy-first browser company founded by JavaScript creator Brendan Eich. Since 2016 he has led the business side of Brave's bet to rewire online advertising around consent and the Basic Attention Token (BAT), pitching publishers, brands, and platforms on a model where users get paid for their attention. A veteran startup operator, he co-founded and helped run cloud-computing pioneer Joyent (later acquired by Samsung), founded enterprise and software startups before that, and began his career in journalism and human rights work. He is a Vassar graduate and a marathon runner who likes to quote Aristotle when people ask him about success.