privacy-browser
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qikfox Cybersecurity Systems
qikfox Cybersecurity Systems is a San Mateo, California startup building what it calls the 'tool shed for a trustworthy Internet.' Founded in 2019 by serial entrepreneur Tarun Gaur after his mother lost money to an online scam, the company makes a privacy-first Smart Browser and Safe Search engine that deliver real-time scam and phishing protection, ad and tracker blocking, and biometric/PIN locks - without collecting browsing history or product analytics. qikfox claims to be the world's first browser to bake in both decentralized identity and quantum-resistant cryptography, and has since layered in an AI Copilot, 3D web, and knowledge-management features aimed at the emerging agentic web.
Brave
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
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.
Tarun Gaur
Tarun Gaur is the Founder and CEO of qikfox Cybersecurity Systems, a San Mateo-based startup building what it calls the world's first browser with integrated decentralized identity and quantum-resistant cryptography. With 24+ years spanning Microsoft, Deloitte, and HP - and one successful exit (Tringapps, 500 employees, acquired 2018) - Gaur launched qikfox in 2019 after his mother was scammed online. Backed by Tim Draper with $1.1M in seed funding, qikfox charges $180/year for an invite-only premium browser targeting everyday consumers who want safety, security, and privacy baked into the foundation - not bolted on as an afterthought.