Founded by the creator of the Javascript programming language and co-founder/former CEO of Mozilla, Brave provides a free, open-source web browser that blocks third-party ads and trackers. Additionally, the browser enables users to cloak internet browsing activity and bypass content restrictions by providing the ability to route internet traffic through the Tor network (a series of volunteer-operated relays that bounces internet user traffic, making it hard to identify the source of the traffic).
Even though Brave natively blocks advertisements, it will not apply to tracker-less advertisements in a bid to not deprive creators/publishers of their revenue. The browser places non-targeted ads instead and rewards its users using the Basic Attention Token (BAT), its own cryptocurrency, for viewing the ad. The user can either withdraw the BATs or use them to support publishers of their choice from a list of publishers registered with Brave.
In March 2021, Brave acquired Tailcat, an open-source private search engine, for an undisclosed amount. Tailcat’s search engine is built on top of an independent index that can deliver relevant search results without collecting user IP addresses or any other personally identifiable information. Tailcat’s technology was to be the foundation for Brave’s search engine, which the company aimed to make available by the summer of 2021.
Key customers and partnerships
As of August 2024, Brave had nearly 70 million monthly active users, with over 1.8 million verified creators registered on its platform.
The company partnered with Solana in November 2021 to bring cross-wallet support and Solana-native apps to its users.
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