Luke Mulks is a technology and privacy advocate focused on digital advertising, browser technology, and decentralized systems. He currently serves as Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software and hosts The Brave Technologist podcast. ^[6]

Education

Mulks graduated from Silicon Valley College with an AA in Graphic Design in 2002. ^[7]

Career

Mulks began his career at C&T Publishing, where he advanced from warehouse and production roles to managing the company’s photography and media services. From 2004 to 2007, he founded and operated LM Digital, a small publishing company focused on original print titles. In the following years, he launched Pure Productions, a multimedia services company, and Quilter’s Choice Network, a content site catering to niche audiences. He also served on the board of the Help for Senegal Foundation, supporting initiatives that promote web access and education.

In 2011, Mulks joined OAO, a digital ad services firm, where he held operations and product roles until the end of 2016, managing the deployment of ad campaigns and product integration. He joined Brave Software in late 2016 as a senior ad tech specialist. He was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2018, where he focused on privacy-centric advertising and blockchain-based attention models. Since 2021, he has served as Vice President of Business Operations at Brave, overseeing strategic and operational initiatives across the company. He also hosts The Brave Technologist, Brave Software’s technology podcast. ^{[1] [8]}

The Brave Technologist Podcast

The Brave Technologist is a podcast that explores how emerging technologies affect society, emphasizing real-world impact over industry hype. As the host, Mulks leads conversations centered on the ways technology is reshaping society. The podcast's mission is to explore how innovation can serve the public interest by putting users at the center of the discussion, a contrast to narratives that often focus on industry hype. Episodes feature guests from various fields, including privacy, AI, cryptocurrency, and digital rights, to examine the real-world impact of new technologies. ^[1]

Interviews

Cybersecurity and Automation

In a July 2025 episode of The Brave Technologist, host Mulks spoke with cybersecurity and AI automation expert Angel Menendez about the evolution of cybersecurity tools and the growing role of automation. Menendez shared his early interest in technology, shaped by his father’s enthusiasm for computers, and his shift from web design to cybersecurity. He discussed challenges such as excessive noise in cybersecurity processes and how automation and AI can address these inefficiencies. Drawing on his work at various firms, he explained how automated workflows have enhanced efficiency and reduced manual tasks. The conversation explored how AI tools can support both seasoned professionals and newcomers, while Menendez emphasized the importance of community-driven development and understanding the technology underlying cybersecurity systems. ^[4]

Privacy in Digital Advertising

In August 2024, The Cocktail Content Hour podcast discussed the future of privacy in technology with Mulks. He addressed the increasing concerns surrounding user privacy amid the growth of digital advertising. He highlighted how many products are initially set up to share user data without consent and emphasized the importance of consumers being aware of the flow of their information. Mulks shared his journey with Brave, which began as a privacy-focused browser designed to protect user data by blocking third-party ads and trackers. He explained that Brave's unique approach aimed to shift advertising practices by prioritizing user privacy while still enabling effective ad targeting through on-device algorithms. The conversation also touched upon the broader implications of emerging technologies such as crypto and AI on privacy and digital advertising frameworks, proposing that new models could better align user interests with commercial objectives. Ultimately, Mulks advocated for mindful consumer behavior, encouraging individuals to adopt privacy-centric tools and practices. ^[2]

Brave & BAT

In an October 2021 interview with the Thinking Crypto podcast, Mulks shared insights about his career journey, the development of the Basic Attention Token (BAT), and Brave's innovative features. Having grown up in California, Mulks transitioned from the advertising sector to Brave in 2016, where he contributed to writing the BAT whitepaper. He highlighted how Brave aims to provide a user-first browser that prioritizes privacy while rewarding users for their attention through BAT. As of his interview, the platform had over 38 million monthly active users and 1.2 million content creators accepting BAT. He discussed recent product launches, including Brave Talk, a secure video conferencing tool, and Brave Search, which aims to offer users an independent search engine. Mulks expressed optimism about the growing crypto market and the regulatory landscape, emphasizing the importance of user empowerment and innovation in the space. ^[5]

Brave's Development and Vision

In March 2021, Mulks joined Scott Cunningham on the Crypto & Things podcast. He provided insights into the company's evolution and its mission to prioritize user privacy in the digital advertising landscape. He shared his journey with Brave, which began in 2016, highlighting the advancements made since their last interview in 2019, including the introduction of the Basic Attention Token (BAT) and various features aimed at enhancing user experience while maintaining privacy. Mulks explained how Brave's privacy-focused approach enables users to view ads without compromising their data, a unique feature not found in the traditional advertising model dominated by major tech companies. He also discussed Brave's growth, user engagement, and future projects, including potential partnerships and the development of a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) that could further integrate BAT into everyday transactions. The conversation concluded with Mulks expressing optimism about Brave's role in the evolving landscape of privacy and digital economy, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and user-centered solutions. ^[3]