Hello, I'm Mike Prasad.

Despite refusing to call himself a social media expert, guru or thought leader, Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur Mike Prasad has continuously innovated in the application of social platforms, digital media, technology, branding and marketing to drive core business growth in multiple markets. Early on, Mike became one of the youngest CTO’s of a publicly traded company and was called a “twentysomething social networking and branding wunderkind” by Los Angeles Times.

Best known for his key role in creating and launching the industry-changing twittering food truck Kogi BBQ, Mike has pioneered landmark work in brands engaging passionate niche audiences and social media marketing on multiple platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and more. Case studies of his work on Kogi BBQ are now part of every digital marketing and social media college course, have been referenced in at least 2 TED Talks & covered by every major newspaper and related publication worldwide. His application of social media to restaurants and small businesses have largely set the standard for todays models and use. Mike also pioneered early location-based mobile marketing with FourSquare & Fatburger, becoming the first successful campaign of its kind. His launch of Ani.ME, where he drove the growth of over 100,000+ fans in less than 3 months, has also been a key case study in leveraging Facebook.

Mike’s work has driven critical disruptive progress in at least 2 industries and was credited as a key factor in Twitter gaining mainstream adoption. As such, Mike is a frequent speaker on digital media and niche and cultural audiences, having presented around the world and been tapped for his expertise by news outlets such as Fox News Los Angeles, Australian Financial Review, Village Voice, KHON and others.

Active in the startup space, Mike co-founded media site GirlGamer.com, a digital community and media site for female gamers, and later Ani.ME, an anime & manga community and media site. In 2010, using the underlying platform technology developed, Mike combined the properties and founded Bit Love Media, a community-driven media network focused on niche audiences, blending social platform, marketplace and content publishing functionality. He also worked with the groundbreaking mobile app platform startup MobileRoadie, where he facilitated key business development, such as with the Wynn Hotels, and currently advises 4+ startups. Most recently, Mike co-founded MXLGY.com, a niche community and newsletter for craft cocktail enthusiasts.

Nearly all of Mike’s work has dealt with niche audiences, cultures and causes. His passion is in creating true progress and growth. This is further embodied in his non-profit work. Having sat on the board of two charities, Mike has worked with organizations such as charity:water, Ronald McDonald House, Black Card Circle Foundation, Red Cross, Africa Alive, SXSW for Japan and others. He is currently continuing this effort to create a platform for growth with RaiseGood.org, which he co-founded in 2011.

Outside of his entrepreneurial activities, Mike is also an avid photographer, travel enthusiast, foodie and tech geek with hopes of one day having a big exit and creating a new type of startup incubator. You can find Mike at Twitter.com/MikePrasad & MikePrasad.com.