Behind Luminate stands a global team of dedicated professionals and volunteers.
Luminate is more than you think. It's a shared dream that people from all over the world share. From late-night coding sessions in tiny apartments to early-morning designs across time zones, our team is connected by something bigger than borders. No one here works just for the paycheck; they all believe in what we're building and want to leave their mark on it.
What started as a small idea among a few friends has grown far beyond our imagination. Today, over 100,000 people are excited about what Luminate can become, and that excitement drives us every day. We discuss, we laugh, we learn from each other, and we celebrate even the smallest milestones together. This mix of perspectives keeps Luminate alive and allows it to evolve—it makes the software on your smartphone better than ever before.
And we're just getting started. If you like to be creative, enjoy collaborating, and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, we'd love to have you join us. Come check us out on Discord!
Luminate’s first big moment began in an unexpectedly simple way: a TikTok video. None of us imagined that within just a few days it would reach millions of views. Suddenly, our small project was in the spotlight. The comments were full of curiosity and encouragement.
The attention drew many new faces. Supporters from around the world volunteered to become part of Luminate. None of us were paid, we all simply wanted to create something that excited us and brought joy to others. At this stage, everything still felt light and full of possibility.
Before long, the challenges became clear. We lacked experienced developers, so the management had to take on almost everything from coding to organization. There was a conflict in our best time when we got many coding contributions. This conflict split the team. After this, Luminate faced a breakdown. Files were leaked, and jealousy and mistrust spread. During this time, it truly seemed as if Luminate might fall apart.
The months that followed were filled with uncertainty. Some still believed in the project, while others thought it was over. We were forced to pause, reflect, and rethink Luminate’s core values. Despite the setbacks, the most dedicated members held on.
In November 2025, Emptify, the founder of Luminate, stepped away from the project. It was a heavy moment that shook many of us. But out of this crisis came a new beginning: after two years as manager, Kwdk (Jonah) took over responsibility as the new owner. With a clear plan, he decided Luminate would not be allowed to die.
Jonah fundamentally reworked Luminate’s concept. His goal was clear: never give up. He aimed to rebuild trust, bring the team back together, and find developers who were not only talented but also willing to stay for the long term. Restarting was difficult, especially since Luminate had no budget. Everything depended solely on passion, trust, and hard work.
Despite all the obstacles, Luminate has not only survived but grown. Luminate is proof that big dreams do not depend on budget but on the people willing to believe in them. Our journey has been full of setbacks, conflicts, and fresh starts, but that is exactly what makes our story so special. And even though we have achieved a lot, this is only the beginning.
Lead Chief Executive Officer
🇩🇪 Germany
Chief Executive Officer
🇩🇪 Germany
Lead Project Management Office
🇩🇪 Germany
Lead Chief Operations Officer
🇪🇸 Spain
Lead Chief Creative Officer
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Lead Frontend Lead
🇵🇱 Poland
Lead Backend Lead
🇵🇱 Poland
Lead Design Lead
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Android Developer
Unknown
Android Developer
Unknown
Android Developer
Unknwon
App Designer
🇺🇸 USA
App Designer
🇵🇱 Poland
Content Creator
Unknown
Moderator
Unknown
For your dedication, creativity, and all the energy you’ve given to Luminate. You helped shape what we stand for today — a vision that connects people around the world. This is not just a thank you, it’s recognition of the impact you made.
– The Luminate Team