From Software to Supercars: Dean Drako's Electric Evolution

Dean Drako’s career journey showcases a consistent drive for innovation across diverse technological landscapes. From his early days in software development to leading significant companies in network security and cloud-based surveillance, he has consistently pursued new ventures. His latest endeavor as co-founder and CEO of Drako Motors marks a significant entry into the high-performance electric vehicle market, blending his deep understanding of technology with automotive engineering.

A Foundation in Technology

Drako’s entrepreneurial path began early, founding a company in high school that developed bulletin board system software for message sharing via modems. The sale of this initial venture helped fund his education, leading to a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in the same field from UC Berkeley. His early professional life included founding Design Acceleration Inc. in the semiconductor industry in 1992, which was later acquired by Cadence Design Systems. In 2003, he co-founded IC Manage, a design and IP management company, where he continues to serve as President and CEO. That same year, he established Barracuda Networks, introducing a product line focused on email spam and virus protection appliances. Under his leadership, Barracuda expanded its offerings to include web filters, load balancers, email archiving, and digital PBXs, and completed six acquisitions of companies specializing in application control, cloud backup, SSL/VPN, incremental backup, enterprise firewalls, and cloud-based web filtering. Barracuda achieved profitability and substantial annual revenue and customer growth during his tenure. Drako’s broad technical expertise is underscored by his ownership of 53 patents, covering areas from video streaming and network security to digital circuits and electric automobiles.

Advancing Cloud Security and Access

In 2012, Drako departed from Barracuda Networks to establish Eagle Eye Networks, a company focused on cloud-based video security. His motivation stemmed from personal challenges in setting up a video security system, leading him to envision a more accessible and user-friendly solution leveraging cloud technology. He is recognized for introducing the concept of ‘true cloud’ within the physical security sector, distinguishing purpose-built cloud applications from legacy systems hosted virtually. Initially self-funded, Eagle Eye Networks later secured significant investment rounds, with Drako maintaining majority ownership. The company has been repeatedly listed among North America’s fastest-growing technology companies. Expanding his footprint in security, Drako acquired Brivo, a cloud access control system provider, in 2015, operating it as a distinct entity for over a decade. In December 2025, Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo merged, with Drako assuming the CEO role for the combined Brivo entity. Brivo has also successfully raised substantial financing. More recently, in June 2024, Drako acquired Cobalt AI, a company offering enterprise AI alarm filtering, remote monitoring, and security robot solutions, where he now serves as chairman.

Driving Innovation with Drako Motors

Drako’s entrepreneurial journey took a new turn with the co-founding of Drako Motors, where he serves as CEO. This San Jose, California-based company is an automotive software platform provider, specializing in luxury sports cars. In August 2015, Drako Motors unveiled its first product, the Drako DriveOS, an innovative single vehicle control unit operating system designed to independently manage all four wheels. The company then moved into vehicle production, pre-announcing the Drako GTE electric quad-motor supercar in June 2019, which promised high speeds and significant horsepower. This all-electric production vehicle was formally launched in August 2019. Building on this foundation, Drako Motors introduced the Drako Dragon all-electric luxury SUV in November 2022. This SUV boasts substantial horsepower, a high maximum speed, a quad motor powertrain, and distinctive gullwing doors, further solidifying Drako Motors’ presence in the high-performance electric vehicle segment.