Liviu Drăgan (DRUID AI)
Overview
Liviu Drăgan was a renowned Romanian entrepreneur noted for his pioneering contributions in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). As the founder and former CEO of DRUID AI, a company specializing in conversational AI platforms, Drăgan was instrumental in advancing AI technology across various industries, ranging from healthcare to finance. Prior to founding DRUID AI in 2018, he was the mind behind TotalSoft and Charisma, two significant players in enterprise software. Drăgan’s leadership and vision turned DRUID AI into a global leader in AI-powered business automation solutions.
Recent Developments
In recent years, DRUID AI has witnessed significant developments, particularly after the untimely passing of its founder.
- May 2025: Liviu Drăgan passed away, leaving a legacy in technology and AI innovation. Andreea Pleșea, a co-founder, temporarily stepped into the CEO role.
- September 16, 2025: DRUID AI announced a successful $31 million Series C funding round led by Cipio Partners, highlighting substantial investor confidence in the company's future.
- Mid-2025: Joseph Kim was appointed as the new CEO of DRUID AI, bringing extensive experience from his previous leadership roles, including as CEO of Sumo Logic.
- 2025 Recognition: DRUID AI was recognized as a Challenger in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Conversational AI Platforms, marking a pivotal milestone in its journey toward becoming a world leader in enterprise AI solutions.
- Revenue Growth: In 2024, DRUID AI achieved 2.7x year-over-year ARR growth, reflecting the company’s remarkable expansion and service effectiveness.
- Strategic Partnerships: The company has established partnerships with major enterprises, including Microsoft and Accenture, bolstering its position in the AI solutions market.
- Global Reach: The AI platform has been integrated with enterprises globally, serving over 300 clients and engaging in more than one billion conversations.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Liviu Drăgan |
| Born | 1955, Romania |
| Nationality | Romanian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Founder of DRUID AI |
| Known For | AI Innovation, Founder of TotalSoft |
| Education | PhD in Electrical Engineering |
Early Life and Education
Liviu Drăgan was born in 1955 in Romania, where he cultivated his interest in engineering and technology from a young age. He pursued higher education at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, earning a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. His academic journey was marked by a strong focus on blending scientific rigor with entrepreneurial pursuits, which later became the hallmark of his career. Drăgan's early exposure to the burgeoning field of technology in Eastern Europe set the foundation for his future ventures in AI and software development. His early life was characterized by an ambition to harness technology to solve complex business problems, a theme that resonated throughout his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Founder of TotalSoft (1994): Liviu Drăgan founded TotalSoft, which became one of the leading software companies in Europe, introducing innovative enterprise solutions.
- Launch of Charisma (2000s): He launched Charisma, a business system widely adopted across continents, solidifying his reputation as a software innovator.
- Establishment of DRUID AI (2018): Leveraging his decades of experience, Drăgan founded DRUID AI, focusing on developing conversational AI platforms.
- Industry Growth and Recognition: Under his leadership, DRUID AI secured major clients such as AXA and Liberty Global, expanding its influence in digital transformation strategies.
Current Work and Impact
Until his passing, Liviu Drăgan was actively involved in steering DRUID AI towards global prominence. His impact is seen in DRUID AI’s ability to streamline operations for enterprises globally, reducing complexity and maximizing ROI through its AI solutions. The company’s legacy, built on Drăgan’s vision of AI’s transformative potential, continues to thrive under new leadership, furthering innovation and expanding its global footprint.
Conclusion
Liviu Drăgan left an indelible mark on the global AI landscape through his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy, encapsulated in the success and ongoing impact of DRUID AI, embodies his belief in technology’s power to transform industries and improve societal functions. As DRUID AI moves forward under new guidance, it stands poised to continue shaping the future of enterprise AI, building on Drăgan’s foundational work and visionary approach to artificial intelligence.