Dean Drako, founder and CEO of Eagle Eye Networks, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Gulf South Award.  

Under Drako’s leadership, Eagle Eye Networks has achieved significant growth while helping businesses worldwide enhance security and operational efficiency through cloud, advanced AI and analytics, according to an announcement.  

Eagle Eye Networks has made notable advancements in AI technology, including its AI-enabled smart video search and license plate recognition, and its recently launched 911 camera sharing. 

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Eagle Eye Networks team,” Drako stated. “We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of the cloud video surveillance industry with our AI features, delivering exceptional value to our customers, and positively impacting the world.” 

Drako founded Eagle Eye Networks in 2012. He is also chairman of cloud access control provider Brivo, and chairman of enterprise security automation provider Cobalt AI. Previously, Drako was founder, president and CEO of Barracuda Networks, where he created the IT security industry’s first spam filter appliance, growing the company from its inception in 2003 through 2012 to more than 140 products and 150,000 customers. 

An independent judging panel of previous award winners, leading CEOs and other business leaders selected Drako, according to an announcement. Candidates were evaluated based on their ability to create long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose and the demonstration of growth and substantial impact, among other key indicators. 

As a Gulf South award winner, Drako will be considered for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum, a gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in June 2025.  

For more information about the program, go here.