The intersection of art and technology is transforming how we create, experience, and interact with visual storytelling. At the forefront of this movement is Sergiu Ardelean, founder of Artivive, a platform that has empowered over 500,000 artists, museums, and institutions to bring their works to life through augmented reality (AR).
What started as an idea to make AR accessible to all creatives has now evolved into a global tool reshaping modern art.
The Inspiration behind Artivive
Before founding Artivive, Sergiu led a marketing agency that was among the first to integrate AR into advertising, working with brands like Volkswagen and Porsche. While he recognized AR’s immense storytelling potential, it remained out of reach for most creatives due to its technical complexity.
His vision was clear: eliminate the technical barriers and allow artists to explore AR freely. This mission led to the birth of Artivive, a platform that enables creators to merge traditional and digital art seamlessly.
Today, Artivive is used worldwide for AR tattoos, immersive street art, museum collaborations, and interactive exhibitions—pushing artistic expression beyond static mediums.
Scaling with Culttech Accelerator
Artivive was part of the first batch of the CultTech Accelerator, an initiative dedicated to supporting cultural startups. Unlike fintech or biotech, where rapid investment and growth cycles are common, the cultural sector often faces slower adoption and fewer funding opportunities.
However, Sergiu believes this space is essential for the future because:
•Cultural ventures are more sustainable and create long-term value.
•Building a strong community of founders and creatives is just as important as building the product.
•The right partnerships helped Artivive reach the global stage.
The accelerator provided the network and visibility to scale Artivive, helping it find the right audience and expand its collaborations.
Key to Artivive´s Growth
Artivive’s success can be attributed to its community-driven approach. From the start, the focus was on:
• Listening to artists and creators—every feature is built from user feedback.
• A global-first mindset—designed to reach creatives everywhere, not just in select markets.
• Product-led growth—letting the technology speak for itself, leading to organic adoption.
This close connection with the artistic community ensures that Artivive remains relevant, innovative, and adaptable.
The power of Mentorship
As a mentor and speaker at global events like 4YFN, Sergiu is constantly engaging with fellow entrepreneurs, artists, and tech visionaries.
For him, mentorship is a two-way exchange—not only does he share insights from his journey, but he also stays at the forefront of emerging ideas, trends, and challenges in the startup world.
•Tech is evolving rapidly, and staying informed is crucial.
•Founders need a strong network—sometimes, the right question is more valuable than having all the answers.
•Sharing experiences builds resilience—learning from others helps navigate challenges more effectively.
Advice for Early Stages Founders
For those looking to grow a startup and make an impact, Sergiu shares three essential lessons:
1.Think global from the beginning—don’t limit yourself to a single market.
2.Build the right team—companies evolve, and sometimes, new talent is needed to scale.
3.Foster a strong community—when users feel connected to your product, growth follows naturally.
The Future of Art & Tech
A century ago, film and photography were seen as emerging technologies. Today, they are recognized as powerful artistic mediums.
Sergiu believes we are at the beginning of a similar revolution—one where AR becomes a universal artistic language, breaking barriers between artists and audiences across the world.
How do you see AR shaping the future of art and creativity? Let’s continue the conversation.
