The True Value in AI Lies in Execution

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning , Events , Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development The True Value in AI Lies in Execution Venture Capitalist Art Coviello on AI Speed, Defense Gains, Disciplined Investing Tom Field (SecurityEditor) • March 24, 2026     Credit Eligible Get Permission Art Coviello, investment committee chair, SYN Ventures Artificial intelligence drives cybersecurity gains but demands disciplined investment, said Art Coviello, investment committee chair at SYN Ventures. See Also: How Technical Debt Puts Critical Infrastructure at Risk AI dominates security conversations, yet leaders should treat it as an enabler, not an end, Coviello said. Teams should focus on measurable outcomes such as faster product development, improved efficiency and stronger cyber defense. Lean startups have built viable products with small teams, for example, demonstrating how AI accelerates speed and scale across the industry. "People make a mistake of being obsessed with AI itself, as opposed to AI as an enabler, as giving people the ability to do things better, faster, cheaper - and we focus on the outcome that a company can get as a result of their use of AI," Coviello said. In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at RSAC Conference 2026, Coviello also discussed: AI's role in accelerating product development and strengthening cyber defense; Investment risks tied to overvaluation and increased market saturation; Expanding identity challenges across humans, devices, third parties and AI agents. Coviello helps guide cybersecurity investment strategy and portfolio development. With decades of industry experience, he previously led RSA through major growth and acquisition, and has held senior advisory and venture capital roles across prominent security and technology firms.