#39 - Why agent expectations are outrunning reality in 2026 - Dave Horton

In this episode of Deep View Conversations, we sit down with Dave Horton, VP of Solutions Engineering at Airia, to explore one of the biggest tensions in enterprise AI today: how to move fast without losing control.

Airia is building a platform designed to plug AI into every corner of an organization while keeping data secure and systems governed. Dave breaks down why that balance is harder than it looks, and why many companies are underestimating the complexity of deploying AI agents at scale.

We also dig into the surge of interest in agentic AI in 2026, including a contrarian perspective on OpenClaw and the idea that agents will quickly replace human work. Dave argues that the real challenge is not capability, but coordination, and that success comes down to three pillars: security, governance, and orchestration.

Beyond the tech, Dave shares his journey building alongside the Airia founders, why funding is pouring into AI startups, and how the AI ecosystem is evolving across London, the UK, and Europe. He also reveals the AI tool that has most transformed the way he works.

If you want a grounded, real-world view of where enterprise AI is headed, and what it will actually take to make it work, this conversation delivers.

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