Ashu Garg reviews last year's AI predictions and outlines new expectations for 2026. Key themes include the evolution of AI in enterprise settings, the rise of agent-based workflows, and increased security concerns as AI systems become more integrated into business processes.

In the current AI boom, startups must prioritize building trust from the outset, as investors and enterprise buyers demand strong security and clean financials before closing deals. Vanta and Mercury provide systems to help early-stage companies establish credibility and navigate compliance challenges efficiently, turning trust into a growth driver.