AI Governance

Shadow AI: What It Is, Why It’s a Risk, and How to Control It

Shadow AI, unmanaged AI tool use by employees, creates IP leakage, data protection risk, and compliance exposure. Here’s how to get it under control.

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Where Businesses Get Stuck

The challenges we most commonly see when organisations come to us:

Your employees are using AI tools you don’t know about.
Client data is being processed by third-party AI systems.
You have no oversight.

Our Methodology

The Shadow AI Risk Framework: discovery, policy, technical controls, and governance.

What Starkhorn Brings

Daniel Jacobs: 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. VetPartners (BC Partners, GBP1.2bn), Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn). Published author. PRINCE2, ITIL, IIM Full Member.

Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.

Who This Is For

This service is designed for:

and boards at businesses with knowledge workers using AI tools

This is not the right fit for: Businesses with no AI use at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Starkhorn begin?

In most cases we can begin within five to ten working days. For urgent situations such as a sudden leadership gap or an active incident, we can mobilise faster. Contact us to discuss your timeline.

What does a typical Starkhorn engagement cost?

Engagements are structured as monthly retainers or fixed-term day-rate assignments. The cost depends on scope and time commitment. We are transparent about pricing from the first conversation and will give you a clear indication on the call.

What experience does Starkhorn bring?

Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as Interim Group Technology Director at VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn), accountable for both technology and security, and as CIO and CISO at Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.

Is AI governance just about compliance?

No. Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Effective AI governance helps your board understand the risks and opportunities of AI, ensures accountability for AI-driven decisions, and builds stakeholder trust. It is as much a competitive and reputational issue as a regulatory one.

What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?

Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.

Next step

Ready to Talk?

Starkhorn works with MDs, CEOs, and boards of growing businesses. If you have a technology leadership gap, a security concern, or a transformation that is not delivering, we can help. Book a 30-minute conversation with no obligation.