Leveraging FinOps for AI

In this on-demand session, Stephen Old, Head of FinOps and GreenOps at Synyega, explores how FinOps principles can be applied to AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives to control costs, enhance efficiency, and strengthen governance.

Stephen delves into the unique financial and operational challenges posed by AI—such as high compute demands, fragmented procurement, and fast-evolving technologies—and demonstrates how a structured AI FinOps framework built on visibility, accountability, and continuous optimization can help organizations keep AI projects financially sustainable while delivering measurable business value.

Throughout the session, Stephen emphasizes that AI projects require the same level of discipline and governance as cloud workloads, highlighting the importance of ongoing measurement, stakeholder alignment, and collaboration to prevent cost overruns and maximize ROI. He closes with practical advice on how organizations can start small, mature their FinOps practices, and embed cost management throughout the AI lifecycle.

Key Takeaways:

• FinOps is essential for managing AI’s cost complexity: Apply visibility, accountability, and optimization to prevent runaway compute expenses.

• Centralized procurement mitigates shadow IT risks: Strengthen governance, reduce duplication, and improve pricing control.

• Measure value through clear success metrics: Compare AI outcomes against alternatives and benchmark results to justify investments.

• Tailor FinOps strategies to different AI types: Generative, RAG, agentic, multimodal, and edge AI each require unique cost approaches.

• Understand cost drivers across the AI lifecycle: Manage data preparation, training, and inference to reduce costs and carbon footprint.

• Combine technical and behavioral optimization: Encourage efficient model design, right-sizing, and user education to maximize value.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration: Unite Finance, IT, Engineering, Procurement, and Asset Management for holistic cost visibility.

Presented by: Stephen Old | Synyega

Hosted by: Tom Hollowell | 321Gang

Questions? email us at info@321gang.com