AI Agents and Blockchain: A New Era in Web3 and Crypto Innovation
AI Agents and Blockchain – The rise of AI agents is being compared to the dawn of the corporation era from two centuries ago, according to a prominent crypto executive. In a post on X on December 30, 2024, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley noted the similarities between the rise of AI agents and the advent of corporations in the 19th century. He pointed out that corporations, once feared, are now ubiquitous, entering into contracts, hiring employees, owning assets, and even outliving individuals. “Why won’t AI agents be similar?” he posed, suggesting that like corporations, AI agents could dominate industries and influence the economy.
The AI Agent Fever in 2025
Crypto trader Alex Becker also weighed in on the growing AI agent phenomenon, predicting that 2025 will be the year of “AI agent/AI fever” across all industries. Agenic AIs—AI agents capable of building Web3 applications, launching tokens, and even interacting with humans—are gaining significant traction in the tech industry. One such AI agent, AIXBT, has been generating attention for its real-time market updates, gaining 246,900 followers since its launch in November 2024.
Matt Hougan, head of research at Bitwise, emphasized the vast potential for AI agents in the cryptocurrency space, claiming that the interaction between AI agents and crypto could create an “infinite” universe of possibilities. In fact, just recently, ai16z, an agentic AI platform, hinted at launching its own Layer-1 blockchain network as part of a broader tokenomics overhaul, signaling its serious plans for deeper engagement in the crypto ecosystem.
AI Token Surge and Blockchain Developments
AI-powered tokens are seeing dramatic price movements. For instance, ai16z’s token experienced a 40.7% price increase in just 24 hours, reaching $1.63, according to CoinMarketCap. Furthermore, Virtuals Protocol, which aims to build a co-ownership layer for AI agents in the gaming and entertainment sectors, has experienced an explosive growth rate of 6,851% during 2024, now trading at $3.46. Virtual’s AI tokens now represent 12% of the total DEX trading volume on the Base network, a notable figure in the growing decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
A Cautionary Note on AI Agents
Despite the excitement surrounding AI agents, some industry leaders are cautioning against overhyping the current wave of AI advancements. Raoul Pal, co-founder of Real Vision, remarked that today’s AI agents are “just bots” and don’t accurately reflect the AI agents that will emerge in the next few years. He emphasized that the current AI technology on X is only a precursor to the more sophisticated AI agents that will emerge in the coming years, further hinting at a future where AI agents will play a far more significant role in shaping industries.
Conclusion
As AI agents continue to gain momentum, industry experts predict a major shift in how businesses operate and interact with the digital world. From launching blockchain networks to facilitating Web3 applications, the capabilities of AI agents are rapidly expanding. While the excitement is palpable, it’s clear that the future of AI in various industries, particularly cryptocurrency, holds immense potential for innovation and disruption. However, only time will tell if AI agents will truly mirror the evolution of corporations, reshaping how industries function in the long term.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.
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