ai16z Plans Tokenomics Overhaul and Launch of Layer-1 Blockchain
The AI agent protocol ai16z is revising its tokenomics and considering launching a Layer-1 blockchain. The team is consulting with contributors to enhance the token's value accrual.
ai16z Team Prepares for Pump.fun-like Launchpad Debut
ai16z operates as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) on the Solana blockchain. Despite the similar name to Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), there is no affiliation. The platform enables developers to create AI agents using the Eliza development framework.
A phased overhaul of the tokenomics is under consideration, with plans to launch a token launchpad in Q1 2025, modeled after the Solana-based Pump.fun. This launchpad aims to be the primary hub for AI projects utilizing the Eliza framework.
The native token will serve as the base currency for agent-to-agent interactions. The proposed launchpad will implement mechanisms to capture value, including launch fees, staking for access, and strategic liquidity pool pairings. A recent document shared with contributors highlights the intention to debut an L1 blockchain afterward, focused on AI applications as the industry expands.
ai16z recently reached a market capitalization of $1.5 billion, becoming the first Solana AI agent token to exceed $1 billion. The project has experienced over a tenfold increase in value within the last two months.
AI Agents Projects Garner Attention
The surge in interest from retail and institutional investors in AI agent-related blockchain projects has driven this growth. Recently, Stanford University’s Future of Digital Currency Initiative (FDCI) partnered with Eliza Labs to explore how autonomous AI agents can transform digital currency systems.
The partnership will commence in Q1 2025, merging Stanford's digital currency expertise with Eliza Labs' capabilities in autonomous agent development. It aims to investigate how AI agents can establish trust, coordinate actions, and make decisions within Decentralized Finance systems.
Professors Dan Boneh and David Mazières will oversee the research fellowship program, stating:
“This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to shape how AI agents will interact within digital economies. By combining FDCI’s established infrastructure with Eliza Labs’ expertise in multi-agent systems, we’re positioning ourselves at the forefront of this transformative technology.”
With the rising popularity of AI agents, many are securing venture capital funding. The decentralized protocol Skynet raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding from angel investors associated with Github, Polygon, Veracode, and Monotype. The funds will support the development of “The World’s Resource Blockchain™,” which connects global resources and enables AI agents to execute payments and real-world tasks across various platforms worldwide.