11 ideas for AI x crypto

Robert HackettSam BronerScott Duke KominersElizabeth HarkavyCarra WuJay DrainMatt Gleason

7.16.25

with @rhhackett @SamBroner @skominers @liz_harkavy @WuCarra @jay_drainjr @mg_486662

AI and crypto… How will these two powerful technologies collide, and what happens when they do?

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a round table on some of the most compelling ideas at the intersection of AI and crypto, sourced from members of the a16z crypto team. You’re going to hear from builders, researchers, and deal makers who are all wrestling with the big question: How will these two powerful technologies collide, and what happens when they do?

First, Investment Partner Sam Broner makes the case for giving AI agents universal identities. Then Research Partner Scott Kominers presents how crypto can provide AI with levels and layers of rich context. You’ll also hear from Investment Partners Liz Harkavy on AI monetization models; Carra Wu on the next evolution of web crawlers; Jay Drain on proving personhood online; and finally, Security Engineer Matt Gleason on how crypto turns internet advertising on its head.

This is a tour of big, fresh ideas that hint at what an internet of the near future could look like. For the full list of ideas, check out our recent AI x crypto crossovers package, which you can find at a16zcrypto.com.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:44) Universal Identity for AI Agents

(5:25) Why Crypto Makes a Difference

(10:07) Context in AI: Memory and Interoperability

(15:00) Vibe Coding Applications

(19:32) Registries with Global Context

(21:47) Honkaku Mystery Novels

(24:13) Monetization Models for AI x Crypto

(28:36) Overcoming Technical Challenges

(31:34) AI Agents and the Rise of Web Crawlers

(36:05) Collapse of the Social Contract

(39:21) AI Bots and Blockchain Solutions

(44:31) Proof of Personhood: Ensuring Human-ness

(50:41) Future of Personalized Advertising

(1:01:54) Final Thoughts

Resources:

  • AI x crypto crossovers by Scott Duke Kominers, Sam Broner, Jay Drain, Guy Wuollet, Elizabeth Harkavy, Carra Wu, and Matt Gleason (a16z crypto, June 2025)

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As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.

podcast: web3 with a16z

A show about building the next internet, from a16z crypto

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