a16z Identified Areas of Synergy between AI and Cryptocurrencies

• a16z outlined scenarios where cryptocurrencies could reshape the future of AI.
• Among other things, the unit’s vision touches on the concept of Proof of Personhood and AI companions.
• Other examples cited by experts include micropayments, advertising models, the DePIN segment, and more.

The crypto arm of investment firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) published an analytical report outlining key areas where artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies intersect. 

The report says the internet economy is rapidly changing amid the spread of generative AI, and the open web increasingly “collapses into a prompt bar,” creating the risk of new paywalls and tighter control by centralized companies.

In the authors’ view, combining AI and the crypto sector could help shape a “more open and more robust internet.”

a16z named preserving persistent context in AI interactions as one of the key scenarios. Analysts noted that today’s AI systems offer little ability to переносити context between platforms. 

Using blockchains could make it possible to store key elements of context as persistent digital assets that can be easily transferred between different AI services. 

Another important area is universal identity for AI agents. As agents take on more and more tasks — from customer support to payments and logistics — they need a “single, portable ‘passport’.” Such an identity should combine the functions of a wallet, an API registry, a change log, and a reputation profile. 

a16z emphasized that, thanks to open composability, blockchain networks can provide a neutral and enhanced identity layer without being tied to a single platform.

As bots, deepfakes, and AI agents proliferate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell humans from machines, which is why Proof of Personhood (PoP) is becoming critically important infrastructure. 

The report noted that decentralized PoP mechanisms allow users to own their identity and prove their “humanness” in a private and neutral way. 

Key benefits of these systems include portability and open access. 

The authors also point to the emergence of new protocols, including the Solana Attestation Service, which make it possible to link off-chain data to wallets within decentralized identity frameworks.

A separate section of the analysis focuses on DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks) for AI. According to a16z, decentralized networks can aggregate unused compute resources — from gaming PCs to data centers — and create open compute markets for model training and inference. This could reduce costs, improve resilience, and lessen dependence on hyperscalers.

The piece also highlights the lack of universal markets for interactions between AI agents. In the experts’ view, blockchains can provide open standards for agent-to-agent interactions, including payments without human involvement. The report mentions projects such as Halliday, Catena, Skyfire, and Nevermind, as well as Coinbase initiatives to support this kind of infrastructure.

Another important element is micropayments with automated revenue splitting, which could reshape the content economy in the AI era. Blockchains make it possible to implement nanopayments, smart contracts for retroactive payouts, and transparent rules for distributing revenue among all participants in the value creation chain.

a16z also views blockchains as a registry for intellectual property and content provenance, which is especially relevant for generative AI. Open and programmable registries could simplify licensing, remixes, and new business models for creators. 

Analysts mention specialized protocols like Story Protocol and examples of using NFTs for rights management and collaborative creation.

They also single out the topic of web crawlers that could pay for access to data, compensating content creators for their contributions, as well as private but personalized advertising models where users are rewarded for engaging with ads without mass data collection.

Rounding out the list is the scenario of AI companions, which in the future could become an important part of education, healthcare, law, and personal life. a16z emphasized that the key question will be control and ownership of these relationships.