AI and Blockchain Convergence Reshapes Crypto Industry

The convergence between blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is intensifying, with key figures like Ben Goertzel advocating for decentralized AI. The World Economic Forum highlighted this trend in 2024, emphasizing the synergies between spatial computing, blockchain, and AI.

US-China Tech Rivalry

Prominent crypto venture capitalist Marc Andreessen described the AI race between the US and China as a "Cold War-style" battle for technological dominance. This rivalry was a focal point at Web Summit Vancouver, where a panel moderated by the author explored AI investment dynamics.

Concluding my panel at Web Summit Vancouver, titled “Winning the AI funding race.”

AI Venture Capital Dominance

AI startups are currently outpacing crypto in venture capital funding. According to PitchBook, AI attracted nearly 60% of global VC funding in Q1 2025, totaling $73 billion. A significant portion came from OpenAI's $40 billion funding round. In contrast, crypto startups raised $4.8 billion in the same period.

AI’s share of global VC deals has risen significantly since 2021. Source: PitchBook

AI-Native Financial Institutions

Sean Neville, co-founder of Circle, raised $18 million for Catena Labs, an AI-native financial institution backed by Andreessen Horowitz. Neville predicts that "AI agents will soon conduct most economic transactions," highlighting the transformative potential of AI in finance.

Decentralized AI on Solana

Nous Research secured $50 million in funding led by Paradigm to build decentralized AI on Solana. The startup, valued at $1 billion, aims to rival centralized AI models like OpenAI and DeepSeek by leveraging community-driven, decentralized training methods.

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