AI agent platform ai16z considers tokenomics overhaul and launching Layer 1 blockchain

From theblock by Vishal Chawla

The AI agent platform ai16z is exploring adjustments to its tokenomics and possibly launching a Layer 1 blockchain.

The team has engaged in initial discussions with contributors to improve the value accrual of its token. Ai16z’s latest governance considerations include a phased overhaul of its token economics.

In the first quarter of 2025, it plans to introduce a token launchpad similar to  pump.fun . This platform may be the central hub for deploying AI projects based on its Eliza framework, making its native token the base currency for agent-to-agent interactions.

The launchpad may implement various value capture mechanisms, including launch fees, ai16z token staking for access, and strategic liquidity pool pairings.

Furthermore, according to a  document  shared by contributors, ai16z may consider launching a Layer 1 blockchain tailored to AI applications.

This comes as the ai16z token  reached  a market cap of $1.5 billion over the weekend before retreating to a value of around $1.4 billion at the time of writing.

Its token serves a dual purpose. It grants holders governance rights within the DAO, allowing them to vote on proposals and change the project’s direction, and it also functions as a utility token within the ai16z ecosystem.

A16z runs the Eliza agent development framework

Ai16z is a decentralized autonomous organization built on the Solana blockchain, and it is not related to similarly named venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).

The project runs the Eliza development framework, which lets developers create their own AI agents. Eliza is built using TypeScript and is cross-platform compatible, enabling interactions across various blockchain networks and social media apps.

While the DAO is intended to contribute to governance, ai16z is not entirely run by a DAO. The core development team still has much influence over the platform’s direction, though the developers emphasize a collaborative and open-source approach.