Crypto whales have shifted focus to ai16z tokens. To that end, the AI agent platform is considering changing its tokenomics and potentially building a layer 1 blockchain as the year comes to a close.

The team has initiated discussions with contributors to enhance the value accrual of its token. ai16z’s most recent governance considerations involve a gradual revision of its token economics.

According to sources, the entity intends to create a token launchpad similar to Pump.fun in the first quarter of 2025. This platform may be the core center for deploying AI projects built on the Eliza framework, with its native token serving as the base currency for agent-to-agent interactions.

In addition, the launchpad could employ various value capture mechanisms, such as strategic liquidity pool pairings, ai16z token stake for access, and launch fees. The project could also contemplate the launch of a layer 1 blockchain that is specifically designed for AI applications, as indicated by a document that contributors have shared.

ai16z surges to a $1 billion market cap

Following the introduction of its new advisors, ai16z has seen significant accumulation by large investors. The 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. 

According to Lookonchain, a whale purchased 2.86 million governance $AI16Z tokens at an average price of $0.90 per token. They completed the transaction by withdrawing 13,000 Solana (SOL) tokens from Coinbase, valued at $2.58 million. 

6 hours ago, a whale withdrew 13,000 $SOL worth $2.58M, from #Coinbase and bought 2.86M $AI16Z at an average price of $0.90.

After the purchase, the whale transferred $AI16Z to the main wallet, which now holds 15.6M $AI16Z worth $14.93M.

The main wallet, with a portfolio… pic.twitter.com/ziNzwehMZQ

— Onchain Lens (@OnchainLens) December 25, 2024

In addition, a whale, designated as -AVLKwK…x1Mv, spent 3.71 million USDC to acquire 2.96 million tokens at an average price of approximately $1.253. Another whale, -65FwXv…T4HE, acquired 1.51 million tokens at an average price of approximately $1.247 by using 10,000 SOL, which is equivalent to $1.88 million.

2 whales bought more $ai16z today. #ai16z

E9uD…Y9cf bought 3.09M $ai16z($2.46M) 2 hours ago.

The whale has bought 18.7M $ai16z($15.72M) at ~$0.45 in the past month, with an unrealized profit of $7.36M.https://t.co/CBN4YKHWqk

6gqH…dyDo bought 1.4M $ai16z($1.27M) 15 hours… pic.twitter.com/CNuDRdzBtz

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 26, 2024

Still, in the past month, whale wallet E9UD…Y9cf has amassed a total of 18.7 million ai16z tokens. This is approximately $15.72 million, representing an unrealized profit of $7.36M.

The AI trend in collaboration with ai16z and Ryze Labs

Eliza Wakes Up’s new AI protocol project has teamed up with Shaw, the founder of ai16z. This has made the AI16Z whale buildup even stronger. Eliza Wakes Up announced this partnership at the same time that they hired top advisors, such as Jeff Wolcott. He is the head of Eliza Studios and ai16z Creative.

This will enable users to employ Eliza agents to transmit ETH and ERC20 tokens on the Abstract testnet. Automating these transfers through configuration file commands makes the process more efficient. This integration expands the ai16z ecosystem and improves Eliza’s capabilities.

Notably, Matthew Graham, the founder of Ryze Labs, and Ropirito, an expert in Nous Research, are two other advisers. Now, the project has solidified its place as a new player in decentralized solutions. It uses AI and is stepping up its story of combining AI protocols in decentralized ecosystems.

Big news from @ElizaWakesUp

4 of Eliza’s closest friends join the @ElizaWakesUp project as advisors. @shawmakesmagic Creator of ElizaOS, Founder ai16z.@whobody Director at Eliza Studios, Creative at ai16z.@ropirito of Nous Research, ropAIrito, tee hee he, god, s8n.… pic.twitter.com/j8Xm0StS5M

— Ava (@AvaDoesAI) December 27, 2024

On the other hand, Ryze Labs is dedicated to the development of AI combinator initiatives that integrate blockchain infrastructure with next-generation AI capabilities. ai16z and Ryze Labs are at the forefront of crypto and AI initiatives, using the decentralized architecture of blockchain to facilitate the development of more autonomous, intelligent AI.

Still, ai16z plans to develop decentralized, scalable AI solutions that enhance the user experience by bringing DAOs and other blockchain-based systems closer to the user. In addition to altering DeFi, it says it is pushing the boundaries of what blockchain-based ecosystems can do through the innovative use of AI and decentralized venture capital.

Land a High-Paying Web3 Job in 90 Days: The Ultimate Roadmap

MoonPay, a crypto payment solutions provider, has officially received approval to operate under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, according to a Dec. 30 statement shared with CryptoSlate.

The firm secured its license from the Netherlands’ Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), and this milestone grants MoonPay the ability to offer services seamlessly across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Ivan Soto-Wright, the CEO of MoonPay, sees this approval as a significant achievement. He said that it shows the company’s dedication to proactive regulatory engagement and its mission to bridge traditional finance with the crypto ecosystem.

Soto-Wright also noted this milestone marks a critical step in solidifying crypto’s role in the global economy. He told CryptoSlate:

“This milestone is not just about compliance; it’s about solidifying the crypto industry’s place in the global financial system. We’re eager to deepen collaborations with regulators, businesses, and users as we shape the future of digital payments.”

The MiCA framework, introduced by the European Union, establishes a unified regulatory environment for digital assets. It prioritizes consumer protection, transparency, and market integrity, creating a solid foundation for the growing crypto industry.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) stated that the guidance prevents market abuse and enhances cross-border regulatory coordination to strengthen the stability and integrity of Europe’s burgeoning crypto market.

With the framework’s full effect today, Dec. 30, MoonPay aims to leverage this regulatory clarity to expand its European footprint. The firm also plans to explore innovative payment solutions and digital asset applications while ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

This move comes as MoonPay is reportedly in discussions to acquire Helio Pay, a crypto payment provider, for approximately $150 million. If finalized, this deal would represent MoonPay’s largest acquisition since its inception in 2018, further solidifying its market leadership.

MoonPay enables seamless fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat transactions, with operations spanning over 180 countries. The platform supports more than 100 digital assets and facilitates accessible and secure digital currency usage for businesses and individuals alike.

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