AI & Crypto, Past, Present and Future, Day 66
AI x Crypto Infra Landscape: Mapping the Stack
The intersection of AI and crypto is defined not by a single technology but by a growing stack of infrastructure layers, each unlocking new capabilities and integrations. As this stack matures, builders and investors are increasingly looking to landscape maps and ecosystem primers to navigate opportunity, identify gaps, and make informed technical and strategic choices.
What Is the AI x Crypto Infra Stack?
The AI x Crypto stack is a set of interlocking layers, each responsible for a different aspect of computation, security, and automation. At the foundation are large language models (LLMs) and foundation models, providing advanced reasoning and code generation. Above this sit agent frameworks, orchestration platforms, and protocol-specific tools. Further up are the bridges, oracles, and cross-chain data feeds that enable interoperability. Finally, applications, DAOs, and protocols build on these foundations, delivering value to end users and communities.
Core Layers of the Stack
1. Foundation Models and Compute Providers
At the base are LLMs like GPT-4, open-source models, and cloud compute networks (e.g., Akash, Bittensor, IO.NET). These provide the computational horsepower and intelligence backbone for the stack.
2. Agent Frameworks and Middleware
Frameworks like SuperAgent, LangChain, CrewAI, and AutoGen give developers the building blocks to deploy, manage, and scale AI agents. Middleware also includes specialized routing, memory, and tool integration platforms.
3. Data and Oracles
Reliable data is essential for agent decision-making. Oracle networks (e.g., Chainlink, Pyth, API3) and decentralized storage (e.g., Filecoin, Arweave) feed live, historical, and offchain data into protocols and agents.
4. Bridges and Interop Layers
Bridges (e.g., Wormhole, LayerZero, Axelar) connect blockchains and protocols, allowing agents to operate across ecosystems and coordinate activity between chains and platforms.
5. Application Protocols and Agent DAOs
This layer includes the apps, DAOs, DeFi protocols, and coordination platforms that leverage all the above. Here, agent-native services execute tasks, propose upgrades, and route value across users and chains.
Interoperability and Integration
Interoperability is a central concern. Modern AI x Crypto stacks require seamless communication across chains, protocols, and data sources. Agent frameworks are now natively integrating with bridges and oracles, so agents can move assets, fetch data, or trigger smart contract calls regardless of chain or execution environment.
This modular, interoperable approach unlocks composability and experimentation. Protocols can mix and match layers, swap out components, or connect with new data sources as needs change.
Ecosystem Players and Competitive Landscape
Landscape maps and ecosystem lists, like those curated by a16z, Messari, AllianceDAO, and Bankless, help teams track who is building what. From LLM marketplaces to agent toolkits to cross-chain governance modules, these resources reveal a dynamic field full of new launches, partnerships, and acquisitions.
Identifying the right partners and understanding the competitive environment is now just as important as technical architecture. Builders are using these maps to avoid duplication, discover composable projects, and tap into broader networks for growth.
Crypto Applications: Why Mapping the Stack Matters
Strategy: Protocols and DAOs use landscape maps to identify strategic positions, integration partners, and competitive threats
Ecosystem Positioning: Teams can choose where to specialize, which layers to own, and how to differentiate in a crowded field
Integration: Knowing the stack helps teams plan integrations, from LLM selection to cross-chain execution and data flows
Investment: Investors and allocators use landscape maps to spot emerging themes and support projects at the right layer
Looking Forward: The Evolving AI x Crypto Landscape
This landscape is evolving rapidly. In the coming months and years, expect to see:
Deeper integration between AI agent frameworks and onchain protocols
More cross-chain coordination and composability for agent-driven services
New market categories, including AI-native DAOs, infrastructure DAOs, and agent economies
Sophisticated mapping tools for visualizing dependencies, flows, and opportunities
Understanding and mapping the infra stack will be an ongoing process, critical for everyone building, investing, or governing in the AI x Crypto frontier.
Key Resources:
AI x Crypto Infrastructure Map (Notion)
Bankless: The AI x Crypto Landscape
AllianceDAO: AI x Crypto Ecosystem List
AI x Crypto Market Map (Messari)
a16z: AI & Web3, The Next Silicon Stack
Hasta manana
Cpt