The Big Picture
Imagine it’s 2007, and Apple just released the first iPhone. Before that, phones were clunky, with tiny screens and buttons. But the iPhone changed everything—suddenly, we had a touchscreen, an app store, and a new way to use technology. That moment in history completely reshaped the mobile industry.
Now, in 2025, something similar is happening in AI and crypto, and it’s all because of a project called DeepSeek. According to a report by HTX Ventures, DeepSeek is bringing pure reinforcement learning (RL) into AI-powered crypto applications, making AI smarter, faster, and way cheaper to use. This could be the moment when AI stops being just hype and starts actually driving real-world value in crypto.
Why This Matters
AI-powered crypto projects, called AI Agents, have been growing fast. In late 2024, many of these projects got launched through crypto launchpads, creating a boom in AI-related tokens. But as with any hype cycle, excitement started fading. Investors needed something real—something that could make AI useful in crypto, not just another trendy buzzword.
That’s where DeepSeek comes in. Unlike most AI models that rely on huge amounts of data and expensive computing, DeepSeek uses pure reinforcement learning. This means the AI teaches itself through trial and error, getting better over time without needing massive datasets. It’s a game-changer because it makes AI smarter and significantly reduces costs.
HTX Ventures believes that DeepSeek could completely change how AI is used in crypto—just like the iPhone changed the mobile industry.
The Four Key Sectors of AI Agents
To understand why this is a big deal, let’s break down how AI Agents work in crypto. According to the HTX Ventures report, the AI Agents ecosystem is made up of four major parts:
- AI Agent Frameworks – These are the backbones of AI Agents, making it easier for developers to build AI-powered applications. A key example is Eliza, which stands out for its strong tech and sustainable business model.
- AI Launchpads – Think of these like crypto Kickstarter platforms for AI projects. They help fund, launch, and promote new AI Agent tokens, giving them a head start in the market.
- AI Meme Coins – These are tokens that combine AI tech with viral meme culture. They might seem like a joke, but they bring in huge amounts of capital fast. Examples include BULLY, TAOCAT, and LLM.
- AI Agent Applications – This is where AI becomes actually useful in crypto. These apps handle automated trading, asset management, market analysis, and cross-chain interactions. Key projects in this space include GRIFFAIN, NEUR, and BUZZ.
The report highlights that the most successful teams in AI Agents are those with deep expertise and strong resilience. Examples of top players include Virtual, SEKOIA, ai16z, and Swarm—all of whom have proven their ability to survive and innovate.
The Future: AI Agents Must Prove Their Value
2025 is expected to be a make-or-break year for AI in crypto. The days of easy hype and speculative investing are over. Investors will now focus on data, revenue, and real user adoption. The AI projects that survive will be the ones that can actually solve problems and generate profit.
Three key trends to watch:
- Multi-Agent Systems & DeFAI (Decentralized Finance + AI): AI will play a bigger role in automated decision-making and financial systems, making crypto more efficient and autonomous.
- Core Framework Updates: Projects like Eliza and ARC are constantly evolving. Their updates could lead to new AI-powered applications we haven’t even imagined yet.
- New AI Infrastructure Projects: AI needs better models, data layers, and computing power to integrate fully into crypto. This will be a major area for investment.
HTX Ventures is heavily investing in this future, backing projects like DeepSeek and AI Agent tokens. They believe that as AI and crypto merge, new opportunities and challenges will emerge, shaping the future of the industry.
Why This Knowledge Is Crucial for You
- AI is moving beyond hype – This is a turning point where AI must prove its value in crypto, and DeepSeek might be the project that makes it happen.
- Reinforcement Learning (RL) is a game-changer – Unlike old AI models that rely on huge datasets, RL allows AI to self-improve and operate more efficiently, making AI-powered crypto applications much cheaper and more effective.
- AI Agents are the next frontier – If you’re into crypto trading, investment, or development, understanding AI Agent frameworks, launchpads, meme coins, and applications will give you a huge edge.
- The winners will be those who solve real problems – The AI projects that succeed will be the ones that bring real utility and generate revenue, not just sell a cool story.
Final Thought
If you’re serious about crypto, you need to pay attention to AI Agents—they’re shaping up to be one of the biggest revolutions in the industry. The same way the iPhone changed how we use technology, AI-powered crypto applications could redefine how digital assets work. The key is to focus on real innovation, not just hype—because the future of AI in crypto is happening right now.
