Artificial Inteligence

Grayscale unveils its AI crypto sector, creating new opportunities in blockchain investment. This innovation merges AI, crypto, and the digital future.

28 May 2025 2 min

Grayscale Investments, the world’s largest digital asset manager, has made history by launching a new classification within its crypto ecosystem: the Artificial Intelligence Crypto Sector. Announced in late May 2025, this move marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s recognition of artificial intelligence (AI) as a driving force in the global blockchain ecosystem.

Grayscale’s strategic move is not just a response to the growing AI hype, but is based on in-depth research into the sector’s explosive growth. The total market cap of AI-related tokens has surged from just $4.5 billion in early 2023 to over $21 billion at the time of this sector’s launch.

Within this new ecosystem, Grayscale divides the 20 leading AI tokens into three primary subcategories:

• AI Platforms: Includes blockchain platforms like Bittensor (TAO) and NEAR Protocol, which provide the infrastructure for developing decentralized AI models.

• AI Tools & Resources: Projects such as Akash Network and Grass, which offer data marketplaces and computational resources essential for AI development.

• AI Apps & Agents: Includes Worldcoin (WLD) and Virtuals, bringing AI-powered applications and autonomous agents directly to end users.

This classification model is designed similarly to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) used in traditional stock markets, providing transparency and clarity for investors analyzing the AI crypto sector.

The emergence of the AI crypto sector is far more than a fleeting hype. Many blockchain-based AI projects have demonstrated real-world adoption and tangible revenues. For instance, Bittensor (TAO) now leads with a market cap of around $3.8 billion, while Grass and Virtuals stand out as pioneers in AI commercialization within decentralized ecosystems.

Recognizing this potential, Grayscale has launched investment products such as the Grayscale Bittensor Trust, with the possibility of introducing a dedicated AI crypto index or even an ETF in the future.

Grayscale’s decision is not without its risks. The AI crypto sector still faces significant challenges—from uneven technology adoption, privacy and ethical issues, to extreme price volatility. However, with strict classification and curation, Grayscale aims to build a more solid and transparent investment foundation.

Retail investors in Indonesia and other regions still need to access AI tokens directly via crypto exchanges, as Grayscale’s products are currently tailored more towards global institutional investors. Nevertheless, recognition from a major institution like Grayscale is expected to spark greater interest and broader adoption in both retail and institutional markets.

Many questions still surround the implementation of the AI crypto sector:

• What are Grayscale’s criteria for selecting AI tokens?

• How far has blockchain AI been adopted on a mass scale?

• How are regulation and ethics being handled in this sector?

Projects like Bittensor, Worldcoin, and NEAR Protocol exemplify AI’s role in building the web3 future. However, investors must understand both the risks and the immense opportunities in this new sector. Transparency, innovation, and strong governance will be crucial to ensure the sector’s sustainability and widespread benefits.

Grayscale’s launch of the AI crypto sector marks a milestone in the adoption of blockchain and artificial intelligence technology. With rapid growth, innovative products, and strong institutional interest, the AI sector is set to become a backbone of the digital economic transformation ahead.

For readers seeking a complete list of tokens, investment mechanisms, or regulatory updates in the AI crypto sector, Grayscale offers a robust foundation for further exploration and insight.