Emerging Markets, AI, and Crypto: Insights from Ryze Labs’ Matthew Graham
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and emerging markets is a space that few are exploring, but one that holds immense potential. Matthew Graham, founder and CEO of Ryze Labs, is a pioneer in this space, and his insights are invaluable. In an exclusive interview at the Emergence Conference in Prague, Graham shared his thoughts on the next frontier of AI and crypto adoption, highlighting the unique opportunities in emerging markets and the transformative potential of AI in the crypto industry.
The Convergence of AI and Crypto
Graham’s enthusiasm for the convergence of AI and blockchain is palpable. He believes that this intersection holds the most important wave of innovation since DeFi summer, driving Ryze Labs to focus on projects that combine the best of both worlds. The firm’s AI Combinator, launched in collaboration with a16z, acts as a hub for AI and blockchain developers to collaborate, exchange ideas, and accelerate progress. This focus has led to 10 to 12 investments at the intersection of AI and crypto, with a $5 million fund deployed across sectors.
Emerging Markets: A New Frontier
Graham sees emerging markets as poised for growth, noting that these markets are where the next wave of users and builders will come from. He highlights the need for tailored support to navigate regulatory, cultural, and technological challenges in jurisdictions far from major crypto nerve centers. Ryze Labs is turning to global hubs like Lagos and Bangalore to search for talent and the next AI/crypto unicorns.
AI Agents and the Next Wave of Innovation
Graham stresses that the possibilities of AI in crypto are vast, ranging from automating tasks with varying levels of intelligence to creating AI agents that influence and inspire real-world human actions. He notes that the next wave of innovation will likely involve a stack that includes a layer designed for AI agents that sits atop multiple L1s, as a kind of middle layer. This approach will enable AI agents to work across multiple ecosystems, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Cultural Phenomena and Lore
Graham draws parallels to cultural phenomena like internet memes and lore, noting how despite geographic barriers, internet lore and culture can synergize movements across time and space. He references projects that creatively integrate AI with cultural and historical narratives, such as Terminal of Truths, an AI agent that garnered significant interest for combining the lore of the Goatsee meme with an X account and a Solana wallet.
Ryze Labs’ Mission
Matthew Graham’s goal is to back the most exciting projects at the intersection of AI and crypto. When he learned about Terminal of Truths, it was a “stop-everything moment,” and he realized that the convergence of AI and crypto is not just a trend but the next frontier. Ryze Labs is committed to backing projects with transformative potential across diverse ecosystems, including social media and messaging.
Key Takeaways
- Convergence of AI and Crypto: The intersection of AI and blockchain is driving the most important wave of innovation since DeFi summer.
- Emerging Markets: Emerging markets are poised for growth, and Ryze Labs is turning to global hubs like Lagos and Bangalore to search for talent and the next AI/crypto unicorns.
- AI Agents: AI agents will play a crucial role in the next wave of innovation, enabling automation, creativity, and growth across multiple ecosystems.
- Cultural Phenomena: Cultural phenomena like internet memes and lore will continue to shape the crypto industry, enabling new opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Ryze Labs’ Mission: Ryze Labs is committed to backing the most exciting projects at the intersection of AI and crypto, with a focus on transformative potential across diverse ecosystems.
Predictions
- Increased Adoption of AI Agents: We will see increased adoption of AI agents across multiple ecosystems, driving innovation and growth in the crypto industry.
- Emerging Markets Growth: Emerging markets will continue to grow, with Ryze Labs and other firms investing in talent and innovation in jurisdictions like Lagos and Bangalore.
- Convergence of AI and Crypto: The convergence of AI and blockchain will continue to drive innovation and growth in the crypto industry, enabling new opportunities for automation, creativity, and growth.
Actionable Insights
- Invest in AI and Crypto Projects: Consider investing in projects that combine the best of AI and blockchain, such as those at the intersection of AI and crypto.
- Explore Emerging Markets: Look to emerging markets like Lagos and Bangalore for talent and innovation in the AI/crypto space.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Stay ahead of the curve by following the latest developments in AI and crypto, and exploring new opportunities for innovation and growth.
