The crypto "macro environment has changed"
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The crypto "macro environment has changed"
The current wave of AI Agent craze is reshuffling the previously rigid crypto systems.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsBy Haotian
Why do we say "the macro environment has changed"? At its core, the current wave of AI Agent enthusiasm represents a major reshuffling of the previously rigid Crypto ecosystem:
From infrastructure-first stacking —> application-first via AI Agents?
In the past, delivering a blockchain took 1–3 years of long-term development. By the time teams finished their roadmaps and held TGEs (Token Generation Events), they often found that user adoption and app ecosystems failed to meet market expectations—resulting in many infrastructures disconnected from real market needs.
Going forward, regardless of the project, launch an AI Agent application on-chain first. Let the functionality, performance, and user experience of the AI Agent validate the underlying technical infrastructure. Use application-first deployment to verify market demand, avoiding solutions without actual use cases.
From VC funding rounds —> community-driven MEME launches?
Previously, VC capital fueled the rise of "blue-chip" projects. Information asymmetry in primary markets squeezed secondary-market profit margins, leading to disconnection between Western and Eastern capital, closed-door deals among VCs and exchanges, tokens launching with high FDVs (Fully Diluted Valuations) followed by relentless price declines—and numerous other issues.
Now, projects can be built as open-source public goods: no whitepaper at first, but a public GitHub repository; no formal roadmap, but visible product applications. They go directly to secondary markets for funding, enabling AI Agents to autonomously manage assets. Growing asset pools and increasing holder counts create greater narrative potential. Early builders simply keep contributing value over time.
From airdrop farming —> partner co-construction?
Historically, projects distributed airdrops to attract early users and traffic. Users spent gas and time farming these rewards, which led to either “Sybil communities” where participants cashed out and left—burdening projects with unsustainable engagement—or long-term farmers stuck in endless cycles of unmet promises and emotional manipulation ("PUA"). Conflicts were inevitable, resulting in lose-lose outcomes.
Now, projects launch via MEME-style secondary offerings, designing sustainable tokenomics (LP fees, trading taxes, staggered vesting releases, etc.). In this model, community members are both early investors and ongoing contributors expanding consensus. Those who stay through the journey are more likely to earn meaningful returns—creating win-win dynamics.
From CEX listing as endgame —> DEX dominance?
Previously, most projects struggled with low liquidity and small user bases on DEXs. Only through clever tokenomics, sustained community growth, and behind-the-scenes negotiations could they secure listings on centralized exchanges (CEXs). Under such pressure, many projects simply gave up after TGE.
Now, most projects choose to continuously build during the DEX phase. On-chain DEXs absorb the majority of market liquidity. While this on-chain boom may feel like a "chaotic era," high-quality projects now have a better chance to rise from obscurity—no longer buried under the gatekeeping power of traditional CEXs. The future may lean toward DEX-first ecosystems, with CEXs serving only as supplementary liquidity sources.
From entrepreneurs speaking corporate jargon —> founders being raw and authentic?
The market used to be extremely competitive, with massive gaps between top-tier and bottom-tier projects. Once successful, leading founders often stepped back into abstraction—engaging in philanthropy, charity work, adopting overly polished, sanctimonious tones.
Today’s founders must stay deeply embedded in the community and remain hands-on with product development. Without direct engagement, it's nearly impossible for new projects to gain visibility or ecosystem traction. The new market rules force founders to stay on the front lines—being candid, emotional, even provocative. This authenticity may invite criticism, but a "real" dev persona resonates more than a distant, untouchable "entrepreneur"—at least from the retail investor's perspective.
Note: These shifts aren't absolute nor immediate. Hybrid models will likely emerge, and early stages will inevitably bring new challenges. Yet, regardless, this transformation represents a glimmer of hope breaking through the stagnation of the old system.
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Haotian | CryptoInsight
