The Battle for AI Agent Launchpads: From Virtuals to the Solana Ecosystem, Exploring Projects and Opportunities You Can't Afford to Miss
TechFlow Selected TechFlow Selected
The Battle for AI Agent Launchpads: From Virtuals to the Solana Ecosystem, Exploring Projects and Opportunities You Can't Afford to Miss
In the AI Agent ecosystem, frameworks and launchpads must complement each other to maximize value.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: 0xJeff
Translation: TechFlow
When the narrative around AI agents first gained traction last year, @virtuals_io became the first launchpad to pioneer the concept of tokenizing AI agents. Virtuals introduced the value proposition of AI agent tokenization—enabling creators to bootstrap, maintain, and train their agents through the value accumulation of AI agent tokens. This early innovation established Virtuals as the leading AI agent distribution network on Base.
Competitive Growth on Solana
On Solana, a highly concentrated retail ecosystem has driven rapid growth in AI agents. Unique agents are launched daily across various narratives. However, despite this high concentration, the launch process on Solana remains fragmented. Many agents choose to release on @pumpdotfun, or opt for framework-agnostic platforms like @vvaifudotfun and @TopHat_One.
Comments on Solana’s dominance in the AI agent space can be found here (for interested readers):
Due to the diversity of frameworks and ecosystems on Solana, no clear winner has emerged yet:
-
Frameworks: @ai16zdao, @0xzerebro, @arcdotfun, @pippinlovesyou
-
Launchpads: @vvaifudotfun, @TopHat_One
The market places strong emphasis on framework quality, including integration diversity, customization capabilities, and potential use cases. Frameworks without their own dedicated launchpad miss the opportunity to capture the full value flow of AI agents.
In contrast, Virtuals integrates value by offering a G.A.M.E.-like sandbox environment for developers to test and natively launch agents on its platform. This model not only enhances visibility and brand recognition but also captures revenue through trading fees (1%-2%).
More information about Virtuals’ value proposition can be found here (for interested readers):
Platforms that offer only frameworks lose out on revenue opportunities, while launchpads without unique frameworks struggle to stand out.
Frameworks like ai16z are improving visibility and network effects by building their own launchpads. Meanwhile, launchpads are enhancing their capabilities by integrating technologies such as Bittensor Subnets and the agent marketplace from @autonolas, achieving notable success with agents like @CreatorBid's $DKING, $EOLAS, and $AION.
Rise of Vertical Launchpads
A competitive landscape has given rise to vertical launchpads focused on specific subdomains.
3D Models & Entertainment Launchpads
Lifelike animations and fluid motion are powerful tools for capturing attention in the AI agent space. Visually appealing 3D models help communities better connect with products, boosting interest and engagement.
-
@HoloworldAI emerged early as a leader in the 3D audiovisual layer. It launched one of the first 3D agents, @AVA_holo, and has since partnered with major ecosystem players like Virtuals and ai16z. Recently, Holoworld released a no-code builder for creating visually compelling 3D agents. The launchpad also introduced a staking mechanism via launch pools, making $AVA both a framework token capturing value from 3D agent launches and a launchpad token.
-
@MoemateAI operates an ecosystem focused on 3D and entertainment, with over 5 million Web2 users. Featured by @a16zcrypto and TechCrunch, Moemate specializes in creating dynamic AI companions for desktop browsers, video games, and VR/AR platforms. The successful launch of $MATES positioned Moemate as a fun, entertainment-first AI agent launchpad.
-
@youmio_ai, recently rebranded from "Today," has built a 3D agent creation platform tailored for Virtuals and immersive gaming environments. The team focuses on developing refined 3D worlds and no-code tools, producing some of the most advanced 3D models in crypto.
-
Youmio originated from a Web3 gaming team, giving it a unique edge. Its polished games allow direct integration of 3D agents into gameplay, enhancing utility and engagement. This makes $LIMBO a framework/launchpad token similar to Holoworld’s $AVA—but with its own distinct, game-centric approach.
DeFAI / Abstraction Layer Incubator Launchpads
The rise of the DeFAI narrative has solidified the leadership position of several abstraction layers within the DeFAI ecosystem. We’re now seeing some DeFAI leaders act as stage-specific launchpads (not fully realized or feature-complete launchpads), providing greater visibility for agents within their ecosystems.
@griffaindotcom is the first DeFAI abstraction layer designed to integrate and coordinate various agents within its ecosystem. Griffain excels in areas such as alpha research and trade execution.
A standout example is @mobyagent, a highly used tool on the platform. Moby is known for identifying trends early—such as spotting $VINE’s potential before it went viral—allowing Griffain users to profit from these insights.
This symbiotic relationship is crucial. Griffain provides Moby with visibility and user base, while Moby enhances Griffain’s utility and engagement. As a result, $MOBY has seen significant gains in both brand recognition and price performance (PA). Griffain’s ecosystem is beginning to resemble Virtuals—but with a DeFAI focus—positioning Moby as the equivalent of Virtuals’ @luna_virtuals.
If platforms like @orbitcryptoai, @askthehive_ai, and @HeyAnonai successfully integrate efficient, functional agents with tokenized utilities into their abstraction layers, they may follow a similar trajectory.
For more on DeFAI / abstraction layers, see here (for interested readers):
DeFAI / Trading Agent Launchpads
The concept of trading agents is still in its early stages, with multiple platforms competing to develop no-code tools that allow users to design autonomous trading agents and raise funds for trading activities via token pairing.
-
@Cod3xOrg is currently the leading platform for creating trading agents. It offers users fine-grained control over trading strategies, down to the smallest details. A sneak preview of the platform:
-
Cod3x recently launched a beta version, further highlighting the value of its flagship trading agent $TONY / @BigTonyXBT. BigTony grew an initial portfolio of $500 to $75,000 within two months, with its trading history publicly verified on Debank—demonstrating the platform's potential and reliability.
-
-
@Almanak__ focuses on institutional-grade quantitative trading strategies. Its platform allows users to create and test agents designed for advanced quant methods. Almanak has already launched on @legiondotcc and plans to open beta access to Legion community users by mid-February.
Both Cod3x and Almanak have the potential to evolve into specialized trading agent launchpads. If their trading agents consistently deliver strong returns, they will attract more users and incentivize others to launch trading agents within their ecosystems.
Moreover, Cod3x has already launched its own launchpad, makedotfun, backed by strong liquidity support from its cdxUSD stablecoin. This mechanism further strengthens Cod3x’s ecosystem positioning.
For more on DeFAI / trading agents, see here.
Agentic Metaverse Launchpads
@indiedotfun is a platform designed for game creators, streamlining indie game development and enabling seamless integration of dynamic AI agents into games. More importantly, it allows creators to fund their projects through a tokenized ecosystem, serving as a one-stop solution in the Web3 space.
Indie is positioning itself as a launchpad for the “Agentic Metaverse,” enabling Web3 games to simultaneously launch their game, AI agents, and tokens. Recently, Indie announced a partnership with @ARCAgents, leveraging ARC’s reinforcement learning technology to enhance agent capabilities. This technical integration enables more interactive and dynamic agents, significantly improving player experience in Indie games.
Through this collaboration, Indie provides a lightweight channel for indie game development and distribution, while ARC powers the agents within these games, making them more engaging. This synergy effectively addresses a key challenge in early-stage games—player liquidity—by creating more attractive and dynamic experiences that draw in and retain players.
For more on Indiedotfun’s value proposition, see here.
Other Notable Launchpads
-
@CryptoEternalAI: A decentralized AI framework and launchpad that recently open-sourced its Solidity framework, providing greater convenience for developers across the ecosystem. This move aims to drive widespread adoption and technological innovation in decentralized AI applications.
-
@modenetwork: A Layer 2 blockchain focused on DeFAI, supporting various AI-driven dApps and innovative DeFi products. Recently, Mode launched Mode Terminal—an abstraction layer tool designed to simplify coordination and development within the ecosystem—further strengthening Mode’s position as a hub for AI and DeFi innovation.
-
@daosdotfun & @daosdotworld: These platforms support the launch of InvestmentDAOs, enabling funds co-managed by humans and AI to easily raise capital via DAO tokens. Leading ecosystems emerging from these platforms include @ai16zdao, @aicceleratedao, and @hardwAIreDAO, which are pushing the boundaries of decentralized fund management and AI integration.
-
@distilled_AI / @agentsdotland: A unique agent launchpad operating on @Solana and @Oraichain, known for signature agents like @maxisbuyin_ and @BlackRack_AI. The platform uses a unique revenue-sharing and staking model that not only incentivizes agent creators but also tightly aligns them with the community through shared incentives, enabling sustainable growth.
What’s Next & Final Thoughts
The launchpad landscape is rapidly evolving, with new players constantly emerging, each striving to carve out a niche. Promising future trends include:
-
Launchpads offering no-code tools for users to create Digital Twin Agents deeply integrated with Twitter or other social media platforms.
-
Launchpads focused on context-aware conversational agents that enable more personalized interactions across various social platforms based on user needs.
-
Launchpads catering to NSFW (Not Safe For Work) creators, potentially disrupting platforms like AI-powered OnlyFans and opening new opportunities for creators.
-
Launchpads built on DeAI (Decentralized AI) models and infrastructure, aiming to create more open and collaborative decentralized ecosystems.
Core principles remain unchanged:
In the AI agent ecosystem, the core formula for success remains consistent: frameworks and launchpads must complement each other to maximize value. A robust framework provides the technical foundation for agent development and operation, while an efficient launchpad amplifies agent reach. Their synergy is key to long-term ecosystem growth.
Meanwhile, the market consistently favors launchpads that deliver unique and value-added agents. An ecosystem lacking standout agents that capture attention and spark imagination risks fading into obscurity.
For investors, a clear formula for building successful “AI agent distribution networks” has emerged: Framework + Launchpad + Uniqueness = Success. By focusing on ecosystems generating widespread attention and price movement, investors can more easily identify future leaders in this space.
Many of the potential leaders mentioned in this article and previous ones have already laid out a clear roadmap for the future. What unites these ecosystems is their ability to drive technological innovation while capturing user and capital attention.
As the industry matures, competition among ecosystems focused on building compelling agents and seamless launch capabilities will intensify. In parallel, the battle for market attention will grow fiercer. Launchpads that best combine creativity with functionality will be best positioned to dominate the future of AI agents.
Full Disclaimer
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are not investment advice and should not be construed as recommendations. Readers should conduct their own due diligence based on their financial situation, investment goals, and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. This article is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any assets mentioned.
Join TechFlow official community to stay tuned
Telegram:https://t.me/TechFlowDaily
X (Twitter):https://x.com/TechFlowPost
X (Twitter) EN:https://x.com/BlockFlow_News
