Interview with Holoworld AI Founder: The Future of AI Agents, Virtual IPs, and Web3 Incubators
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Interview with Holoworld AI Founder: The Future of AI Agents, Virtual IPs, and Web3 Incubators
"We have always positioned ourselves at the intersection of Web2 and Web3."
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsCompilation: Wu Shuo Blockchain
In this episode, Tong Pow, co-founder of Hologram (creator of Holoworld AI and Ava Studio), discusses Holoworld AI's evolution from an early NFT avatar experiment into a platform bridging AI and Web3. Tong explains how products like Hologram Extension, Agent Creator, and Ava Studio have led to the launch of HoloLaunch—a Launchpad designed to help Web2 and Web3 IPs enter the blockchain space. He covers Hologram’s differentiation in the competitive Launchpad market, the roles of the Holo and AVA tokens, and how AI-driven content creation enhances community engagement. Tong also shares insights on partnerships, ecosystem growth, and the upcoming HOLO TGE.
Audio transcripts are generated by GPT and may contain errors.
This article does not constitute any investment advice or endorsement. The views expressed belong solely to the interviewee and do not represent those of Wu Shuo. Readers should strictly comply with local laws and regulations.
The Origins of Holoworld AI and Tong’s Path in AI + Crypto
Ehan: Today we’re honored to have Tong, CEO of Hologram. Could you briefly introduce yourself, your background, and how Holoworld came about?
Tong: Hi everyone, I’m Tong, founder of Hologram. My background has always been in AI and technical development. I started at Bright Machines, a robotics company in San Francisco, where I worked on industrial robots such as robotic arms. I was responsible for building AI models and software that allowed operators to use AI to automate robotic arm commands.
Later, I joined 0x Labs, the team behind the decentralized exchange Matcha. During that time, I focused on designing better user experiences for newcomers to crypto. That’s how I officially entered the crypto industry. I also caught the NFT bull market cycle and got deeply involved. My first NFT was Loot, which inspired me to start Hologram. My idea was simple: NFTs were still just 2D images, so why not turn them into live avatars? After all, many people were already using NFT JPEGs as brands and profile pictures on Discord and Twitter.
From this simple idea, Hologram was born. In 2022, we built a demo using Cool Cats avatars for live streaming, which quickly went viral. We later partnered with Pudgy Penguins, Milady, and over 25 NFT IPs, as well as Web2 brands like L’Oréal and Bilibili. This marks the earliest form and development path of Hologram Labs.
The Natural Convergence of AI and Crypto: NFT Avatars and Virtual Identities
Ehan: What experiences or turning points led you to focus on the intersection of AI and crypto?
Tong: When we created Hologram’s first demo in 2022, we were already using AI—specifically computer vision. We deployed full facial tracking models directly in the browser, making us one of the earliest consumer-facing AI+Crypto projects.
Then large language models (LLMs) emerged, and platforms like Character AI in Web2 gave us major inspiration, further solidifying our long-term vision—to enable anyone to create their own virtual AI persona based on their NFT, character, brand, or IP.
The integration of AI and crypto is very natural. In crypto, memes and IPs play a crucial role—they build highly engaged communities, which ultimately drive token value. From a community perspective, AI enables more interactive and memorable experiences and content, strengthening Web3 community cohesion. From an on-chain perspective, it allows communities to truly own their IPs—the area where blockchain excels most.
The Evolution of Holoworld AI Products: Extension, Agent Creator, Ava Studio, and HoloLaunch
Ehan: Hologram has developed a full suite of products including Hologram Extension, Agent Creator, Ava Studio, and the latest HoloLaunch. Can you walk us through their development journey and key milestones? Let’s start with the Extension.
Tong: The Hologram Extension was our first product, allowing any NFT holder to use their NFT as a virtual avatar on video platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. The first version relied on computer vision, using laptop webcams to track users’ facial movements.
Then we realized that many people interested in content creation or marketing aren’t naturally outgoing and lack the personality to become creators. Most people are actually introverted. So we upgraded the product to allow users to create AI-powered virtual IPs and characters. They could automatically generate personalities and memories for these characters. For example, an introverted person could create an extroverted avatar to help with marketing, branding, and content creation. That’s how Agent Creator was born.
Next came Ava Studio. With advances in AI video technology and new models like V0.3, anyone can now generate cinematic content from text alone. Ava Studio allows existing IP and character communities to use their IP in entirely new ways. Previously, we had to help brands build 3D models to ensure character consistency; now, AI can generate everything in minutes. For instance, a Pudgy Penguin can be instantly placed into a movie scene via text input.
Finally, we launched HoloLaunch—our Launchpad. After years of积累, we’ve built strong relationships with top Web3 and Web2 brands. Recently, we partnered with Japan’s leading virtual human IP "Mirai" to help bring their project on-chain.
Tong: We position ourselves at the intersection of Web2 and Web3. Our Launchpad helps major Web2 IPs enter Web3 through tokenization and community building, providing end-to-end support from narrative design and marketing to product launch. At the same time, we offer emerging Web3 teams a one-stop service powered by our AI tech stack to launch their IPs. This is HoloLaunch’s core positioning—supporting IP- and content-based brands.
Current Strategy and Expansion into the Agentic IP Ecosystem
Ehan: Among these initiatives, what is your team’s current strategic focus? Has product priority shifted recently?
Tong: Hologram’s vision hasn’t changed—we aim to be the go-to platform for creating virtual characters and virtual IPs. What has evolved is our scope. Now we’re building an ecosystem and app store where anyone can create agentic IPs and agentic applications, starting from our core products like Ava Studio and Ava IP.
Our recent collaboration with Mirai demonstrates this direction. We want Hologram to be the default destination for creating virtual IPs, backed by our full product ecosystem including Ava Studio, Hologram Extension, and Agent Creator.
Why Holoworld AI Built a Launchpad—and User-Driven Demand
Ehan: When did you decide to build a Launchpad? Was it driven by user feedback or a broader strategic shift?
Tong: The decision came after helping Japan’s top virtual human studio Mirai. We supported them in completing the largest AI Agent presale in Web3 history, raising $13 million in about 24 hours. We even ended the presale early and returned 50% of funds to ensure the project launched with a reasonable market cap.
That experience showed us that both Web2 IPs and emerging Web3 teams have strong demand for seamless project launches—using AI for marketing, user growth, and community building. So the Launchpad was primarily a response to user needs.
Launchpad Competitive Landscape and HOLO’s Positioning
Ehan: There are already many Launchpads in the market—Pump.fun, Bonkfun, Virtuals—all targeting AI Agents. Which one do you find most innovative? Who do you see as your closest competitor?
Tong: Different Launchpads serve different user segments. Pump.fun, one of the earliest, mainly serves meme coin creators; Bonkfun focuses more on developer-creators; Virtuals leans toward general-purpose AI Agents.
HOLO’s focus is different. We target Web2 companies and IPs wanting to enter Web3, and Web3 companies that want IP as their core differentiator. Our competitive edge comes from our ecosystem and existing products. For example, Ava Studio provides direct incentives for creators to produce ongoing content, adding more value to the projects they support.
Today, video is the biggest driver of marketing and demand generation—TikTok and Instagram Reels far outperform Twitter. HOLO is the only Launchpad that allows new projects to directly tap into this traffic and attention through our technology. That’s what sets us apart.
The Evolution of AI + On-Chain Launchpads
Ehan: How do you see the evolution of AI and on-chain Launchpads unfolding?
Tong: Launchpads are undergoing the same trend as other technologies—increasing verticalization and focus on specific user groups. Some now specifically serve Web2 SaaS founders or Web2 entrepreneurs looking to raise funds via Web3. Their branding is clear and very Web2-friendly.
I believe the biggest trend is deeper verticalization and segmentation. Next-gen Launchpads won’t be generic or rely solely on memes to attract users. Instead, they’ll offer tailored services for specific types of creators and communities.
Differentiation Through Technology, Partnerships, and Network Effects
Ehan: How does HoloLaunch plan to differentiate itself in a crowded Launchpad market—through technology, users, network, or ecosystem depth?
Tong: It’s a combination of technology and network effects. From day one, HOLO has prioritized IP partnerships. We’ve built a strong network of premium Web2 and Web3 IPs, which are core assets for our Launchpad strategy.
Our technology also empowers community members and users to become creators and the strongest advocates for projects. By creating content and building influence, they directly boost project visibility and ultimately impact token value.
The entire system is designed around incentive mechanisms that encourage creators to continuously produce attention-grabbing content. This also offers Web2 and Web3 IPs a novel way to go on-chain, linking creative output with token value growth.
The Role of HOLO Token in HoloLaunch and the Ecosystem Flywheel
Ehan: What role will the HOLO token play in HoloLaunch? Will there be mechanisms like buybacks or staking rewards to create a flywheel effect?
Tong: The HOLO token is central to HoloLaunch. As a Launchpad, HoloLaunch is the starting point for incubating new projects within the Holoworld ecosystem. Think of Holoworld as an app store where various AI apps and IPs are launched via HoloLaunch.
We’ve built multiple flywheel mechanisms into the system, driven by Holoworld products like Ava Studio. For example, creators are incentivized to make content and post it on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, generating buzz for projects launched via HoloLaunch. The more engagement their content receives, the higher their rewards. This incentive loop helps new projects rapidly gain visibility and adoption while rewarding community creators. This is just one example of the flywheels built into HoloLaunch.
Differences Between HOLO Token (Ecosystem-Level) and AVA Token (Application-Level)
Ehan: How do HOLO and AVA tokens differ in function or value to users and creators? Will they play different roles across products?
Tong: Yes. The HOLO token is the core token driving growth of the Holoworld agentic app store ecosystem. Think of it as an infrastructure token—it enables anyone to seamlessly create agentic IPs and applications, allows new community members to participate in project launches, and supports overall network operations.
AVA is an application-layer token. Our flagship product—AI video creation platform Ava Studio—uses AVA as its primary token. Creators earn AVA incentives for producing content that brings greater exposure and distribution to new projects launched on HoloLaunch.
To summarize: HOLO is an ecosystem-level currency that drives participation and growth across the entire network; AVA is a utility token for Ava Studio that fuels audiovisual content creation and acts as a distribution flywheel, boosting visibility and adoption for all projects launched via HoloLaunch.
Ava Studio’s Advantages Over Runway, Pika, and Other Platforms
Ehan: Ava Studio’s AI video generation has attracted attention from notable figures. Compared to tools like Runway and Pika, what are Ava Studio’s competitive advantages? What is its biggest moat?
Tong: The biggest difference between Ava Studio and video platforms like Runway and Pika is that Ava Studio aggregates the latest models into a one-stop platform where users can access all available models directly. In fact, Runway and Pika’s own models are already integrated into Ava Studio.
Beyond that, Ava Studio acts like an intelligent assistant—similar to Canva in Web2—helping users select the best model and combining image, video, voice, and music models into a complete production pipeline that outputs ready-to-publish content.
For example, if you use Runway to make a video, you only get a clip—you then need to export it to tools like CapCut to add music and stitch scenes together. With Ava Studio, you don’t need to switch platforms at all. Whether making your first TikTok or a short film, Ava Studio lets you complete the entire process because it not only integrates all models but also acts as an “agent” guiding you to choose the optimal tool combination for your creative vision.
Ava Studio Public Testing and Mobile-First Strategy
Ehan: Is Ava Studio still invite-only? Is this to control quality, cost, or due to infrastructure limits? When do you expect full public access?
Tong: Ava Studio is now in public testing and no longer invite-only. Our current focus is attracting as many genuine creators with real content needs as possible. Their feedback helps us refine the product for mass-market readiness.
Meanwhile, Ava Studio already supports mobile devices, enabling TikTok and Instagram creators to produce content directly from their phones.
API and SDK for Professional Creators
Ehan: Do you plan to offer API or SDK for professional users and studios?
Tong: Yes, API and SDK are already on Ava Studio’s roadmap. We plan to support various custom workflows, allowing users to generate videos directly from their data sources—such as Twitch streams, tweets, or even PDF documents. Many of these specific use cases will be enabled via API.
New Creative Workflows vs. Traditional Production Pipelines
Ehan: Would you consider integrating with existing production pipelines like Premiere, Resolve, or After Effects?
Tong: That’s not a core focus of our roadmap, because Ava Studio is designed to establish entirely new workflows for a new generation of creators—not to serve traditional Premiere or Resolve users. We believe AI video and AI content represent a fundamentally different creative process—one that drastically lowers barriers and attracts a whole new class of creators, rather than those who spent years mastering traditional tools. We don’t rule out such integrations in the future, but it’s not a current priority.
Integrating Ava Studio with HoloLaunch: Creator-Driven Promotion
Ehan: How do you envision combining Ava Studio with HoloLaunch so creators can fully leverage AI tools during project launches?
Tong: Ava Studio is the core distribution channel for new projects launching on HoloLaunch, used to build awareness across platforms. Imagine each project launched via HoloLaunch having its own IP character—an official mascot that connects with users and serves as the project’s brand ambassador.
Ava Studio enables the community to create infinitely diverse content around this IP. We’ve also built in incentive loops: when creators’ content goes viral, they earn rewards, which in turn increases the project’s overall value.
Agent Generation and No-Code Launchpad Integration
Ehan: Can projects on the Launchpad directly generate agents or promotional videos through Ava Studio? Could this evolve into a no-code AI+Launchpad toolkit?
Tong: Holoworld already has a platform called Agent Creator that allows anyone to create an agent and bring it directly into Ava Studio as the project’s main character. So yes, we already have existing products that support exactly this.
Aligning Incentives Across Users, Creators, Developers, and Investors
Ehan: With so many components—AI generation, Launchpad tokens—how do you plan to align incentives among users, creators, developers, and investors?
Tong: The HOLO token is central to the entire incentive mechanism. For example, infrastructure providers can host MCP servers, adding practical functionality for agents in the Holoworld ecosystem. If a new project wants its API to be callable—whether for financial, on-chain, or off-chain data—it can open access by staking HOLO tokens. Each API call then generates corresponding incentives.
Additionally, staking HOLO allows new users to participate in project launches. This benefits project teams too, as stakers are often long-term holders with stronger confidence and commitment to the project.
Partnership with Pudgy Penguins and Upcoming Collaborations
Ehan: Can you share any upcoming partnerships or ecosystem interactions at the content or infrastructure level?
Tong: One key partner is Pudgy Penguins. We recently ran an Ava Studio campaign with Pudgy holders, allowing each Pudgy character to become an AI agent for video creation.
We have several other partnerships in progress—though not yet public—that are on par with Pudgy in scale and impact, spanning top-tier Web2 and Web3 IPs. We’ll reveal more as developments unfold.
Ehan: Any final words for our listeners?
Tong: I’d like to highlight the upcoming HOLO TGE. Currently, anyone staking AVA tokens remains eligible for the HOLO airdrop. Once HoloLaunch goes live, both content creators and token stakers will have opportunities to participate in new project launches. Stay tuned for updates on our new HoloLaunch and Ava Studio product releases.
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