According to a report by CoinDesk, Barry Silbert, the founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), is heavily betting on decentralized artificial intelligence (DeAI), calling it the “next major era of cryptocurrency” and suggesting that its impact may even be greater than that of Bitcoin (BTC).
In a letter to DCG shareholders, Silbert emphasizes that DeAI is an attempt by the cryptocurrency industry to drive innovation in AI and integrate it with blockchain technology. He believes that this technology, unlike the closed systems being developed by OpenAI and other tech giants, will bring greater benefits to humanity.
This development reminds Silbert of the time when he first gained wealth through Bitcoin. However, unlike the monetary revolution brought by Bitcoin, DeAI may bring about a revolution of power, using cryptocurrency as a mechanism to distribute ownership and governance rights of powerful AI models.
DCG’s Investment in DeAI
DCG has already invested $105 million in over ten DeAI projects, and Silbert writes, “We are excited to increase our investment in this area in 2025.”
He specifically highlights DCG’s investment in Bittensor, a decentralized AI application on the encrypted network, considering it the company in its portfolio that is closest to achieving “escape velocity.” He also notes that Bittensor’s TAO token has many similarities to Bitcoin.
In November of last year, DCG announced the establishment of a new subsidiary called Yuma to support and promote the development of the decentralized AI network, Bittensor. Additionally, their digital asset management company, Grayscale, launched a “decentralized AI” fund product for institutional investors last year.
Related articles: “Franklin Releases Report on AI in the Cryptocurrency Field, Claims AI Agents Will Completely Change Social Media Content Creation,” “Deconstructing AI Frameworks: Exploring the Journey from Intelligent Agents to Decentralization,” “Analysis of Four Frameworks in Crypto x AI: Eliza, GAME, Rig, and ZerePy’s Technological Frameworks and Market Landscape.”
