The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency is reshaping the global tech landscape, and Matthew Graham, founder and CEO of Ryze Labs, is at the forefront of this revolution. In a recent interview at the Emergence Conference in Prague, Graham shed light on the transformative potential of AI and crypto in emerging markets and beyond.
Based in Shanghai, Ryze Labs is committed to funding innovative companies at the intersection of AI and crypto. Its impressive portfolio includes projects like Polygon, Sui, Layer Zero, and Builders Tribe, as well as web3-focused gaming and metaverse ventures.
The Power of AI-Crypto Integration
For Graham, the convergence of AI and blockchain represents the most significant wave of innovation since the DeFi boom. Earlier this year, Ryze Labs partnered with a16z to launch the AI Combinator, an incubator designed to foster collaboration among developers and accelerate breakthroughs at the AI-crypto intersection. With a $5 million fund, the initiative has already supported 10–12 promising projects.
Graham’s confidence in ecosystems like Solana and TON underscores Ryze Labs’ dedication to transformative technologies. By acquiring MNDE tokens and supporting Solana’s PayFi applications, as well as investing in Telegram’s expansive user base, Ryze Labs positions itself as a leader in driving innovation across diverse blockchain frameworks.
Emerging Markets: The Next Frontier
Graham emphasizes the untapped potential of emerging markets as a driving force for crypto and AI adoption. Regions like Lagos and Bangalore are fast becoming hubs for the next wave of developers and users. “These markets are where the next AI and crypto unicorns will emerge,” Graham notes, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to navigate regulatory and cultural challenges in these areas.
AI Agents and Cultural Synergy
A unique aspect of Graham’s vision is the role of AI agents in bridging crypto with cultural and historical narratives. Projects like the Terminal of Truths, which integrates the lore of internet memes with blockchain technology, exemplify this innovative approach. Funded by a16z’s Marc Andreessen, the project highlights the potential for AI agents to inspire and interact with users across the crypto ecosystem.
For Graham, such projects represent a pivotal moment in the AI-crypto convergence. “Our goal is to back the hell out of people building the most exciting projects at this intersection,” he asserts. The fusion of AI and blockchain, he believes, is more than a trend—it’s the next frontier.
