Bankless ai16z Shaw Interview

What is the role of AI in crypto, and how will it shape the future?

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GBXS5myXz0

AI agents are taking the crypto world by storm, introducing unprecedented scale and efficiency to Web3. At the center of this revolution is Shaw, the creator of the Eliza framework and ai16z DAO, a groundbreaking initiative that’s reshaping decentralized investments. The ai16z DAO has rapidly gained traction, becoming the #1 trending GitHub repository last month, with over 3,300 stars and 880+ forks.

In this episode, we explore how Shaw and his team are leading a community-driven, open-source movement to integrate AI and crypto. From managing DAOs to bridging Web3 with real-world applications, we dive into how the Eliza framework is setting the groundwork for a potential AGI future. This is more than just an AI experiment—it’s the beginning of a new paradigm for both industries.

0:00 - Introductions and catching up with Matty 6:00 - Growing up with computers and the internet growing in the Bay Area 21:45 - Shaw's transition from a music career to programming 35:04 - Lesson's learned throughout Shaw's professional career 58:18 - Shaw's introduction to Web3, NFTs, and crypto projects 1:08:25 - The development of AI agents and the creation of ai16z 1:16:40 - Advice for evaluating AI agents and avoiding scams 1:27:55 - Reasons behind the FUD targeting Shaw and his team 1:32:30 - The future of AI agents, swarms, and online guilds 1:42:44 - Mitigating information overload, potential importance of transparent development 1:46:27 - Shaw's current focus with ai16z and plans for advocacy and education 1:48:50 - Potential for AI to revolutionize governance in DAOs / traditional systems 1:50:50 - Closing thoughts and feedback on the podcast experience