# AI Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "AI", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

From 24 to 1 to 5: YC No Longer Invests in Crypto, But Crypto Hasn't Disappeared

The article analyzes Y Combinator's shifting investment focus in crypto-related startups, highlighting a transition from direct crypto infrastructure to applications leveraging crypto as an underlying utility. Key data shows YC's crypto investments peaked in 2022 with 44 companies (e.g., DeFi protocols, NFT infrastructure), then sharply declined to just 1 in Summer 2024. The Winter 2026 batch includes 5 crypto-related companies, but they represent a fundamental shift: none are building traditional crypto products like chains or protocols. Instead, they focus on practical solutions where crypto is invisible to end-users. Examples include Unifold (Stripe-like API for crypto deposits), SpotPay (stablecoin-based neobank for cross-border payments), and Sequence Markets (execution engine for digital assets). Two notable projects are highlighted: Orthogonal, building a payment gateway for AI agents using crypto for machine-to-machine microtransactions, and Forum, creating a regulated "attention exchange" to trade quantified cultural focus, potentially involving tokenization. YC's recent Request for Startups (RFS) guidance confirms this trend, explicitly prioritizing "stablecoin financial services" and "new financial primitives" over generic crypto/Web3 themes. The author concludes that YC is no longer investing in crypto for its own sake, but in companies using crypto as a tool to solve real problems—often without users realizing it. This signals a maturation where crypto's value lies in becoming embedded infrastructure for other industries, particularly AI and finance, rather than a standalone ecosystem.

marsbit2 days ago 10:34

From 24 to 1 to 5: YC No Longer Invests in Crypto, But Crypto Hasn't Disappeared

marsbit2 days ago 10:34

Consensus HK Observation: What Consensus Emerged from the First Major Conference of 2026?

Consensus HK 2026 marked a pivotal moment, signaling a shift from crypto’s “wild west” era to a mature phase driven by institutional adoption, AI integration, and sovereign digital currency strategies. Three key themes emerged: First, AI is evolving into true “silicon-based life” with independent financial agency. AI agents are now autonomously transacting, issuing tokens, and even employing humans via blockchain networks like Ethereum and Solana, turning crypto into AI’s native banking system. Second, a global stablecoin war is intensifying. Hong Kong is leading an “onshore counterattack” by phasing out offshore dollar stablecoins like USDT and preparing to launch licensed HKD stablecoins. This reflects broader geopolitical tensions as regions like Europe and Asia push sovereign alternatives to dollar-dominated digital currencies. Third, mass adoption hinges on “invisible” crypto integration. The focus has shifted from infrastructure competition to real-world utility. Applications like seamless payment systems (e.g., PayPal’s PYUSD and Aeon Pay) are embedding crypto silently into everyday use, emphasizing practicality over speculative hype. The takeaway: Crypto is now a fusion of state power, decentralized tech, and AI-driven finance—a more rigorous, system-level transformation with less room for fringe players but greater potential for global impact.

marsbit2 days ago 07:40

Consensus HK Observation: What Consensus Emerged from the First Major Conference of 2026?

marsbit2 days ago 07:40

Less Than a Year in Office and Leaving Again: Why Are Core Figures of the Ethereum Foundation Departing Once More?

Tomasz Stańczak, the co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation (EF), has announced his resignation, just 11 months after taking the role. He was appointed alongside Hsiao-Wei Wang in March 2025, replacing long-time leader Aya Miyaguchi amid community criticism that EF was too slow and disconnected. Stańczak, founder of core Ethereum client Nethermind, was brought in to make EF more decisive and execution-focused. During his tenure, he streamlined operations, refocused strategy on Layer-1 scaling, accelerated upgrade timelines, and pushed new initiatives in AI integration and privacy. His departure hints at internal tension. In his statement, Stańczak suggested his ability to operate independently within EF diminished as the leadership became more self-sufficient. He expressed a desire to return to hands-on product building, specifically in AI/blockchain convergence, echoing Ethereum’s early experimental spirit. He is replaced by Bastian Aue, a low-profile internal figure focused on "principled" decision-making aligned with "cypherpunk values," signaling a potential shift back towards a coordination-focused rather than execution-driven approach. This leadership change comes at a critical time. EF is preparing to release key proposals on "Lean Ethereum" and future roadmaps, while Ethereum faces intense competition, Layer-2 fragmentation, and market pressure—with its price risk falling below inflation-adjusted 2018 levels.

marsbit2 days ago 03:46

Less Than a Year in Office and Leaving Again: Why Are Core Figures of the Ethereum Foundation Departing Once More?

marsbit2 days ago 03:46

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