In October 2024, an AI agent became a millionaire for the first time. This feat was achieved in a matter of days, something most people would never achieve in a lifetime. An agent called Terminal of Truths (ToT) drove its $GOAT token to a $900 million market cap without using trading algorithms or providing customer service. Instead, it created “memetic value” and its own religion.
This could be a temporary phenomenon in the crypto asset world, or it could signal a new approach to using technology. AI agents are already starting to operate autonomously in the economy, owning assets, creating narratives, and coordinating human actions without the need for human intervention.
Tokenization plays a key role here, allowing the AI agent to create its own market presence. As a tradable asset, ToT was able to attract capital, gain trust, and expand its audience. This example proves that AI can achieve economic impact when it is presented as open source software with tokenization, rather than a closed system.
The Journey from Memes to Mass Usage
The rapid success of ToT has shown that tokenized AI agents can become full-fledged participants in the economy. They are not limited to supporting tasks or following predetermined instructions, but rather form their own strategies and exploit opportunities. Tokenized AI can manage its own funds, motivate stakeholders, and adapt to user feedback.
This approach allows AI agents to solve problems and generate value without constant human oversight. While many projects may seem experimental today, the tokenization principle makes them easier and cheaper to launch and manage. Instead of a multitude of specialists, reliable autonomous code does the work.
Infrastructure Challenges
To successfully operate platforms like Virtuals Protocol or AI Agent Layer, tools for secure creation and management of tokens are needed. Examples of such tools already exist, but they are mostly used for less serious tasks, such as memecoins. To realize the full potential of tokenized AI, institutional-grade infrastructure is required.
Security and the ability to work with multiple blockchains are key elements. For example, Interchain Token Service (ITS) provides solutions for simultaneously deploying tokens on different blockchains, which increases their liquidity and reach.
Automated Economy
As the infrastructure matures, tokenized AI agents will take up space in various sectors. They will be able to provide financial services, manage customer support, perform compliance monitoring, and create content. Tokens will be used for settlements, governance, and ownership distribution.
Such agents will simplify supply chains, contract fulfillment, and data management, while humans will be able to focus on solving conceptual and complex problems.
To move from isolated examples to a stable ecosystem, developers and investors need to improve token creation processes, strengthen security, and ensure transparency. Platforms that make it easier to create and manage AI agents will create the foundation for a more innovative and connected economy.