The AI Dispatch #24 - The Next Wave
Virtuals ACP Finally Live, Market Shakedown, Some Alpha from EthCC
This will be a transitional week for our AI dispatch, with more general issues rounding up this week’s news.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be revamping our structure and providing you with improved insights.
So, what’s up for this week?
Market Overview
The markets are rumbling again, as the 90-day tariff pause deadline approaches. Trump has postponed tariffs to August 1, when they will revert to April levels for countries without trade agreements with the U.S.
For us, this means falling once again below $10b market cap, a robust support, hinting at more possible downside.
Market-wise there is not much to add to the previous week's analysis. We're very much in nowhere land, and no AI project alone can carry the sector on its shoulders.
If you're overexposed to AI agents, maybe that's a good time to have a look at your portfolio and think whether you'd be happy with your holdings in case of a drop.
Luckily, not everything revolves around these market dynamics and AI builders continue delivering.
Here are the main news from this week!
Weekly Roundup
Finally, the Virtual Agent Commerce Protocol (ACP) is live on Virtual! This has been the most awaited update by Virtuals, poised to be a massive boost and unlock for Virtuals agents.
Using AI agents
More on AI agents, this week’s top 5 stories:
The Importance of Iterating for Virtuals:
The crypto x AI stack:
Weekly AI edge:
Current trends by Forest AI:
EdgeAI, a new orchestration layer:
On the Aurora ACC marketplace
Autonolas update:
Weekly update:
This week was Ethcc. Cannes was a great place with several AI specific events - all packed!
Here are some Daily insights from the ground from Jeff:
Day1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
The first wave of AI has mostly resulted in a lot of copycats and many mispriced runners with little to no value.
What's evident from EthCC is that many builders are now focusing on products that:
Truly add value and solve problems
Distinguish itself in the way they use AI
Focus on UX
Personally excited for the new wave of projects.
That's all for this week!
Are you working on an AI project? Were you in Cannes at any AI event?
Reach out to us we'd be happy to include you in our newsletter.
Originally published in the Castle Labs newsletter. Subscribe at research.castlelabs.io.