The A.I. Agent Supercycle: A Guide to the Best Infrastructure Plays

"The universe is giving you another chance. Don't try to be contrarian. Don't try to be cute."

Market Context: The New Alt Season

There's a strong possibility that we won't see a traditional alt season where everything rises. The market has evolved - there are too many tokens now, and insufficient liquidity to pump them all, even with retail's full participation.

Instead, we're seeing sector-specific rallies. Right now, A.I. Agents are having their moment, breaking all-time highs while the broader market bleeds red. This sector has become a liquidity black hole, attracting attention and capital.

Why Now is Different

• Market bleeding, yet AI infrastructure and agents printing ATHs
• Young meta (2 months post-GOAT launch) with rapid utility unlocks
• Clean tokenomics without VC baggage
• Pre-CEX listing phase offering asymmetric upside

The Infrastructure Duopoly

Virtuals ($4.6B) - The Current King

Virtuals has established itself as the premier launchpad for AI Agents, dominating the Base ecosystem with plans for multi-chain expansion.

Core Strengths:

• Token-gated agent creation and LP pairing requirements
• Powerful network effects attracting top builders
• Home to AIXBT ($500M+ MC flagship agent)

Expansion Plans:

• Ready-to-launch platform on Solana
• Exploring Hyperliquid and Abstract Chain in 2025

AI16z ($2.2B) - The Kingslayer

Home to ElizaOS, the #1 trending GitHub repository for agent development, AI16z is positioning for a major ecosystem expansion.

Q1 2025 Tokenomics Overhaul:

• Launch fees with buybacks & burns mechanism
• Token holdings required for access and LP
• Ecosystem fund for developer incentives

Emerging Infrastructure Players

ZereBro ($632M)

Pivoting from music AI to a full-stack Python-based framework.

• Zerepy: Open-source Python framework
• Zentients Platform launch in early 2025
• Part of Virtuals ecosystem

Arc ($358M)

Building Rig: The only Rust-based agent framework.

• Optimized for Solana's ecosystem
• Outperforms Langchain on key metrics
• Core Abstract Chain contributor involved

Griffain ($457M)

Solana's "Siri for DeFi" with native mobile integration.

• Natural language on-chain transactions
• Backed by Solana Labs
• Built by Underdog protocol founder

Vapor ($154M)

First AI Agent launchpad on Hyperliquid.

• Built on ElizaOS framework
• Deflationary token mechanics
• Live on testnet with open access

Investment Strategies

Portfolio Construction

Core Strategies

• Conservative: 50/50 split between Virtuals and AI16z
• Alpha/Beta: Major infrastructure + emerging frameworks
• Barbell: Infrastructure bluechips + microcap agents

Selection Criteria

• Chain-specific dominance potential
• Niche focus and specialization

Market Outlook & Common Criticisms

Addressing Concerns

❌

"Too many launchpads and frameworks"

Compare to the number of L1s and L2s. Infrastructure diversity is healthy in an emerging sector.

❌

"Most will go to zero"

True for any emerging tech sector. Winners will reshape the industry.

❌

"AI agents are primitive"

Early days. Remember initial iPhone limitations. Betting on future potential.

Future Catalysts

• CEX listings for major protocols
• Expanding utility and agent capabilities
• Cross-chain expansion and integration