Barry Silbert sees decentralized AI as having a potential surpassing that of Bitcoin

Cryptocurrency magnate Barry Silbert asserts that decentralized artificial intelligence represents much more than a simple technological innovation: it embodies the next major revolution in the crypto industry. In a letter to the shareholders of his conglomerate Digital Currency Group (DCG), the CEO expressed a strong conviction: the combination of AI and blockchain could generate greater value and social impact than Bitcoin, the most famous cryptocurrency.

Decentralized AI, the next frontier of cryptocurrencies

Barry Silbert believes we are witnessing a profound transformation: the shift from digital ownership of traditional assets to a model where artificial intelligence itself becomes decentralized and collectively governed. This vision contrasts sharply with the closed systems of tech giants like OpenAI, where control and governance remain centralized.

According to Silbert, this decentralized paradigm could bring more benefits to humanity than proprietary AI controlled by a few large companies. Integrating crypto governance mechanisms into AI models would pave the way for a more equitable distribution of computational power and intellectual property.

DCG’s massive commitment: over $105 million in the AI ecosystem

To turn this vision into reality, DCG has already mobilized over $105 million to support a dozen decentralized AI projects. Far from slowing down, the company plans to intensify its efforts in 2025, expanding its initiatives within this ecosystem.

This massive investment strategy reflects Barry Silbert’s confidence in the long-term potential of AI technologies. DCG’s goal is not merely to generate financial returns but to build a robust infrastructure capable of supporting the next generation of decentralized applications.

Bittensor and TAO: the core of Barry Silbert’s strategy

At the heart of this expansion is Bittensor, a blockchain network specialized in machine learning and AI applications. Barry Silbert compared Bittensor’s token TAO to Bitcoin due to their structural similarities and their fundamental roles within their respective ecosystems.

With a market capitalization of $1.84 billion and a unit value of $191.20, TAO has established itself as one of the major projects at the convergence of AI and blockchain. DCG’s involvement goes far beyond simple financial investments: in November, the group founded an entity called Yuma dedicated to incubating Bittensor infrastructure projects.

Additionally, Grayscale, a DCG subsidiary specializing in digital asset management, now offers investment products providing direct exposure to TAO, thus facilitating access for institutional investors to this ecosystem.

2025: an expected acceleration of the AI ecosystem

Barry Silbert described DCG’s 2024 results as a successful “reconstruction” year, following turbulence caused by the collapse of FTX, which severely impacted the group’s Genesis lending division. Despite these past challenges, DCG’s five divisions recorded positive performance.

This resilience positions DCG for a new chapter in 2025, where the focus will be on accelerating the adoption and development of decentralized AI technologies. Barry Silbert and his team believe that strengthened infrastructure and improved processes will position the group to seize the massive opportunities presented by this new technological frontier.