In This Article
AI agents and trading bots are making a significant comeback in the crypto space in 2025. From cutting-edge decentralized platforms that enable autonomous AI agents to advanced AI-driven trading bots optimizing market strategies, this revival is fueled by renewed investor confidence, major protocol upgrades, and rapid advancements in LLM and agentic technology.
In this article, we explore the resurgence of AI crypto agents across crypto-native projects leveraging autonomous agents and infrastructure powering algorithmic and AI-enhanced market participation.
Why Are AI Agents Booming Again in 2025?
The AI agent sector in crypto has seen a dramatic resurgence in 2025, with the sector’s market cap rising from $24 billion to over $31 billion within a matter of weeks. Multiple factors are driving this rebound:
1. Broader AI Market Tailwinds
The release of advanced open-source and multimodal models (e.g. Claude 3.5, GPT-5, Gemini 2 Ultra) has pushed AI capability to new heights. This unlocks new use cases for on-chain autonomous agents,including decision-making DAOs, self-deploying smart contracts, and even AI-managed liquidity pools.
2. Agent-Driven Infrastructure Upgrades
Projects like Virtuals Protocol, Freysa, and AIXBT are introducing developer kits that allow anyone to launch autonomous agents on-chain. These agents can:
Trade
Manage assets
Execute governance votes
Deploy or modify smart contracts
This has drastically lowered the technical barrier to entry for AI-on-chain applications.
3. Revived Speculative Interest
The renewed interest in memecoins and altcoins has spilled over into the AI sector, with AI agent tokens benefitting from a wave of "narrative investing." Traders are hunting for the next sector-wide breakout, and AI's track record makes it a prime candidate.
Leading AI Agent Tokens Making a Comeback
Below is a detailed breakdown of key AI agent tokens that are outperforming in 2025.
1. Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)
A modular infrastructure layer that allows developers to launch tokenized AI agents with customizable goals and personalities. Think of it as “WordPress for AI agents”. Users choose templates, connect data sources (e.g. price feeds, APIs), and deploy directly to supported chains. Recently integrated with multiple zk-rollups and Solana L2s, VIRTUAL token surged 60% in a week, boosted by a successful partnership with a DeFi protocol enabling AI-based LP management.
2. AIXBT
A dual-layer system combining off-chain AI compute with on-chain agent governance. AIXBT acts as an intermediary between real-time market intelligence and governance, turning AI into a decentralized executive layer. It recently secured VC backing and is up ~45% in July 2025 alone.
3. AI16Z
A play on “a16z” (Andreessen Horowitz), AI16Z is a community-built open protocol for autonomous research and venture-style decision-making. After falling in early 2024, AI16Z rebounded ~25% from its lows. Analysts cite a bullish MACD crossover and rising community dev activity. Agents evaluate crypto projects, and token holders vote on funding proposals
Other Notables AI Tokens
Fetch.ai (FET): A pioneer in the AI crypto space, now integrating multi-agent systems for microservices.
Bittensor (TAO): A decentralized network for incentivizing AI model training,its resurgence is tied to the rise in AI compute markets.
SingularityNET (AGIX): Partnering with Cardano and exploring “AI-as-a-service” for dApps.
Buy, Sell, Trade & Hold AI Agent Tokens in Tangem Wallet
Investing in Virtuals Protocol, AIXBT, or established projects like Fetch.ai requires secure management of these tokens. Tangem Wallet offers a powerful self-custody solution for anyone engaging with the AI agent ecosystem.
Buy AI tokens directly through the app using integrated fiat on-ramps like Apple Pay and credit cards.
Trade between AI assets with the built-in swap feature, which connects to decentralized liquidity sources.
Hold your tokens securely offline: Tangem is fully air-gapped, eliminating the risks of phishing, malware, and remote attacks.
Sell or convert tokens via exchange integrations, all while maintaining full custody.
Tangem puts you in control, allowing you to interact with AI-driven crypto assets without relying on custodial platforms or complex interfaces.
AI Trading Bots: The Return of Automated Alpha
Alongside protocol-level agents, AI-powered trading bots are making a comeback as volatility returns to the market.
Why bots are gaining traction again:
Retail & Gen Z interest: A recent MEXC study found 67% of Gen Z traders are now using AI tools to manage or assist with trading.
Performance edge: Nasdaq research shows well-configured AI bots can outperform manual traders by 15–25% during high-volatility periods, though they can magnify losses if misused.
Low-code tooling: Tools like “Prompt-to-Trade” interfaces allow anyone to build a trading strategy using natural language.
Caution: AI Power Comes With Risks
As the sector grows, so do the risks. Users must be aware of several key concerns:
1. Volatility amplification
AI bots and agents react in real time, making them powerful during trend formations but extremely vulnerable to manipulation or flash crashes. Poorly calibrated bots have wiped out accounts in minutes during black swan events.
2. API Exploits & Security
All trading bots require API access to exchanges. If improperly secured, these keys can be used to execute trades, and in rare cases, even unauthorized withdrawals. Always use bots with role-based access and never give them withdrawal rights.
3. Autonomous Agent Risk
Some AI agents are now self-deploying and managing funds with minimal human oversight. This introduces new legal and ethical risks, especially when agents act unpredictably or cause unintended smart contract interactions.
Final Thoughts: Follow Agents, Not Just Narratives
AI agents are more than a passing trend; they are shaping a new crypto-native automation layer. From self-governing DAOs to auto-optimizing DeFi positions, their applications are expanding rapidly.
However, success requires a blend of technical understanding, strategic positioning, and risk awareness. Whether you’re building, investing, or experimenting, this agentic resurgence is a trend worth watching closely.
