As Web3 ecosystems and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies converge, the crypto payments space is undergoing a paradigm shift—from serving as a mere tool to becoming an ecosystem enabler. This report by Oak Grove Ventures focuses on the frontier of “crypto payments + AI,” examining three case studies: Crossmint’s solution for Boba Guys, AEON’s crypto-native payment protocol for AI agents, and Gaia Network’s partnership with MoonPay. These examples reveal how technological integration is reshaping payment processes, user incentives, and ecosystem interaction models.
At the core of this synergy lies a new logic: AI endows payment systems with dynamic decision-making capabilities, while blockchain offers a trustworthy execution environment for AI agents. Together, they form a closed loop of “data on-chain → intelligent processing → value transfer.” According to MarketsandMarkets, the AI agent market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $47.1 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.8%. As the value carrier for AI, crypto payments are redefining user interaction paradigms in Web3, accelerating the digital transformation of traditional sectors through the engine of “cryptocurrency payments + AI-driven economic intelligence.”
The trend underscores how technological collaboration is breaking down barriers between on-chain and off-chain worlds, offering replicable transformation pathways for DeFi, retail, and other industries. Centered on the user, crypto payments link data value, while AI enables intelligent alignment between assets and behavior. The vision of a value internet is approaching a tipping point—from concept to large-scale application.