📝#99: AI Agents That Buy Your Sneakers

Hey, it’s Marc ✌️

Crossmint has launched a platform that enables AI agents to autonomously buy and transact on behalf of users. Think: Buying a sneaker with ChatGPT.

Wait, what? Traditional commerce systems block AI bots with captchas, security checks, and giving AI access to credit card transactions doesn’t scale.

Now, Crossmint’s blockchain-backed platform should solve these issues with:

• Smart Wallets: Allows agents to hold stablecoins with programmable spending limits and multi-party approvals.
• Credentialing System: Provides secure authorization, letting agents act on behalf of users without typical blockers.

Crossmint also enables merchants to tap into this new AI-driven commerce by:

• Tokenization APIs: Easily tokenizing inventory for AI purchasing.
• Zero-Fee Checkout: Enabling API-based purchases with 0% fees and instant settlement, helping merchants and users save 2-3% from all purchases.

Let’s get real: You’d probably think twice about buying sneakers through ChatGPT.

What about industrial purchase automations? Maybe. These supply chains are highly repetitive and data-driven—ideal for automated purchasing. Instead of basic “reorder if low” logic, AI agents could automatically monitor inventory, compare supplier prices, and complete purchases securely and instantly.

Punchline: AI agents will change how payments, transactions, and even commerce itself operate. And this is just one of the many crypto x AI use cases that are popping up right now.

Here’s an amazing chart by Coinbase Ventures on the crypto x AI stack:

Plus: Keep up with our signals for Web3 execs on our Telegram channel.

Let’s dive in 🦈

📚 What we’re reading (& writing)

• Demystifying the Crypto x AI Stack. Coinbase Ventures. Link
• State of Tokenization 2024. Tokenized Asset Coalition. Link
• Tokenized Fund Report 2024. BCG. Link
• AI in Crypto Marketing, the AI Agent Cambrian Explosion. TPan. Link
• The Luxury Tech Playbook: Digital Transformation with Antonio Carriero. Link

Cavs Level Up with Web3 🏀

Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA team, launched its Web3 engagement program, Cavs Rewards in partnership with Avalanche and Uptop.

Why it matters: By integrating fan rewards across the city and in-stadium, Cavs Rewards brings fans closer to the action, enhancing loyalty with tangible, memorable perks.

What you should know:

• Convenience: Fans link their credit or debit cards to automatically earn points on qualified purchases.
• Reward Variety: Points can be redeemed for tickets, VIP experiences, merchandise, and autographed memorabilia.

You can sign up here.

Zooming out: Web3 is becoming a popular tool for sport-loyalty to:

• Increase fan retention
• Broaden revenue channels
• Produce insights into purchasing patterns for more targeted offers
• Drive engagement.

This isn’t just about rewards—it's about redefining the fan experience and building community through innovative partnerships.

Stepping back: Back in 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers launched an NFT art collection, showcased on LED boards at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The big picture: Sports with Web3 and cryptocurrency are becoming popular to attract and engage the new generation digitally. Recently:

• The Warriors partnered with Coinbase to bring fans onchain with exclusive experiences, giveaways, and crypto-powered engagement at Chase Center. Link
• Coinbase also partnered with the Canadian Football League for the 111th Grey Cup offering exclusive rewards and experiences. Link
• Sheffield United FC teams up with Maneki for the 2024-25 season, featuring the cryptocurrency's logo on their kits and enhancing fan engagement with digital experiences. Link

🍏Today’s Top PRO Bite:

Case Study: Hugo Boss Steps Into Web3 Loyalty – Will They Succeed?

Hey, it’s Marc.

51 Insights – Web3 for BusinessMarc Baumann

Lufthansa’s Steffen Boller shares the airlines’ Web3 loyalty strategy

In this inaugural episode of the FiftyOne Ventures podcast series, Marc Baumann explores the intersection of travel and blockchain with guest Steffen Boller, Dir. of New Business Ventures at Lufthansa Innovation Hub. They dive into the workings of Uptrip, Lufthansa’s groundbreaking loyalty program that leverages Web3 technology to gamify and personalize…

51 Insights – Web3 for BusinessMarc Baumann

Web3 Isn't Dead, It's Evolving

Over 180 brands jumped into Web3 through NFTs to engage younger consumers—and most failed.

Why? Complex interfaces, wallets, private keys, and lack of standards created barriers that users—and brands—weren’t ready for.

We spoke to Otherlife, helping brands such as MasterCard or MoonPay move from experiments to strategic success in Web3. Here’s what we’ve learned: .

Cracking the Code: From NFTs to Real Engagement

Brands have experimented with Web3 for years, starting with flashy NFT drops and limited-edition digital collectibles.

51 Insights – Web3 for BusinessSangam Bharti

🚨 Other Highlights You Can’t Miss

• Kraken launches its own layer 2 blockchain, Ink. Link
• Bastion has integrated with Borderless to enhance its stablecoin API. Link
• BRABUS launched its Masterpiece supercars, featuring a DPP powered by Aura Blockchain. Link
• OpenAI introduced ChatGPT search, its biggest update yet. Link
• Moncler and Lulu Li merge AI Art with high fashion in the new collection. Link

💰 Money Moves

• Glow: Blockchain solar company, raises $30M from Framework & Union Square Ventures. Link
• Nillion: Privacy blockchain company raises $25M led by Hack VC. Link
• Ellipsis Labs: Solana DEX raises $21M led by Haun Ventures. Link
• Citrea: Bitcoin rollup raises $14M Series A. Link
• Gelato: Smart contract automation network raises $11M. Link

That’s all for now, folks.

Talk soon,

– Marc & Team

PS: Before you go, here’s how our industry OGs, vast network, research team & 50k+ B2B audience help you:

• Co-publish enterprise-grade reports with us, driving traffic and boosting B2B outbound conversion rates.
• Execute a multi-channel growth campaign that delivers better results than anything else in Web3's consumer space.

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