Animoca Brands announced in early May 2026 at the Consensus conference in Miami that it will invest up to $10 million in early-stage projects building on its AI agent platform, Minds. The platform enables developers and general users to deploy persistent, always-on AI agents without managing infrastructure like servers or software. This marks a strategic pivot for the Hong Kong-based company, previously known for NFTs and blockchain gaming, toward AI-driven infrastructure.
Minds Platform Enables Continuous AI Agent Operations
The Minds platform differentiates itself through several key capabilities designed for persistent agent deployment. The system features memory retention across sessions, allowing agents to maintain context over time rather than resetting after each interaction. Multiple AI agents can collaborate on the platform, and deployment is simplified through messaging tools that don't require advanced technical expertise. Most significantly, agents operate continuously without manual intervention, addressing a gap in current AI agent platforms that typically lack persistence.
Investment Program Targets Web3 Integration Across Multiple Sectors
The $10 million investment program targets teams with clear product strategies, strong execution capabilities, and scalable business models across gaming, finance, productivity, and social platforms. Projects must integrate Minds as a core component to qualify. Beyond capital, selected teams receive technical support, platform resources, and access to Animoca Brands' portfolio of more than 600 Web3 companies and projects for potential partnerships and distribution opportunities.
CEO Yat Siu Envisions Future of '100 Billion AI Agents'
At Consensus 2026, Animoca CEO Yat Siu positioned the company's vision around AI agents rather than traditional metaverse concepts. Stating that 'the metaverse isn't a place,' Siu described a future with '100 billion AI agents' as the foundation of a decentralized digital economy. This represents a significant strategic shift from virtual real estate and virtual worlds to persistent AI infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Animoca Brands committed up to $10 million for early-stage projects building on its Minds AI agent platform, announced at Consensus 2026 in Miami
- The Minds platform enables persistent, always-on AI agents with memory retention across sessions and collaborative capabilities without requiring infrastructure management
- Selected projects receive funding plus access to Animoca's ecosystem of 600+ Web3 companies across gaming, finance, productivity, and social platforms
- CEO Yat Siu envisions a future with '100 billion AI agents' replacing traditional metaverse concepts of virtual worlds
- The investment represents Animoca's strategic pivot from NFTs and blockchain gaming to AI-driven infrastructure for decentralized digital economies