What Coinbase looks for in founders

The next financial system won’t be run by humans alone.

At the AI4 Conference, Jonathan King explains how AI agents and crypto infrastructure are converging to create an entirely new digital economy — one where software agents can transact, pay, trade, and execute workflows on your behalf.

From agentic commerce and programmable money to stablecoins, decentralized finance, and AI-driven trading — this conversation reveals how Coinbase Ventures is investing behind the scenes in the “picks and shovels” powering the next wave of innovation.

📚 What You’ll Learn

🤖 What AI agents really do

💸 Why crypto enables programmable money

🧠 How AI reduces emotional decision-making

🌐 Why stablecoins power global payments

🏗️ How new financial infrastructure is built

📈 What Coinbase Ventures looks for in startups

🔐 Why decentralization removes intermediaries

🚀 Where the digital economy is heading

Chapters

00:00 The AI + Crypto Thesis Explained

00:42 What Is Agentic Commerce?

01:18 Can AI Agents Actually Transact Money?

01:46 Why AI Beats Humans at Emotional Trading

02:52 Crypto Markets Never Sleep — Humans Do

03:35 Why Coinbase Ventures Is Investing Here

04:28 From Speculation to Utility

05:17 The 4 Investment Themes for 2025

07:28 What Coinbase Looks for in Founders

13:49 The Future of Programmable Money

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team.

While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show.

Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.

We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program.

🔥 Stay tuned for more episodes featuring top creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world!

🔑 Keywords

ai agents crypto, agentic commerce explained, jonathan king coinbase ventures, ai trading crypto, stablecoins payments, programmable money, coinbase ventures interview, ai crypto thesis, digital economy future

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