What Is ElizaOS?

Learn how a meme coin (AI16Z) parodying a large tech venture capital firm (a16z) became a leading AI coin and AI agent framework.

What Is ElizaOS?

Previously known as ai16z (AI16Z) as a parody of tech venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), ElizaOS is a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) that utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to make investment decisions. It is one of the first known AI-controlled venture capital funds.

In October 2024, Eliza Labs developed ElizaOS with the original goal to raise US$75,000 to build an autonomous AI investor. It published a white paper in January 2025 detailing the Eliza platform as a “multi-agent simulation framework designed for creating, deploying, and managing autonomous AI agents.” These AI agents are capable of interacting across various platforms.

The project quickly moved beyond its meme coin origins, however, to become the operating system for AI agents, deploying AI agents and working as a DAO to facilitate autonomous trading strategies executed by AI.

As the AI16Z token gained in popularity, confusion emerged due to the similarity of the names ai16z and a16z, sparking concerns from Andreessen Horowitz. On 28 January 2025, ai16z rebranded to ElizaOS. The name change did not affect the project’s existing partnerships, development team, or governance structure.

AI16Z was retained as the cryptocurrency’s ticker, though, and holders of AI16Z tokens have the right to participate in the ElizaOS ecosystem. The Marketplace of Trust helps the agent determine the credibility of users’ advice.

Additionally, developers are able to use ElizaOS’s framework to create their own AI agents capable of interacting on platforms like X and Discord, performing tasks like connecting to the blockchain, consuming and summarising media.

ElizaOS emphasises the importance of community to the overall project. Community-made projects include a merchandise store, an ‘Elizaverse’ that tracks the AI agents created using ElizaOS, partner non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and an image editor. AI16Z also gains exposure through availability on trustworthy platforms like Crypto.com.

How Does ElizaOS Work?

ElizaOS is a modular simulation framework built with TypeScript, a widely compatible language offering a flexible foundation for developing intelligent agents that operate across various platforms. These agents maintain consistent personalities and knowledge as they interact through environments like X, Discord, and on-chain applications. 

Since the TypeScript language is common across Web3 technologies, it allows for seamless integration with multiple platforms. Many developers also benefit because they can use tools and frameworks they already understand.

The AI16Z Governance Token

AI16Z is the primary governance token of the ElizaOS ecosystem on the Solana (SOL) network, and AI16Z token holders can participate in governance proposals like investment ideas, token buybacks, and other strategic initiatives. Additionally, Eliza Labs has discussed the creation of a Layer-1 (L1) blockchain with AI16Z as its native token to drive value to the token.

Although an independent Layer-1 blockchain is yet to be fully realised at the time of writing, Eliza Labs has partnered with Saga, a platform for enabling the deployment of dedicated L1 blockchains, called ‘Chainlets’, to move closer to the goal. 

The Tokenomics of AI16Z

AI16Z has a circulating supply of 1.1 billion tokens and a market cap of roughly $248 million at the time of writing. Its value is affected by the broader AI industry and general crypto sentiment. 

AI16Z reached its all-time high (ATH) of $2.45 on 2 January 2025 during the crypto bull market. The token has since lost most of those gains but remains one of the leaders amongst AI agent tokens.

Does AI16Z Have Utility?

AI16Z started as a meme coin project that lacked utility by design. However, use cases have emerged; for example, AI bots built on ElizaOS can participate in trading in crypto markets, but AI16Z has limited involvement in that.

That said, AI16Z would gain considerable utility if Eliza Labs launched a blockchain around it, allowing for staking to secure the network and becoming the default method to pay network transaction fees. It might gain additional features, depending on the blockchain’s capabilities.

Where Will AI16Z Be in 2025 and Beyond?

AI16Z is a difficult token to project because of its reliance on the AI industry, and it doesn’t command its own blockchain. It is up to anyone’s speculation if Eliza Labs will launch an L1 blockchain around AI16Z, or if the ElizaOS framework will be innovative in its AI agenting approach.

The project has great potential, but the large supply of AI16Z tokens limits price upside potential. The large float also makes AI16Z more accessible, so the token combines exciting prospects with some speculative red flags.

How to Buy AI16Z

Buying AI16Z and other meme coins is as easy as downloading the Crypto.com App. Below is a step-by-step guide to getting started:

• Complete an easy sign-up process. On-screen prompts are at hand to help users.

• Fund the account. The App supports over 20 fiat currencies that will clear in 1 to 3 days. For those who don’t want to wait, they can fund their account instantly by choosing Apple Pay or a debit/credit card.

• Users can immediately buy AI16Z, stalwarts like Bitcoin (BTC), and an extensive collection of altcoins.

Conclusion 

ElizaOS (previously ai16z) started as a meme coin but gained enough recognition that the name needed to be changed. Autonomous AI agents have, to some extent, provided investment advice and automated trading, and ElizaOS has proven adept at engaging the community. But risks still abound, as AI agents are widely considered an assistive technology in crypto trading.

At the same time, AI16Z currently has limited utility, and there’s no guarantee Eliza Labs launches a blockchain or succeeds in the attempt. Users should consider their goals and risk tolerance before purchasing AI16Z or any other digital asset, and never spend more than they can afford to lose.

Due Diligence and Do Your Own Research

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