Introduction

The AI and crypto worlds are converging faster than ever. With tools like AgentKit from Coinbase Developer Platform (CDP), businesses are now able to create AI agents that access crypto wallets and perform onchain actions seamlessly. These AI agents, also known as vertical AI agents, are designed for highly specialized tasks—ranging from automating smart contract management to crypto trading—ushering in a new era of business automation and paving the way for broader adoption of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This article will explore how AgentKit and similar toolkits are transforming business landscapes, the best practices for adopting AI agents, and strategies to monetize AI agents effectively in 2025. We’ll also dive into the skills required to thrive in this AI-driven world and why embracing the rapid pace of AI innovation is crucial for long-term success.

AgentKit: The Gateway to Onchain AI Agents

AgentKit stands out as a model-agnostic tool that allows businesses and developers to build AI agents capable of interacting with multiple large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI, Claude, and Llama. This toolkit goes beyond traditional automation by integrating onchain capabilities, giving AI agents the ability to execute smart contract operations, trade assets, and access real-time price feeds. It also provides a template-based architecture for adding custom functionality, making it highly adaptable for specific business needs.

1. The Convergence of AI and Blockchain Technology in 2025

The year 2025 marks a crucial turning point for technology as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain continue to merge. With rapid advancements in both fields, innovative tools like AgentKit from Coinbase are becoming essential for developers and businesses. The integration of AI agents with onchain functionality is not just an idea for the future—it’s already happening. AgentKit provides developers with an opportunity to create intelligent agents that can interact with the blockchain seamlessly, opening up endless possibilities for automation, decentralized applications (dApps), and personalized business solutions. As companies push to stay competitive, embracing these cutting-edge technologies becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. AgentKit’s role in this transformation is crucial. It offers a model-agnostic architecture that supports multiple large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s GPT, Claude, and Llama, while allowing integration with blockchain functionalities like smart contract deployments, token management, and asset transfers. This makes it an indispensable tool for developers looking to build AI agents capable of acting autonomously in decentralized environments. From enabling crypto transactions to reading and writing smart contracts, AgentKit sets a new standard for what’s possible with AI in business. The importance of combining blockchain with AI lies in the potential for true decentralization and automation. AI agents can process large datasets, identify patterns, and execute decisions in real time, all while ensuring security and transparency through the blockchain. These agents can manage entire workflows autonomously, eliminating human errors and reducing costs. Moreover, the ability to use multiple LLMs makes AgentKit highly versatile, catering to businesses with various needs. In this way, AgentKit stands at the crossroads of innovation, serving as a vital tool for companies that aim to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The next few years will see an explosion of use cases, and businesses that adopt these innovations early will secure a lasting competitive advantage.

2. Understanding AgentKit and Its Core Features

AgentKit is more than just a tool for building AI agents—it’s a comprehensive framework designed to unlock onchain capabilities for businesses. As part of Coinbase’s Developer Platform, AgentKit bridges the gap between AI and blockchain, empowering developers to create highly functional and adaptive agents. Its core features include integration with LangChain and any LangChain tools, making it easier to customize agents for specific tasks. Unlike traditional automation tools, which are rigid and task-specific, AgentKit-powered agents can evolve and adapt based on changing business requirements. One of AgentKit’s defining strengths is its model-agnostic design, meaning it works with several large language model APIs. This flexibility allows businesses to switch between models like OpenAI’s GPT, Claude, or Llama, depending on which best suits their needs. Another standout feature is its seamless connection to the Coinbase Developer Platform SDK, enabling native onchain functionalities such as deploying smart contracts, reading and writing data to them, and executing asset transfers in real time. These features make AgentKit ideal for businesses in the finance, gaming, and decentralized application sectors. The toolkit’s support for multiple languages and its customizable template structure make it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re building a trading bot or a customer service assistant for a Web3 application, AgentKit provides all the tools needed to bring your ideas to life. Its compatibility with popular development environments like Replit and the Cursor IDE further accelerates the development process, helping teams get their projects off the ground quickly. In 2025, when time-to-market can make or break a business, tools like AgentKit give developers a significant edge.

3. The Rise of Vertical AI Agents and Their Business Impact

Vertical AI agents are transforming industries by focusing on specialized tasks. Unlike general AI, which attempts to handle a broad spectrum of activities, vertical AI agents excel in specific domains, delivering higher accuracy and efficiency. This approach has proven to be far more effective for businesses seeking targeted solutions. AgentKit enables the development of these agents by providing an open framework for customization, making it easy to create AI that aligns perfectly with business needs. In finance, for instance, vertical AI agents can act as trading assistants, analyzing market trends in real time and executing trades with precision. In decentralized finance (DeFi), these agents can automate complex workflows such as yield farming, liquidity management, and compliance monitoring. Their adaptability means that businesses can quickly deploy solutions tailored to their unique requirements, giving them a competitive advantage in fast-moving markets. The power of vertical AI agents lies not only in their precision but also in their ability to learn and evolve. With AgentKit, developers can implement ongoing updates and improvements, ensuring that the agents remain relevant even as market conditions change. Businesses adopting vertical AI agents in 2025 will find themselves equipped with a powerful toolset to navigate the challenges of digital transformation. Those who delay risk being left behind in an increasingly automated world.

4. Real-World Use Cases for AI Agents in 2025

The potential use cases for AI agents built with AgentKit are vast and continue to grow. One of the most compelling applications is in the realm of crypto trading, where AI agents can execute trades autonomously based on pre-defined strategies. These agents analyze market data, detect patterns, and make split-second decisions that human traders could never achieve manually. This level of automation not only improves efficiency but also significantly reduces the risk of emotional decision-making. Another area where AgentKit shines is smart contract management. Traditional contract management can be a complex, time-consuming process, often prone to human error. AI agents can automate the deployment and monitoring of smart contracts, ensuring compliance with business rules and regulatory requirements. This reduces operational costs and minimizes risks associated with manual processes. In the world of NFTs, AgentKit can help businesses streamline the launch of new digital assets. AI agents can manage everything from minting to sales tracking, providing a hands-off approach to NFT management. This is particularly valuable for artists, game developers, and brands looking to tap into the growing NFT market.

5. Strategies for Monetizing AI Agents Effectively

Monetizing AI agents is one of the most promising opportunities for businesses in 2025. Thanks to tools like AgentKit from Coinbase, companies can now generate revenue by deploying AI agents that offer specialized services onchain. The key to success lies in identifying the right strategy that aligns with your business model and market needs. One of the most popular approaches is creating subscription-based services. Businesses can offer AI-powered financial or blockchain management services on a monthly subscription basis, providing customers with continuous access to the latest innovations and personalized support. Another strategy for monetizing AI agents is transaction-based pricing. For companies operating in decentralized finance (DeFi) or crypto markets, charging small fees for each onchain transaction executed by the agent can be highly lucrative. This model works particularly well for AI agents involved in automated trading, smart contract deployment, and token transfers. By offering transparent and predictable pricing structures, businesses can build trust with their customers while maximizing revenue. Custom AI solutions for enterprise clients represent yet another lucrative opportunity. Large corporations often require tailored AI agents capable of handling complex tasks such as compliance monitoring, large-scale asset tokenization, or advanced analytics. Businesses that can develop and deploy these solutions will find themselves in high demand. Partnering with established organizations in industries like finance, real estate, and supply chain management can open up significant revenue streams. The key to success in this model is flexibility—businesses must be able to adapt their AI agents to the unique needs of each client.

6. Skills and Expertise Needed in the AI-Driven Future

The rise of AI agents is reshaping the job market, creating demand for new skills and expertise. Businesses and professionals who want to stay competitive must invest in developing a combination of technical and strategic skills. One of the most crucial skills in 2025 is prompt engineering. AI agents rely heavily on well-crafted prompts to function effectively. Professionals who understand how to design these prompts will find themselves in high demand across multiple industries. Prompt engineering is not just about writing commands; it’s about understanding how AI processes information and how to guide it toward optimal outcomes. Equally important is a deep understanding of blockchain technology. As AI agents increasingly interact with decentralized networks, professionals must be familiar with the basics of blockchain, smart contracts, and crypto assets. This knowledge will enable them to design and manage AI agents that can operate securely and efficiently in onchain environments. Developers should also focus on mastering tools like AgentKit, LangChain, and Replit, which are becoming industry standards for building advanced AI solutions. Beyond technical skills, businesses must also develop a strategic mindset. Understanding how to integrate AI agents into broader business strategies is crucial for long-term success. This requires a holistic approach that considers not only technological capabilities but also market dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory compliance. Companies that can combine these skills will be well-positioned to thrive in the AI-driven future.

7. Open-Source vs. Closed AI Systems: Which One Is Right for Your Business?

When adopting AI agents, one of the most important decisions businesses face is whether to use open-source or closed AI systems. Each approach has its advantages and limitations, and the right choice depends on the specific goals and resources of the business. Open-source AI systems offer unparalleled flexibility and control. Businesses can customize their AI agents to meet unique requirements, integrate new functionalities, and ensure full transparency in how the AI operates. This makes open-source solutions ideal for startups and smaller companies with in-house expertise. However, open-source systems can be resource-intensive, requiring ongoing maintenance and security management. In contrast, closed AI systems are easier to implement and come with robust customer support. These systems are typically more secure and reliable, making them a popular choice for large enterprises that prioritize stability and compliance. Closed systems also offer seamless integration with other business tools, reducing the complexity of deployment. However, they may be less flexible and come with limitations on customization. Ultimately, the choice between open-source and closed systems should be guided by the specific needs of the business. Companies with strong development teams and a focus on innovation may prefer the freedom of open-source solutions. Meanwhile, businesses looking for quick deployment and reliable support may find closed systems more practical. Regardless of the choice, it’s important to evaluate the long-term implications of the decision, ensuring that the chosen system can scale and adapt to future business needs.

8. Best Practices for Adopting AI Agents in Business

Successfully integrating AI agents into business operations requires careful planning and a clear strategy. One of the most important best practices is starting small and scaling gradually. Businesses should begin by deploying a single AI agent to handle a specific task, such as automating customer support or managing crypto transactions. Once the initial deployment proves successful, the agent’s capabilities can be expanded to cover additional functions. This approach minimizes risks and ensures that the business can adapt to challenges as they arise.Another key best practice is aligning AI adoption with broader business goals. AI agents should not be implemented simply for the sake of innovation. Instead, they should serve a clear purpose that contributes to the company’s overall strategy. For example, a business focused on improving customer experience might deploy AI agents to offer personalized support, while a company in the finance sector could use them to automate compliance monitoring.Security and compliance are also critical considerations. AI agents that operate onchain handle sensitive data and financial transactions, making them a potential target for cyberattacks. Businesses must invest in robust security measures and ensure compliance with relevant regulations to protect themselves and their customers. Regular audits, encryption protocols, and secure development practices are essential for maintaining trust and minimizing risks.

9. The Future of AGI and How AI Agents Are Paving the Way

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has long been a goal for researchers and technologists, representing the next level of AI development. While we are not yet at the point of achieving true AGI, the advancements in AI agents are bringing us closer than ever before. Tools like AgentKit are playing a crucial role in this journey by enabling the creation of highly adaptive and autonomous agents that can perform complex tasks without human intervention. In 2025, AI agents are evolving rapidly, becoming more capable and independent. These agents are not only learning to interact with users but also making decisions, analyzing data, and executing actions in real time. This level of autonomy is a significant step toward AGI, where machines will possess the ability to think and reason like humans. The implications for businesses are profound, offering new opportunities for automation, innovation, and growth. However, the path to AGI also presents challenges. Ethical considerations, security risks, and the potential for job displacement are issues that must be addressed. Businesses adopting AI agents should take a proactive approach, developing strategies that balance innovation with responsibility. By preparing for the future today, companies can position themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution.

10. Conclusion: Embracing the AI Revolution

As we move deeper into 2025, the convergence of AI and blockchain is reshaping the business landscape. Tools like AgentKit from Coinbase are democratizing access to advanced AI capabilities, enabling businesses and entrepreneurs to build innovative solutions with minimal barriers. The potential for AI agents is vast, offering opportunities for automation, efficiency, and new revenue streams. Businesses that embrace these innovations will gain a significant competitive advantage, staying ahead in an increasingly digital world. Now is the time to act. Whether you’re a startup looking to disrupt the market or an established company seeking to optimize operations, the possibilities are endless. By adopting the right tools, developing key skills, and following best practices, businesses can unlock the full potential of AI agents and shape the future of their industries. The revolution is already here—are you ready to be part of it?

In 2025, the combination of AI agents and blockchain technology is transforming how businesses operate. AgentKit from Coinbase is at the forefront of this revolution, providing developers with the tools to build AI agents that can interact with multiple LLMs while performing onchain actions such as trading, smart contract management, and asset transfers. The rise of vertical AI agents, which focus on specialized tasks, offers businesses significant advantages in efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. To succeed in this evolving landscape, businesses must adopt AI agents strategically, starting small and scaling gradually while focusing on security and compliance. Understanding the difference between open-source and closed AI systems is key to making the right choice for long-term growth. Furthermore, monetizing AI agents offers multiple opportunities through subscription services, transaction-based models, and enterprise solutions. The future of AI is closely tied to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the rapid advancements in AI agents are paving the way toward this goal. However, success will require a combination of technical skills, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to innovation. Businesses that act now will not only keep up with the fast-paced changes but also secure a competitive edge in the AI-driven world. The tools and opportunities are here—it’s time to build the future.