Exploring AI Agents: Is It Still a Good Time to Invest?

• AI agents represent a transformative phase in artificial intelligence, combining task automation with inter-agent communication for enhanced functionality.
• Developer activity in AI agent frameworks like ElizaOS highlights significant potential, mirroring early DeFi market expansion in 2020.

The introduction of AI agents has attracted great interest in the technology and investment communities. Hailed as the next major breakthrough in artificial intelligence, these intelligent systems are meant to be able to complete particular jobs independently.

In a recent episode of the Milk Road show, host Jay Hamilton and guest Patrick Scott, a DeFi expert from DeFiLlama, explored the present situation of AI agents, their investment possibilities, and more general consequences for the tech space. The important question still is, though: Is it too late to make investments in this expanding industry?

AI Agents: A New Era of Task-Oriented Artificial Intelligence 

In artificial intelligence, AI agents mark a major development. Agentic artificial intelligence systems are task-oriented, serving as coding assistants, customer service agents, or even influencers, unlike generative artificial intelligence, which emphasizes producing content.

Scott underlined throughout the program a key slide showing NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at CES 2025, stressing that artificial intelligence agents might generate multi-trillion dollar businesses. This “agentic AI” phase marks a change toward autonomous systems capable of inter-agent communication and task cooperation, different from past AI developments.

Drawing comparisons to the DeFi explosion of 2020–2021, Patrick Scott observed that the market for AI agents is still in its early years. He clarified that the total market capitalization of AI agent-related systems now reflects the baseline DeFi size before exponential expansion.

“The developer activity we’ve seen in AI agents surpasses anything we’ve seen in other crypto-related fields,” Scott said. This explosion of creativity and energy highlights the unrealized industry potential.

ElizaOS: The Infrastructure Powering AI Agent Innovation 

Scott’s study suggests that there is still time for individuals to engage with this emerging sector. He underlined the value of infrastructure plays like ElizaOS from AI16z, which help AI agents to be created and implemented. In a few months, this platform has attracted thousands of developers, unheard of traction.

Scott noted how ElizaOS exceeded benchmarks in a few months that would have taken Uniswap years to reach, comparing her development to that of a top decentralized exchange.

Scott also warned of speculative bubbles, though, citing historical market events as the NFT and metaverse booms. “While the technology shows real promise, it’s essential to distinguish between projects with actual utility and those riding the hype,” he advised. Investors have to do extensive study and stay away from too many speculative assets.

Agent Swarms: Collaboration Unlocking AI’s True Potential 

The ability of artificial intelligence entities to interact with themselves is among their most fascinating features. Scott compared this evolution to decentralized ecosystems in the crypto domain, stressing situations when agents cooperate to finish difficult tasks.

To produce interesting material, an influencer agent such as Luna might work with another agent focused on graphic design. This interconnectedness could result in the development of “agent swarms,” in which specialized agents cooperate to accomplish diverse objectives, including running autonomous companies or creating digital media.

For investments in infrastructure especially, Scott’s view on artificial intelligence agents is still positive. Benefiting from first-mover advantage and network effects, platforms such as Virtuals and AI16z are driving the present story, he noted. He did, however, also see the possibility for fresh players to surface, especially as innovation speeds forward.

With great chances for development and creativity, the market for AI agents is still changing. Although early adopters of prominent platforms like ElizaOS and Virtuals have benefited greatly, Scott’s observations point to still opportunities for additional investors and participation.

As with any emerging technology, it’s crucial to approach investments with caution and focus on initiatives that have strong foundations and practical applications.