Base AI Tokens Outpace the Broader Altcoin Market
AI‑centric assets on the Base network are delivering the strongest short‑term returns in the crypto space, while a newly launched token has sparked debate among developers and Ethereum’s co‑founder.
Market snapshot
During the past 24 hours the Base‑based artificial‑intelligence tokens VVV (Venice Token) and TIBBIR (Ribbita by Virtuals) posted gains of roughly 23 % and 16 %, respectively. Their rally comes at a time when sentiment toward AI projects—still reeling from the 2025 hype cycle—has begun to recover modestly. By contrast, the overall altcoin index on major aggregators has been largely flat to slightly down, leaving the AI segment on Base as one of the few bright spots in today’s market.
Why AI tokens are leading
- Network effects on Base: The Layer‑2 solution’s low fees and fast finality have attracted a cluster of AI‑related projects that can iterate quickly and keep transaction costs manageable for high‑frequency trading strategies.
- Community‑driven utility: Both VVV and TIBBIR are linked to on‑chain AI services (e.g., data labeling, model inference) that generate fee revenue, giving the tokens an intrinsic cash‑flow component that many investors find appealing.
- Renewed investor confidence: After the over‑extension of AI hype in 2025, a more disciplined rollout of “agentic” AI tools has helped restore credibility, prompting a modest inflow of capital into the sector.
The CONWAY episode
Amid the upward momentum, a smaller‑cap token CONWAY briefly attracted attention. The project, led by developer Sigil Wen—a Thiel Fellowship fellow—positions itself as a “Web 4.0” platform where AI agents earn and improve autonomously through community‑funded fees. Within a day of the announcement, CONWAY’s market cap surged to roughly $12 million, only to tumble by more than half after the launch, settling near a $3 million valuation.
The rapid swing prompted Vitalik Buterin, co‑founder of Ethereum, to critique the concept on X, asserting that increasing the distance between humans and autonomous AI “doesn’t serve the world’s interests” and runs counter to Ethereum’s mission of empowering people rather than delegating freedom to machines. Wen countered that the model represents a form of “democratic input into AI,” arguing that the automation it promotes is inevitable.
The public disagreement appears to have shaken confidence among some CONWAY holders, as the token’s price fell ≈55 % over the last 24 hours. The episode also reflects a broader pattern in 2026, where several AI‑focused community tokens have risen quickly only to lose steam as developers pull back.
Analyst perspective
- Risk‑reward profile: Established Base AI tokens (VVV, TIBBIR) are viewed as lower‑risk relative to new entrants because they already host active ecosystems and generate on‑chain revenue. Their recent price action suggests that investors are rewarding proven utility over speculative hype.
- Regulatory backdrop: No specific regulatory developments have been announced that target AI tokens on Base, but the broader conversation around autonomous agents could attract future scrutiny, especially if fee‑based revenue models are perceived as “securitized” assets.
- Future catalysts: Continued adoption of Base for AI workloads, the launch of additional interoperable AI services, and potential partnerships with larger AI developers could sustain the sector’s outperformance. Conversely, any negative sentiment from high‑profile figures—like the recent Buterin remarks—could dampen enthusiasm for new, experimental projects.
Key takeaways
- Base’s AI tokens are the current outperformers in the altcoin space, with VVV and TIBBIR delivering double‑digit gains over the last day.
- Established utility and fee revenue appear to be the main drivers behind the sustained price appreciation of these tokens.
- New AI‑centric tokens such as CONWAY remain volatile, especially when they draw criticism from influential community members.
- Investor caution is warranted for projects that lack a clear on‑chain utility or that rely heavily on speculative narratives about autonomous AI.
- The sector’s trajectory will hinge on real‑world adoption of AI services on Base and the community’s ability to navigate emerging regulatory and ethical considerations.
The continued divergence between seasoned AI tokens and nascent experiments signals a market that rewards functional on‑chain innovation while remaining skeptical of hype‑driven launches.
Source: https://thedefiant.io/news/defi/base-ai-tokens-outperform-altcoin-market
