a16z and YC Release 2025 Startup Requests

a16z and YC (Y Combinator) have just released their request for startups for 2025.

a16z and YC are two of the most successful American Venture Capital firms (VCs), and they’ve released a list of startup ideas that they want to see, and would potentially be interested in funding. 

As shown above, both VC firms provided startup ideas within a range of different markets and industries. However, what we want to focus on are ideas within Crypto/AI where both a16z and YC show interest, or even share aligned views.

a16z

Within both the Crypto sector and in general, a16z seem to believe in products/services that utilise AI, like AI wallets that manage their own assets using AI systems, or Autonomous chatbots that they believe will emerge as independent entities. They’re also interested in the development of new systems that can help with the verification process of human identity via the use of AI. Crypto App Stores via new distribution channels are another one of the key requests a16z have highlighted, further emphasising their intention to potentially invest into Crypto.

Y Combinator

Historically, YC haven’t really encouraged the use of Crypto, rather they’ve advised teams to pivot away from Crypto in the past. Now, after some more regulatory clarity and other major companies accommodating Crypto, they want to see startups within the Stablecoin sector of Crypto. Platforms for businesses to manage Stablecoins, tools that make it easy for developers to integrate Stablecoin payments, systems for Banks to issue their own Stablecoins, and infrastructure for cross-border Stablecoin payments – this is what YC have requested.

Comparison

Both VC firms have taken a different approach to each sector, for example a16z highlighting Crypto as a whole, whilst YC have only shown interest in Stablecoins. a16z seems to be leaning towards a more experimental vision with AI+Crypto ideas, whereas YC’s approach seems to be a little more “safer” with Stablecoins generally being viewed as assets that hold a stable price.

Having said that, both a16z and YC share some overlapping ideas, within both Crypto and AI. Both have shown interest in various AI products in different sectors. Within Crypto, their views are aligned on AI-powered wallets, payment systems, and general Crypto infrastructure.

What does this mean for Crypto?

Over the last 1-2 months we’ve witnessed the rise of AI within Crypto, and how it’s impacted not only the markets but the space in general. “AI KOLs” like @0xzerebro and @aixbt_agent are dominating mindshare, and notable AI tokens have surged whether it be protocols, or memes launched by AI agents.

Many people believe that AI is here to stay especially within Crypto, and they’re adamant that the influence of AI x Crypto platforms/products/services will only continue to grow as time goes on. Some even believe that AI will start to replace “KOLs” and influencers in the Crypto space, as well as make thousands of people redundant due to their jobs being by AI agents.

Crypto is an ever-changing industry, and the facts are that more and more people have entered the space every year, forcing more and more major companies and VCs like a16z and YC to pay attention, who have all seemingly accepted that they can’t afford to plan for the future without considering the Crypto sector as part of their investment strategy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is NOT financial advice.