Base, the Ethereum layer-2 network incubated by Coinbase, is doubling down on artificial intelligence with a revamped startup accelerator that will funnel $1 million into a select group of teams building AI agents and onchain financial tools.
A Sharper Focus
Base is narrowing the scope of its accelerator program, trimming the cohort down to just 10 startups. The move signals a more concentrated bet on quality over quantity as the network hunts for teams working at the intersection of AI and blockchain.
The program is specifically seeking builders focused on AI agents, payments, trading, and financing products—areas where Base sees the greatest potential for onchain innovation. By keeping the group small, the accelerator aims to offer more hands-on support and resources to each participating team.
Base is putting its money where its ambitions are, backing a lean cohort of builders at the crossroads of AI and crypto.
Betting on AI Agents
The emphasis on AI agents reflects a broader industry trend, as autonomous software programs capable of executing transactions and making decisions become an increasingly popular frontier for crypto developers. Base's leadership is positioning the network as a home for this emerging category.
The types of products the accelerator hopes to nurture include:
- AI agents that operate autonomously onchain
- Payment applications built on the Base network
- Trading tools and platforms
- Financing and lending products
By committing $1 million in funding, Base is offering more than just mentorship—it's providing the capital these early-stage teams need to bring their ideas to market. The initiative underscores how Coinbase's layer-2 ambitions are expanding beyond simple scaling to encompass the next wave of onchain applications.
For startups selected into the program, the accelerator represents a chance to build with the backing of one of the most prominent names in the crypto industry, tapping into Base's growing ecosystem and Coinbase's substantial resources.