Mihir Kulkarni--Spectral Labs and Making Crypto AI Agents Work With and For Humans - Block By Block Show

Mihir Kulkarni--Spectral Labs and Making Crypto AI Agents Work With and For Humans - Block By Block Show

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Transcript

Key Takeaways

  • Background: Mihir started in crypto in 2017, worked in consulting, and then joined Coinbase, where he led product for Coinbase Custody. Gained deep knowledge of security, wallet architecture, and scaling systems.
  • Spectral’s Core Idea: Focuses on building useful, autonomous AI agents in crypto—not just personality-driven bots, but ones that do meaningful on-chain actions (e.g., trading, managing workflows).
  • Product Split:
    • Syntax: Retail-facing marketplace where users interact with agent-run companies (e.g. hedge funds).
    • Lux: Developer-facing open-source framework for building multi-agent systems and autonomous companies.
  • Agent Philosophy:
    • Agents should perform utility-focused tasks that are difficult or tedious for humans (e.g., placing multiple bets, automating cross-chain flows).
    • Multi-agent collaboration is key (e.g., one agent specializes in economics, another in politics, etc.).
    • Users can build, own, and earn from autonomous agents as economic assets.
  • Innovations:
    • Agents are tracked via ANS (Agent Name Service) using NFTs as unique IDs.
    • Agent behavior and governance can be verified via attestations, TEEs, and ZK proofs.
    • Profits from agent operations can be distributed on-chain.
  • Use Cases:
    • Launched Moon Maker (create meme coins) and agent-based hedge funds like Spectra and Omen.
    • Upcoming applications include content creation, AI influencers, and automated decision-making systems.
  • Community Role:
    • Community involved in UX testing, feedback, and upcoming grants for building on Lux.
    • Focus on simplifying user experience while maintaining powerful backend infrastructure.
  • Philosophy on Web3:
    • Crypto should become an invisible backend layer with seamless UX.
    • Speculative hype alone won’t retain users—utility is critical.
    • Projects should think beyond crypto-native users and embrace bold product decisions.