Moving away from overhyped GPU marketplaces and large AI model alternatives towards purpose-built, full-stack solutions is the goal. Feb 11, 2026, 3:15 p.m. The intersection of crypto and artificial intelligence (AI) has entered a quieter, more selective phase, according to two prominent venture capitalists. Anand Iyer of Canonical Crypto and Kelvin Koh of Spartan Group described the current climate as a post-hype moment for decentralized AI protocols, with capital and talent shifting toward more focused, utility-driven applications during Consensus Hong Kong 2026 . STORY CONTINUES BELOW “I think we’re in the trough right now,” said Iyer, whose San Francisco-based firm backs early-stage infrastructure and applications built on decentralized networks. “We went through a frothy period. Now it’s about figuring out where the real strength lies.” Both Iyer and Koh criticized what they see as overinvestment in GPU marketplaces and attempts to build decentralized alternatives to large AI models like those from OpenAI or Anthropic. The capital required, Koh noted, is “night and day” compared to what’s available in crypto. Instead, they see potential in purpose-built, full-stack solutions, tools that start with a specific problem and build down to the model, compute, and data layers. Iyer pointed to startups skipping expensive SaaS tools and using AI to build custom internal systems in days. “Speculation won’t drive product anymore,” he said. “We have to think about users first.” Both investors emphasized the importance of proprietary data, regulatory advantages, or go-to-market edges as new forms of competitive moats. For founders looking to raise capital, Koh offered blunt advice: “Twelve months ago, it was enough to have a wrapper on ChatGPT. That’s no longer true.” More For You Recapping day 1 of Consensus Hong Kong 2 hours ago Hong Kong is looking to build its digital assets economy, its leaders said on stage. What to know: Hong Kong officials used the opening day of Consensus Hong Kong to signal a push into digital assets, pledging stablecoin licenses as soon as next month and new rules for perpetual contracts. Speakers at the conference framed crypto as central to emerging trends such as an AI-driven “machine economy,” with Financial Secretary Paul Chan envisioning AI agents transacting onchain. Market voices including Anthony Scaramucci and Tom Lee urged investors to look past recent price declines, with Scaramucci reiterating a $150,000 bitcoin target tied to U.S. legislation and Lee calling current conditions a buying opportunity rather than a time to sell. Read full story