The Rise of AI Agents and the Agentic Economy, w/ Lex Sokolin

AI-Curious with Jeff Wilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, we dive into the transformative potential of AI agents, exploring their technical foundations, real-world applications, and implications for the future. AI agents, described by Sam Altman as “the next giant breakthrough,” have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with technology and reshape economies.
We sit down with Lex Sokolin, managing partner at Generative Ventures, to discuss what defines an AI agent and how these systems differ from bots and algorithms. Lex shares insights into the emerging “agentic economy,” where interconnected AI agents—operating as digital twins—work autonomously on behalf of users. We also explore scenarios ranging from utopian innovation to dystopian risks.

The conversation touches on:

•(7:11) Daily life in an AI agent-rich world: examples and implications.

•(11:09) The rise of the agentic economy and its foundations in generative AI and blockchain.

•(22:09) How AI and venture capital intersect: trends and challenges in funding AI startups.

•(28:48) Practical AI use cases, including Lex’s personal experiences with tools like MidJourney and GPT.
We also examine the overlap between Web3, decentralized systems, and AI, considering how these technologies might enable the next wave of machine-driven economies.

For more on Lex Sokolin’s work and Generative Ventures:
https://www.lexsokolin.com/
Lex's Substack, the Fintech Blueprint:
https://lex.substack.com/subscribe
Lex's speech at the AI Summit at Consensus, on the "Rise of the Machine Economy":
https://www.lexsokolin.com/video-podcasts-conferences-speaking
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