a16z crypto releases 2026 forecast: The next phase of Crypto will "Surpass the New Blockchain."
Three directions: 1. Prediction Markets - From Entertainment to Decision-Making Infrastructure 2. Verifiable Computing - ZK/FHE Breakthroughs to Overcome On-Chain Computing Bottlenecks 3. Staked Media - Rebuilding the Creator Economy with Staking
2017-2021: The New Public Chain Wars (ETH, SOL, AVAX...) → Everyone is competing to see who has higher TPS and lower Gas
2022-2025: Application Layer Explosion (DeFi, NFT, GameFi) → But still revolving around "Finance"
2026+: After Infrastructure Matures, True Innovation Lies in the Application Layer → Prediction markets are not gambling, but decision-making tools → Verifiable Computing enables a genuine integration of AI + Crypto → Staked Media allows creators to survive without relying on platforms
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
a16z crypto releases 2026 forecast: The next phase of Crypto will "Surpass the New Blockchain."
Three directions:
1. Prediction Markets - From Entertainment to Decision-Making Infrastructure
2. Verifiable Computing - ZK/FHE Breakthroughs to Overcome On-Chain Computing Bottlenecks
3. Staked Media - Rebuilding the Creator Economy with Staking
2017-2021: The New Public Chain Wars (ETH, SOL, AVAX...)
→ Everyone is competing to see who has higher TPS and lower Gas
2022-2025: Application Layer Explosion (DeFi, NFT, GameFi)
→ But still revolving around "Finance"
2026+: After Infrastructure Matures, True Innovation Lies in the Application Layer
→ Prediction markets are not gambling, but decision-making tools
→ Verifiable Computing enables a genuine integration of AI + Crypto
→ Staked Media allows creators to survive without relying on platforms