Bitcoin News Today: Silbert's Yuma Creates NASDAQ for Decentralized AI, Targeting Institutional Investors

Barry Silbert, founder of Digital Currency Group (DCG), has launched Yuma Asset Management, a new venture aimed at bridging institutional and accredited investors with the decentralized AI (deAI) sector. The initiative, seeded with a $10 million investment from DCG, focuses on Bittensor, a blockchain-based network that incentivizes contributors to develop AI tools through its native TAO token. Yuma's strategy mirrors traditional financial indices, offering two funds: the Yuma Subnet Composite Fund, modeled after the NASDAQ Composite for subnet tokens, and the Yuma Large Cap Subnet Fund, akin to the Dow Jones Industrial Average for top-performing subnets. These funds provide diversified exposure to Bittensor's ecosystem, where subnets handle tasks like fraud detection, image recognition, and deepfake identification.

Bittensor operates as a decentralized alternative to centralized AI infrastructure, rewarding participants with TAO for contributing computational resources and data to specific subnets. Silbert, who previously launched the Bitcoin Investment Trust (now Grayscale's GBTC), emphasized that subnet tokens represent an emerging asset class with potential for significant innovation. "The decentralized AI sector has the power to be as transformative as Bitcoin," he stated. The platform's market capitalization of approximately $3 billion underscores its growth potential, though Silbert noted the venture targets institutional investors willing to accept high-risk, high-reward propositions.

Yuma's launch follows a challenging period for DCG, which faced regulatory scrutiny, layoffs, and financial setbacks during the 2022–2025 crypto downturn. Silbert's return coincides with a more favorable regulatory climate under the Trump administration, which has signaled support for digital asset innovation. Yuma's focus on real-world AI applications, such as BitMind-a tool for detecting deepfakes-distinguishes it from speculative projects, according to Silbert. The venture also leverages DCG's existing infrastructure, including Grayscale's TAO-focused fund, to streamline access to the deAI market.

The asset management division introduces structured investment vehicles to simplify participation in a complex, fast-moving ecosystem. Subnet tokens, denominated in TAO, are traded on Bittensor, enabling investors to gain exposure to decentralized AI innovation without navigating technical barriers. However, the initiative carries inherent risks, including price volatility, liquidity constraints, and regulatory uncertainties. Silbert acknowledged these challenges but framed them as part of the broader crypto-AI evolution, noting that the sector's maturation hinges on utility-driven projects like Bittensor.

Yuma's strategy reflects a broader trend of merging blockchain and AI, with subnets serving as decentralized, competitive networks for AI development. By mirroring traditional index structures, the funds aim to attract capital allocators seeking familiarity in an otherwise opaque market. Silbert's prior success with Bitcoin investment vehicles suggests a calculated approach to institutional adoption, though the venture's long-term viability will depend on Bittensor's ability to sustain innovation and regulatory compliance.

Source: [1] Yahoo Finance (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bittensor-decentralized-ai-studio-yuma-130009218.html)

[2] Capwolf (https://capwolf.com/barry-silberts-ai-crypto-venture-yumas-bold-move/)

[3] The Block (https://www.theblock.co/post/374074/digital-currency-group-subsidiary-yuma-launches-asset-management-division-with-two-flagship-funds)

[4] Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-09/crypto-kingpin-silbert-s-yuma-launches-ai-crypto-asset-manager)

[5] Financial Content (https://www.financialcontent.com/article/bizwire-2025-10-9-yuma-unveils-yuma-asset-management-creating-a-new-gateway-to-the-decentralized-ai-sector-for-institutional-and-accredited-investors)

[6] Crypto Times (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/10/10/dcg-founder-barry-silbert-launches-new-venture-for-crypto-and-ai/)