Grass Project Expands in Africa as Crypto VCs Shift Focus to AI Infrastructure

Blockchain.com's expansion into Ghana reflects growing demand for secure digital asset tools in Africa.

Crypto VCs are increasingly investing in AI infrastructure, leveraging blockchain for decentralized computing power and secure identity systems.

Datavault AI's Tokenized Legacy™ platform offers on-chain management and monetization of NIL rights, aligning with rising concerns over AI-generated content.

Blockchain.com has seen strong organic adoption in Ghana, with a 140% increase in active users and an 80% rise in transaction volumes before its official launch according to reports. The firm is replicating its success in Nigeria, where it experienced over 700% growth in transaction volumes. In Africa, stablecoins and digital assets are being used for payments, remittances, and savings, offering individuals tools to manage currency volatility and access global markets.

Meanwhile, crypto venture capital firms are redirecting capital from the crypto sector to AI, driven by infrastructure gaps such as computing power and secure identity verification. Investments in AI are expected to reach $258.7 billion in 2025, with blockchain-based solutions providing decentralized infrastructure for AI agents. Firms like Paradigm, a16z, and Polychain are focusing on decentralized AI training, secure identity systems, and automated payment mechanisms .

Datavault AI is introducing the Tokenized Legacy™ platform, enabling athletes, musicians, and entertainers to manage and monetize their NIL rights on a blockchain. The platform ensures transparent rights management, automated payments, and traceable usage, retaining ownership for rights holders. At the Luminary 2026 event, Datavault will also showcase its ADIO® technology, an audio data transmission system, and participate in the My Moon Experience, a space-based digital content preservation project.

Why Are Crypto VCs Redirecting Capital to AI Infrastructure?

Crypto VCs are exploring AI investments aligned with their core strengths in blockchain infrastructure, addressing computing power and identity challenges. The shift is driven by the growing demand for AI infrastructure and the complementary strengths of blockchain in decentralized solutions. Projects are leveraging blockchain to provide secure and transparent AI agent payment systems, identity verification, and data coordination.

This transition reflects a broader trend where blockchain infrastructure is being adapted to support AI advancements, including decentralized AI training and secure data management. Investors are looking for opportunities at the intersection of blockchain and AI, where projects offer scalable and secure solutions for global infrastructure needs.

What Are the Implications of Blockchain Expansion in Africa?

Blockchain.com's expansion into Ghana underscores the region's growing demand for secure digital asset tools. With increased adoption, digital assets are being used for payments, remittances, and savings, providing individuals with tools to manage currency volatility and access global markets. The firm's growth in Nigeria, marked by over 700% transaction volume growth, indicates strong market potential.

The expansion also highlights the increasing role of digital infrastructure in Africa's financial ecosystem. As users adopt stablecoins and other digital assets, they gain access to secure and transparent financial tools. This trend supports broader financial inclusion goals and positions blockchain-based services as a viable alternative to traditional banking.

Blockchain.com's strategy includes hiring local talent and building operational footprints in key markets like Lagos, supporting its African expansion. This approach aligns with the firm's goal of expanding access to global markets and providing secure digital asset services.

How Is Datavault AI Addressing Rights Management in the Digital Era?

Datavault AI's Tokenized Legacy™ platform allows creators to securely manage and monetize their NIL rights on a blockchain according to company announcements. This includes transparent rights management, automated payments, and traceable usage, ensuring that creators retain ownership through every resale and licensing transaction. The platform builds on the firm's previous initiatives, such as the Josh Gibson Coin launch and its acquisition of API Media Innovation Inc.

The platform's introduction aligns with broader industry trends driven by concerns over AI-generated content and digital replicas. As artists demand transparent and enforceable rights, blockchain offers a solution for secure and verifiable rights management. The platform also complements the My Moon Experience, a space-based digital content preservation project.

At the Luminary 2026 event, Datavault AI will showcase its ADIO® technology, an audio data transmission system, and other AI-related initiatives according to event programming. These developments highlight the firm's focus on innovative solutions for rights management and data transmission in the digital era.