Crypto: The IA tokens collapse by 90 %, correction or decline?

The rapid development of cryptos backed by artificial intelligence in 2024 suggested a decisive turn for the convergence between blockchain and IA. Carried by the euphoria of the market and the enthusiasm for the agents of AI, these assets attracted massive flows of capital, which propelled their valuation to unpublished peaks. However, enthusiasm has evaporated as quickly as it appeared: in the space of a few months, some of these tokens have lost up to 90 % of their value. This collapse raises capital questions about the viability of these projects and the solidity of the market. Are investors faced with a simple correction after a speculative flight, or are we witnessing the beginnings of a lasting disinterest?

The tokens drifting: a routed market

This dizzying fall of the IA tokens took part of the investors, as the extent of the decline is brutal. According to Coingecko data, AI Rig Complex (ARC), Elizaos (AI16Z) and Virtuals (Virtual) have seen their capitalization melt from 75 to 90 % since January. Even Fartcoin, the same IA which had captivated attention in 2024, plunged 65 % in 30 days, and only weighs $ 430 million.

This lower movement is part of a broader context of contraction of the Crypto market, which has lost 16 % of its valuation since the beginning of the year. “Look at the AI16Z, Arc and even Fartcoin graphics, it is obvious that the trend is down, and many think that these tokens will never find their past levels”, noted The Elon Money trader in a publication on February 6, 2025 on the X platform (ex Twitter). This disillusionment recalls how the emerging markets are subject to exuberance and correction cycles, especially when speculative interest goes beyond technological fundamentals.

A blow caused by a displacement of liquidity?

Beyond the simple market fluctuations, the fall of the tokens IA seems to have been amplified by a major exogenous event: the launch of the same Trump in January. This token, backed by Donald Trump, captured $ 80 billion in capitalization in just 24 hours. Such a capture has dried up the available liquidity for other emerging assets. “The reason for this brutal liquidation is obvious: liquidity leaves the ia tokens market to go elsewhere”, underlines Crypto stream in a publication on January 31, 2025 on the social network X.

At the same time, political uncertainty has strengthened the distrust of investors. The recent statements by Donald Trump, which threatens to impose 25 % customs tariffs on Canada and Mexico, have caused a general panic in the financial markets. In this climate, the most speculative cryptos were the first to undergo the selling pressure. Major altcoins have resisted relatively well, but small emerging projects, such as IA tokens, were “literally massacred”, according to Crypto Stream.

Contrasting prospects for the future of tokens ia

If the current correction seems severe, some experts believe that these assets could bounce back in the long term. “When we look at frameworks like Elizaos and Rig, we see solid teams, high -level partnerships and integrations with major blockchains,” says Elon Money. The growing usefulness of AI agents, these autonomous artificial intelligences that interact with blockchains, suggests a future where these technologies will play a central role in the digital economy.

According to Vaneck, the number of autonomous AI active on blockchains could exceed 1 million by the end of this year, strengthening their impact on the crypto ecosystem. But it is still necessary that these projects manage to convince investors of their viability and their ability to generate value beyond speculation.

The implosion of the tokens is a critical step for this new asset class. Some will see a purge necessary to clean up an still immature market, while others will see the sign of too premature enthusiasm. Be that as it may, their future will depend on their ability to offer concrete uses and prove that they are not just a simple ephemeral mode.