Decoding AI’s Future: ICP Hub’s Lounge Reveals What’s Hype vs. Reality & Who’s Actually Building
AI's hype cycle hits peak velocity—but who's cutting through the noise? ICP Hub's latest deep dive separates vaporware from viable tech.
Behind the curtain: The builders shipping real AI solutions
While VC-funded startups chase LLM mirages, these teams deploy on-chain intelligence that actually works. No seven-figure burn rates—just provable results.
The finance jab: If you're still betting on 'AI' crypto projects with zero revenue, maybe stick to meme coins—at least those admit they're gambling.
Who Was in the Room?
- Julia Stadnyk – Co-Founder & CPO at OGBrainer, Launch Accelerator ’25. Web3 and AI strategist.
- David Shengard – General Partner at Unicorn Factory Ventures, early-stage VC focused on fundamentals and frontier tech.
- Dima Foremnyi – GP at 3x Capital, Leader of ICP HUB Ukraine, and startup ecosystem enabler across Eastern Europe.
- Igor Stadnyk – Founder of InFriars AI, a platform building autonomous agents to streamline infrastructure deployment.
Key Themes
1. AI + Web3: Powerful Potential, Real Misuse
The panelists agreed that while AI is often slapped onto pitch decks for buzz,. David underscored the importance of asking: “Is AI the Core of the product, or just a marketing add-on?” Julia and Dima added nuance – wrappers (like GPT interfaces) aren’t bad, but the market must distinguish utility from superficiality.
2. Builders vs. Hype Machines
Several speakers noted that real value emerges from tools that solve actual user pain points. Julia’s company, OGBrainer, for example, automates social media engagement – not by reinventing the wheel but byand helping users cut through noise. Igor’s InFriars AI empowers non-technical users to deploy entire infrastructures with simple prompts – from buying domains to launching smart contracts.
3. Investor Perspectives: Caution & Optimism
David, recently back from Token2049, shared thatof AI-labeled projects with no real tech. Institutional capital now demands clear utility, technical depth, and long-term vision – not AI “stickers.” Still, there’s athat AI-native infrastructure and agent-based operations (especially in DAOs) are fertile ground.
Takeaways from Token2049
Julia and Igor highlighted a striking trend:at what’s traditionally a crypto conference. Despite physical limitations (like the AI stage being outside in the Dubai heat), the level of engagement was high, hinting at a.
Dima noted a surge inin Web3 tooling, including collaborations between major platforms like TikTok and blockchain startups. Igor added that the attendee quality was up: “More builders, more serious players, less noise.”
Real Applications Driving Value
Some concrete AI x Web3 use cases discussed:
- Voice-first crypto experiences – e.g., paying bills or triggering wallet actions by voice command
- Autonomous agents – managing finances, deploying dApps, and handling DevOps
- Summarization tools, like Brainer, offer digestible trend insights to save time.
AI Ethics & Governance Concerns
Audience questions touched onand. Speakers responded with clear concern:
- AI governance and “proof of humanity” protocols like NFID or Worldcoin are emerging safeguards.
- While AI augments, it should not replace human insight or agency.
What’s Next?
- ICP HUBS Network is organizing a global hackathon, the World Computer Hacker League (WCHL) 2025, which will run from July 1 through October.
- 3x Capital continues to fund early-stage ventures with strong fundamentals but doesn’t actively pursue AI unless it solves real Web3 problems.
- InFriars AI is developing into a DAO-first Layer 1 tailored for AI deployment.
Final Word
This X Space served as a necessary filter in a space overflowing with hype. With AI and crypto maturing side by side, the call is clear:
“Let AI amplify, not replace. Let it guide, not speak for us.” –, Host.
Listen to the full X Space here
