Innovation in Emerging Markets Through AI and Web3

Supermoon and Peanut Trade presented the closing panel of the Investing in AI Summit on Nov. 12 at DevCon 2024, focusing on how to foster innovation in emerging markets through AI and Web3. Moderated by Hassan from Forbes, the panel featured Amhit Mehra (Borderless Capital) and Pete Townsend (Techstars Web3), who shared insights on fostering innovation in underserved regions.

Amhit Mehra emphasized the importance of identifying trends before they become mainstream. “Our best results come from showing early conviction. Even high-risk bets can transform industries if timed right,” he noted, referencing Borderless Capital’s investments in decentralized AI infrastructure and DePIN initiatives like Render Network and LayerLens.

Pete Townsend highlighted the critical role of strong teams in driving innovation. “We prioritize A-teams with B-products over B-teams with A-products. Resilient founders are essential for navigating the complexities of Web3 and AI,” he said, shedding light on Techstars’ founder-first methodology and its focus on adaptability and perseverance.

The panel touched upon how AI and Web3 intersect to drive meaningful change, particularly through decentralizing access to resources. Mehra discussed incentivizing data labeling through Web3 tokens, creating opportunities in emerging markets, while Townsend envisioned a future where smart contracts and AI power agent-to-agent transactions, automating key processes and driving efficiency.

The speakers encouraged founders to think ahead and act strategically in the current market cycle. Mehra urged builders to raise funds during favorable conditions, while Townsend stressed the importance of agility and focus to secure opportunities.

By addressing challenges and uncovering opportunities in emerging markets, the panel touched upon how AI and Web3 can shape a more inclusive future.

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You can watch the full keynote on our YouTube here: