Coinbase has opened applications for the fourth batch of its Base accelerator program, focusing on startups that build AI-powered trading, payment, and financing products. The program will select 10 startups to receive $100,000 each in funding from the Base Ecosystem Fund, totaling $1 million. The eight-week virtual program will conclude with a Demo Day in New York on November 17. According to Daniel Bronheim, head of the Base Ecosystem Fund, 'the best results come from a smaller and more targeted group of exceptional builders.' The selection process prioritizes projects that utilize stablecoins for AI-powered purchases, trading, and payments, as well as decentralized lending and trading infrastructures.
AI Integration
Coinbase has already laid the groundwork for AI integration, having launched Agentic Wallets in February, which allow AI agents to hold USDC and make payments via the x402 protocol. In June, Coinbase for Agents connected AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude to user accounts, enabling autonomous execution of orders and payments.
Accelerator Program
The selected teams can develop on multiple blockchains, but Base must remain their primary network. Coinbase is also looking for founders from the fintech industry who can bring new financial products to the network. The selection process is rigorous, with no guaranteed outcomes, and evaluates the maturity of the product and the solidity of the team on a case-by-case basis.
