Messari: What is DeFAI? Who are the main players?

Author: Sam Ruskin, Messari Research Analyst; Compiler: 0xjs@黄金财经

DeFi has brought millions of unique addresses to the chain over the years, but is now facing an identity crisis. Cross-chain fragmentation, liquidity issues, and a lack of new users have caused problems for DeFi applications. But all this may change with just a new letter and a front-end transformation.

DeFAI (DeFi x AI) aims to address these challenges by integrating AI to simplify processes and improve user experience. The field uses AI tools such as natural language interfaces, autonomous agents, and data aggregation to make on-chain interactions feel seamless and intuitive. For example, instead of manually navigating a dApp, users can issue commands such as "Swap 3 ETH for USDC", "Bridge assets to another chain", or "Write me a smart contract for a new ETH-USDC liquidity pool". AI handles back-end complexity, including locating smart contracts, minimizing gas fees, and executing transactions securely.

Who are the main players in DeFAI?

Griffain

Griffain features personal and pre-built “ad hoc agents” for performing AI-driven token swaps, gaining token insights, and managing liquidity provision. Users can set up wallets for their agents to perform interactions based on human instructions. Built on Solana, the platform leverages the network’s high throughput and low latency to support fast execution. The protocol recently launched the AI ​​Agent Playground, for testing and optimizing agent strategies. Griffain is invite-only, requiring an early access pass and 2 SOL to join.

HeyAnon

HeyAnon provides natural language trading tools, cross-chain token bridging through LayerZero, and integration with protocols such as Aave for lending and staking. It supports automated workflows triggered by price data, gas fees, or schedules, and optimizes token swaps through a multi-DEX aggregator (similar to Jupiter). By monitoring data across sources such as GitHub and Twitter, HeyAnon can provide actionable insights and simplify DeFi operations. It is based on Sonic EVM (formerly known as Fantom), benefiting from its high throughput and low latency. HeyAnon announced that their public beta will be launched at the end of January.

Neur

Neur aims to be Solana’s AI copilot of choice. Neur’s features include natural language understanding tailored for DeFi and NFTs, advanced function calls for complex blockchain operations, integrated wallet management with real-time portfolio insights, and direct integration with leading Solana protocols such as Jupiter and Magic Eden. Neur leverages Claude 3.5-Sonnet and GPT-4 for its AI capabilities. Users praise the platform for its smooth user experience and simple user interface. Neur is accessible by invitation only and requires 1 SOL to join.

What should you keep an eye on as DeFAI grows?

Given the number of new projects in the space, users should look for live products with usable tools. There is little product differentiation at the moment, and the AI ​​space is rapidly becoming saturated. Look for projects with solid technology moats and rapid delivery.