{"id":"shaw-walters","title":"Shaw Walters","content":"**Shaw Walters** is the founder of Eliza Labs, an open-source developer of the [Eliza](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai) agent framework. This framework facilitates the development of autonomous [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents). Walters launched [ElizaOS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai) (formerly [ai16z](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai16z)), a decentralized AI-driven investment [DAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/dao), to explore the potential of [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents) in finance and other sectors. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-FrRwHZHwTU) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-y7koR0rjJx)\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=fzU-opiALBY)$$\n\n## Career\n\nWalters first became involved in [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) through his initial interest in game development, particularly in exploring how assets and characters could function [across](https://iq.wiki/wiki/across) different platforms. This interest led to work on [NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) projects, where he contributed as an independent developer and collaborated with brands unfamiliar with the space. Through these experiences, he learned [Solidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solidity) and began exploring how AI could integrate with on-chain identity and wallets.\n\nHis interest in AI predates the release of ChatGPT. During the early development of the GPT model, Walters joined a small community testing GPT-3, which he saw as a major advancement. By late 2021, he was focused on developing smart [agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents), earning a living by creating AI-driven virtual characters, and working on [NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) projects. At the time, the concept of intelligent agents was still niche, with few discussions of its application in [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain).\n\nWalters later joined Webaverse as a lead developer after its [NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) land sale, working on AI-driven characters in a [metaverse](https://iq.wiki/wiki/metaverse) environment. The project aimed to create a 3D world where intelligent agents could interact freely. However, a hack resulted in the loss of its treasury, putting significant pressure on the team. Webaverse later transitioned into MoeMate, shifting its focus to AI characters.\n\nFollowing this, Walters worked on various projects, including MagicML and Project 89, co-founding an open-source intelligent agent initiative called [Magic](https://iq.wiki/wiki/magic). The goal was to develop a no-code tool for building [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents), but community feedback indicated a preference for direct assistance in agent creation. This led him to develop [Eliza](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai) as an example within the [Magic](https://iq.wiki/wiki/magic) framework. However, the limitations of no-code development prompted him to abandon that approach in favor of a more direct build. Lacking immediate traction, he continued sustaining himself through other projects while advancing [Eliza](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai) as an open-source initiative. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-67FrJlMRfU) \n\n> “I realized that intelligent agents are actually a web-based technology. So, I refactored the entire system in TypeScript and named the project VEGENT (because the name \"Agent\" was already taken on NPM). Afterward, I renamed it Eliza, which became the core of the project. When the Meme trend emerged, my technology was ready.”\n\n### ElizaOS\n\nIn an interview with [Unchained](https://iq.wiki/wiki/unchained-crypto), Walters discussed the inspiration behind launching [ElizaOS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai). Walters had been focused on developing AI projects since COVID, aiming to build something that would gain traction. Despite long-standing interest and work in [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents), an early attempt with a Twitter-based agent struggled to attract attention. He believed the missing component was its connection to [crypto](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency), including [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) cycles and speculative markets.\n\nHis engagement with the hedge fund manager behind the first [DAOs.Fun](https://iq.wiki/wiki/daosfun) investment fund led to the launch of VEGENT Spartan, an autonomous AI investor. Through this collaboration, he was introduced to Bowski, the creator of [DAOs.Fun](https://iq.wiki/wiki/daosfun), whom he met in person in San Francisco. During their discussion, Walters shared his vision for a community-driven autonomous investor that would reduce risks associated with fraud. His broader goal extended beyond speculation, focusing on investments that generate value.\n\nThis vision led to the creation of [ElizaOS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai). Inspired by traditional venture capital models, Walters wanted a decentralized version that was accessible to anyone. The project started informally, with rapid iteration and visual concept development, eventually leading to its launch. The [ElizaOS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai) experiment was initially aimed at raising $75,000 in funding, but its impact grew as developers adopted its open-source framework, [Eliza](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai), for various applications. The project evolved into a broader research effort exploring how AI can [leverage](https://iq.wiki/wiki/leverage) market and collective intelligence for investment decisions with an expanding ecosystem of [AI agent](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents) applications. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-w6XoYFI97n)\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](S-XbXWfq7yo)$$\n\n## Interviews\n\n### Rise of Eliza\n\nOn the Delphi Podcast, Walters discussed his journey in AI and [crypto](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency), detailing past setbacks, including losing control of an open-source project sold for $75 million without compensation. He continued building despite financial struggles and project failures, eventually co-founding [Magic](https://iq.wiki/wiki/magic) before shifting focus entirely to [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents). His latest project, [Eliza](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai), gained traction, with the open-source framework reaching a $2.5 billion valuation and trending globally on GitHub. Shaw emphasized [AI agents'](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents) potential in [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi), particularly in automating [liquidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pol-protocol-owned-liquidity) management and improving user accessibility. While in Asia, he engaged with developer communities, exploring new applications for [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents) beyond social media bots. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-3tWm1dvwD1)\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](0WQAmmJJ34c)$$\n\n### Crypto AI Agents\n\nOn the Mid Mic Crisis podcast, Walters discussed his unexpected rise to prominence in the [crypto](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency)-AI space due to his open-source work on [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents). Before shifting to AI, he recounted his background in game development, augmented reality, and social media-related projects. His early work included collaborations with Microsoft and Webaverse, where he explored AI-driven 3D environments. He emphasized that his code is open-source and aimed at enabling automated trading rather than direct financial speculation. He also addressed misconduct accusations, comparing his work to foundational software that others repurpose. His contributions reflect a broader culture of open-source development in AI and [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3), where ideas and code are freely shared and iterated upon. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-j4HI5agqn3)\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](KecztCXgFWs)$$\n\n### On AI in Finance\n\nIn an interview with *Decrypt*, Walters cautioned against the idea that autonomous [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents) are ready to manage finances independently. He argued that their current value is not in making autonomous investment decisions but in structuring market data, analyzing social signals, and executing trades more quickly. He emphasized that users should not expect to give an AI agent a large sum of money and see it generate profits on its own. Walters highlighted that Eliza's projects, such as an agent-run OTC desk, operate with smart-contract guardrails, underscoring the need for human oversight and predefined limits. He framed the role of AI in finance and DAOs as providing recommendations and insights to aid human coordination, rather than for blind, autonomous execution. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-hT81gONVPs)\n\n## Panels\n\nAt CATSTANBUL 2025, Walters introduced [ElizaOS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/eliza-ai) v2, highlighting improvements over its predecessor, including a streamlined architecture, enhanced agent planning, and a unified wallet system to address issues with scalability and interoperability. The update introduced a package registry, [CLI](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cli) tools, and database-driven characters for evolving [AI agents](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ai-agents). The team also announced an agent marketplace with media generation features and \"[Block](https://iq.wiki/wiki/block) Tank,\" an agent-driven funding initiative. Additionally, they launched a $10 million [Magic](https://iq.wiki/wiki/magic) Fund in partnership with [Jupiter](https://iq.wiki/wiki/jupiter) to support open-source AI developers, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI and [crypto](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency). The research preview was scheduled for March, with a public release in April. [\\[8\\]](#cite-id-fkdrYkMyHH)\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](yUjScwAZsQo)$$","summary":"Shaw Walters is the founder of Eliza Labs and ElizaOS, focusing on autonomous AI agents and decentralized finance. His work integrates AI with blockchain, emphasizing open-source development and community-driven investment.","images":[{"id":"QmV7x52wrZF8SZB1ALJA42aB4Tr6hurGtARXPR4Tzgqnhw","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"People in crypto"}],"tags":[{"id":"AI"},{"id":"Developers"},{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"}],"media":[{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBjEUKA1iPE","name":"KBjEUKA1iPE","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBjEUKA1iPE","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-XbXWfq7yo","name":"S-XbXWfq7yo","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-XbXWfq7yo","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WQAmmJJ34c","name":"0WQAmmJJ34c","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WQAmmJJ34c","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KecztCXgFWs","name":"KecztCXgFWs","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KecztCXgFWs","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUjScwAZsQo","name":"yUjScwAZsQo","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUjScwAZsQo","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzU-opiALBY","name":"fzU-opiALBY","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzU-opiALBY","source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"website","value":"https://www.elizaos.ai/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/shawmakesmagic"},{"id":"youtube_profile","value":"https://www.youtube.com/@shawmakesmagic"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaw-walters-36603a289/"},{"id":"references","value":"[{\"url\":\"https://x.com/shawmakesmagic\",\"description\":\"Shaw Walters | Twitter\",\"id\":\"FrRwHZHwTU\",\"timestamp\":1738349173157},{\"url\":\"https://www.elizaos.ai/\",\"description\":\"ElizaOS\",\"id\":\"y7koR0rjJx\",\"timestamp\":1738349210348},{\"url\":\"https://www.theblockbeats.info/en/news/56396\",\"description\":\"3-Hour In-Depth Interview with Shaw | BlockBeats\",\"id\":\"67FrJlMRfU\",\"timestamp\":1738349526630},{\"id\":\"w6XoYFI97n\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-XbXWfq7yo\\\\&pp=ygUMc2hhdyB3YWx0ZXJz\",\"description\":\"Interview with Unchained | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1759799442030},{\"id\":\"3tWm1dvwD1\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WQAmmJJ34c\\\\&pp=ygUSc2hhdyB3YWx0ZXJzIGFpMTZ6\",\"description\":\"Interview on The Delphi Podcast | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1759799442030},{\"id\":\"j4HI5agqn3\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KecztCXgFWs\\\\&pp=ygUSc2hhdyB3YWx0ZXJzIGFpMTZ6\",\"description\":\"Interview on the Mid Mic Podcast | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1759799442030},{\"id\":\"hT81gONVPs\",\"url\":\"https://decrypt.co/343166/eliza-labs-founder-ai-agents-shouldnt-manage-your-money-yet\",\"description\":\"Eliza Labs Founder on Why AI Agents Shouldn’t Manage Your Money—Yet - Decrypt\",\"timestamp\":1759799442030},{\"id\":\"fkdrYkMyHH\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUjScwAZsQo\\\\&pp=ygUIZWxpemFPUyA%3D\",\"description\":\"ElizaOS v2 Sneak Peek | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1759799442030}]"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"\"https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmXtTzxvEY5FYqV25gdZ2HppbQRQSTV1r9byEJwuMA4wng\""},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"docs: Add interview on AI in finance, update structure, and add internal links.\""},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmXtTzxvEY5FYqV25gdZ2HppbQRQSTV1r9byEJwuMA4wng"}],"events":[],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0xacb6c5AD52b8f605299B0d774CE97F26e3DB80c2"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":["eliza-ai"],"founders":[],"speakers":[]},"operator":{"id":"0xbc74F7Beea348c97350e4DBc49227A5Ee7d27D3e"}}