AI Crypto Tokens Surge 54 Percent in September 2026 Led by NEAR and Venice

Artificial intelligence-linked cryptocurrencies delivered the strongest gains of any major crypto sector in September 2026, according to research by Grayscale. The firm’s Artificial Intelligence Crypto Sector surged 54 percent last month, more than doubling the 24 percent increase seen in the broader crypto market. The outperformance was driven by a few key tokens, including NEAR, which jumped 183 percent, the largest rise among the highlighted assets.

Other notable performers included Venice’s VVV token (+70 percent), World’s WLD (+47 percent), and Bittensor’s TAO (+37 percent). Grayscale describes these tokens as proxies for blockchain infrastructure supporting AI applications. NEAR is a platform for agentic commerce, Venice offers private model access, World is a proof-of-human network, and Bittensor provides specialized networks for AI functions.

Despite the rally, the AI-linked crypto sector remains the smallest of Grayscale’s six sectors, with an estimated market value of roughly $15 billion. The firm suggests this small size could either limit growth or present opportunities for substantial winners if public blockchains become essential for AI-related transactions. However, Grayscale cautions that September’s gains may reflect early investor interest rather than proven revenue.

The market’s reaction comes as commercial AI development continues to expand, with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic adding capacity and product lines. Enterprise adoption of generative AI tools and agent-style workflows is broadening, supporting demand for blockchain infrastructure that can handle machine-to-machine settlements. Whether these use cases will scale and whether current tokens will capture lasting value remains uncertain.