NEAR Leads AI Crypto Rally as Sector Surpasses Broader Market Gains

Grayscale's AI crypto sector has outpaced the broader market, gaining 54% in September compared to the 24% rise of the overall cryptocurrency market. NEAR Protocol (NEAR) led the charge, jumping 183% during the month and reaching a price over $4, a 151% increase from its value over the past 30 days.

According to Grayscale's research note, other AI-linked tokens like Venice (VVV), World (WLD), and Bittensor (TAO) also posted strong gains in September, with VVV climbing 70%, WLD rising 47%, and TAO adding 37%.

Grayscale Head of Research Zach Pandl believes the AI sector could produce 'one or more major winners' over the next five years, citing the potential for public blockchains to provide open infrastructure for agent payments, identity, private compute, and verifiable records.