In the fast-paced world of crypto, where AI meets blockchain, Kaito AI is making waves as a true pioneer. A recent thread from analyst Kunal Doshi at Blockworks Research sheds light on how Kaito has built a solid revenue machine that's rare in this space. Let's break it down in simple terms and see why this matters for anyone dipping their toes into meme tokens or broader crypto projects.

What Makes Kaito Stand Out in Crypto x AI?

Kaito AI isn't just another hype project—it's got real, proven revenue streams that many AI ventures in crypto can only dream of. According to Doshi, Kaito powers leaderboards, discovery tools, and even new financial tools that help projects gain traction. Think of leaderboards as popularity contests for crypto projects, where community buzz translates into visibility and engagement. This setup creates a "moat," meaning a competitive edge that's hard for others to copy, thanks to their unique dataset.

The numbers speak for themselves: Kaito charges around $150K per leaderboard spot, with 43 before their token generation event (TGE) and 49 after. Plus, their Kaito Pro subscription runs about $10K per seat, with roughly 700 subscribers. That adds up to an impressive annual recurring revenue (ARR) of about $20.8M. In a market full of vaporware, this level of sticky, paying demand is a big deal.

Pre-TGE Marketing: The New Playbook for Projects

If you're launching a meme token or any crypto project, Kaito's leaderboards have become the go-to strategy for building hype pre-TGE. It's not just about buzz—these tools drive actual user engagement and provide early feedback. Doshi highlights a case study with Wayfinder, showing how leaderboards turn attention into actionable insights for teams.

Expanding Post-TGE: High-ROI Alternatives to Traditional Marketing

Once a project goes live post-TGE, Kaito keeps the momentum going. Instead of blowing budgets on key opinion leaders (KOLs), projects like Arbitrum and Polkadot are turning to Kaito for better returns. So far in 2025, $106M in tokens have been distributed to "Yappers"—that's Kaito's term for active community participants—proving there's genuine demand for mindshare driven by their platform.

The Capital Launchpad: A Game-Changer for Fundraising

One of the most exciting developments is Kaito's Capital Launchpad. In just its first two weeks, three projects raised $12.7M, netting Kaito $630K in fees. These launches were oversubscribed, meaning more people wanted in than spots available. This tool bridges projects needing capital with retail investors hungry for opportunities, and it's especially relevant for meme token creators looking for efficient ways to fundraise.

Boosting Staking Yields and Upcoming Mechanisms

Doshi points out that the upcoming ACM (likely Auction-Capital Mechanism) in the launch pipeline could supercharge staking annual percentage yields (APYs). Current Pendle pools—platforms for trading yields—are underpricing this potential, creating buying opportunities. Plus, the new gKaito mechanism aims to reward stakers with protocol airdrops. Already, ecosystem airdrops have totaled $9.4M, dwarfing the $1.3M from Kaito's own emissions.

Value Accrual and Token Buybacks

In today's crypto landscape, where real value matters, Kaito is walking the talk. They've repurchased about 2% of their circulating supply, making the token supply deflationary by offsetting emissions. This balances growth funding with direct benefits to holders, a smart move that could inspire meme token projects aiming for longevity.

For the full scoop, including detailed valuations and tokenomics, check out the complete report on Blockworks Research. Kaito's approach could reshape how meme tokens and other crypto ventures build communities and revenue—definitely worth watching if you're in the blockchain game.

Whether you're a dev building the next viral meme or an investor scouting opportunities, tools like Kaito's leaderboards and launchpads are lowering barriers and amplifying success. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on how AI is fueling the crypto revolution!