Kite Raises $18M to Build AI-Powered Blockchain Payments
San Francisco-based startup Kite has raised $18 million in a Series A round, led by PayPal Ventures and General Catalyst, bringing total funding to $33 million. Kite is developing AI-blockchain infrastructure on Avalanche, designed to enable autonomous AI agents to transact, manage data, and interact securely without traditional intermediaries.
At the core of Kite’s platform is Kite AIR, which provides AI agents with cryptographic identity, programmable permissions, and native access to stablecoins. This allows agents to execute high-frequency micropayments, instantly settle transactions, and operate with enhanced security—paving the way for AI-driven commerce such as automated shopping or financial services.
Investors see Kite as a pioneer in the emerging “agentic economy,” where AI models act independently on behalf of users. PayPal’s backing highlights growing interest from mainstream fintech in integrating AI and blockchain to accelerate autonomous transactions. Kite’s Avalanche-based architecture ensures low-cost, high-speed processing, making it ideal for microtransactions and continuous agent activity.
While the AI-blockchain space faces technical and regulatory challenges, Kite’s experienced team—comprising former engineers from Uber, Square, and Databricks—positions it to bridge gaps between AI capabilities and decentralized finance. The startup also plans to expand into finance and data services, offering agents tools to autonomously perform complex tasks at scale.
Takeaway: Kite’s Series A investment signals confidence in the AI-blockchain convergence, establishing a foundation for a decentralized, agent-driven economy where autonomous systems handle payments and services efficiently.
Q: What is Kite AIR?
A: A platform enabling AI agents to verify identity, execute transactions, and manage permissions on-chain.
Q: Why Avalanche?
A: For low fees, fast block times, and scalability to support high-frequency AI agent transactions.
Q: Who are the key investors?
A: PayPal Ventures, General Catalyst, Samsung Next, 8VC, and Alumni Ventures.
#KiteAI #AIBlockchain #AutonomousAgents #Avalanche #Web3Payments
Kite secures $18M Series A to enable AI agents to transact autonomously on Avalanche, backed by PayPal and top-tier investors.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice.
