Charles Hoskinson, the founder and CEO of Input Output, presented a compelling case at Consensus Miami 2026, asserting that artificial intelligence (AI) agents will surpass human users in online interactions within the next decade. This anticipated shift is already prompting major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook to adapt their business models.
During his keynote address, Hoskinson projected that by 2035, AI agents will dominate searches, commerce, and other online activities, fundamentally threatening existing revenue structures that rely heavily on advertising. He stated, “Amazon, Google, Facebook, they’re terrified of the agentic revolution,” emphasizing that these companies are investing significantly to mitigate the disruption.
According to Hoskinson, AI agents do not engage with advertisements or develop brand loyalties, which poses a direct challenge to the advertising-centric models of major platforms. He questioned the motivations behind Google’s interest in projects like x402, which facilitates direct, programmatic payments for AI agents using stablecoins and cryptocurrency infrastructure.
Hoskinson’s forecast aligns with similar predictions from industry leaders, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who noted that AI agents will soon outnumber human participants in transaction activities. Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao echoed this sentiment, suggesting that AI agents could facilitate transactions at a scale vastly exceeding human capabilities.
Despite potential disruptions, Hoskinson views AI agents as a significant advancement for the cryptocurrency sector, enhancing user experience by streamlining processes. He cautioned, however, against users relying on intermediaries, advocating for direct control over assets, identity, and data, which he believes is foundational to the ethos of cryptocurrency.
“You have to own your data. You have to own your identity. You have to own your money,” he stated, warning that users often regret placing trust in custodial wallets and third-party services.
Moreover, Hoskinson pointed to the fragmentation within blockchain ecosystems as a major hurdle to progress, noting the proliferation of tokens and the need for greater collaboration across platforms. He remarked, “There’s been 11 million tokens issued over the years. We have enough of them. What I want is cooperation. What I want is the mission to be achieved.”
User experience remains a critical barrier to broader adoption of cryptocurrency, with Hoskinson describing current onboarding processes as overly complex and error-prone. He advocated for innovations like account and chain abstraction to simplify user interactions while preserving control over personal assets.
Hoskinson also highlighted a notable shift in the stance of financial institutions towards cryptocurrency. He referenced JPMorgan’s evolution from restricting crypto activities to actively developing blockchain-based products, illustrating a broader acceptance of digital currencies in traditional finance.
In a related discussion, real estate mogul Grant Cardone announced a significant investment strategy that integrates bitcoin with real estate, aiming to create a hybrid investment model that could outperform conventional real estate investment trusts.
- Cardone revealed he has added $100 million in bitcoin to a $235 million real estate deal, forming a new investment structure.
- This approach combines income-generating properties and bitcoin under a single LLC, building on a strategy initiated in 2025.
Charles Hoskinson, CEO of Input Output, predicts that AI agents will soon outnumber humans online, prompting major tech firms to rethink their business models. He emphasizes the need for users to maintain control over their digital assets while addressing the challenges posed by fragmentation in the cryptocurrency space.