Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you shouldn't expect protection if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more

Crypto Basics

What is LAI?

  • 10 Mar, 2025

  • 2 Min read

Uphold Team photo
Written by

LayerAI (LAI) Now Available on Uphold!

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and LayerAI (LAI) is stepping up to address one of its biggest challenges: data monetization. Now available on Uphold, LayerAI is a blockchain-based platform that enables users to contribute, monetize, and trade data for AI model training!

What is LayerAI?

LayerAI is a Layer-2 (L2) blockchain built on Ethereum, designed to offer scalable, low-cost transactions for AI-driven applications. The project’s mission is to create a decentralized data economy, where individuals can earn rewards for sharing high-quality training data—all while maintaining control over their information.

LayerAI is already gaining traction, and as of January 1, 2025, there are over 100,000 AI agents active on the network, as well as 400,000+ unique wallets.

How Does LayerAI Work?

LayerAI offers a suite of products aimed at fostering AI development and decentralized finance (DeFi):

  • LayerVPN – A decentralized VPN that doubles as a node supporting the LayerAI blockchain.
  • KyotoX – A DEX and lending platform catering to AI-focused projects within the LayerAI ecosystem.
  • Layer Marketplace – An NFT marketplace where users trade Data Capsule NFTs, representing valuable AI training datasets. Users are rewarded for contributing quality data, boosting engagement within the ecosystem.

(Note: Rewards referenced here are not associated with or distributed through Uphold’s Rewards Center.)

LAI Token: Powering the LayerAI Ecosystem

LAI token is the native token of LayerAI, facilitating transactions, governance, and incentives. LAI is also available across multiple blockchain networks—including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Solana.

Key functions include: 

  • Transaction Fees – Used as gas fees within the LayerAI network.
  • Staking & Delegation – Token holders can stake or delegate LAI to support network security and governance.
  • Discounts & Incentives – Stakers receive discounts on LayerAI services.

LAI Token Supply Breakdown

The total supply of LAI is distributed as follows:

  • 25% – Data mining incentives
  • 20% – Liquidity, staking, and market-making
  • 20% – Public token sales
  • 16% – Project team members
  • 10% – Development reserve
  • 6% – Partners and advisors
  • 3% – Marketing initiatives

Meet the Founders

LayerAI is spearheaded by a team with expertise in blockchain, software engineering, and business development:

  • Volkan Gurel (Co-Founder & CEO) – An MIT alumnus and former Engineering Manager at Coinbase, Gurel brings extensive experience in software development and blockchain scalability.
  • F. Burcu Ozcengiz (Hakguder) (Co-Founder & CRO) – A seasoned business strategist, Ozcengiz has held key roles at Unity Technologies and LoopMe, helping to drive growth for tech-focused companies.

Ready to trade LAI? Log in to your Uphold account and get started!

Join us as we welcome LayerAI and LAI to the Uphold family!


Trade LAI


Don’t invest in crypto unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more.

Uphold Team photo
Written by
  • Digital Money Platform
  • Other

Share article

Uphold Team photo
Written by
  • Digital Money Platform
  • Other

Share article



Uphold Europe Limited, Reg No. 09281410, Registered Office: Eastcastle House, 27/28 Eastcastle Street, London, United Kingdom, W1W 8DH

Uphold (FRN: 938277) is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for AML purposes and complies with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer for Funds (Information on the Payer).

Uphold is also an EMD agent (FRN: 938277) of Optimus Cards UK Limited (FRN: 902034) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to issue e-money pursuant to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.

Cryptoasset services offered by Uphold Europe Limited are unregulated and not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme as well as the FCA’s consumer protection regulations. Cryptoassets are very high risk and speculative. You should be aware and prepared to potentially lose some or all of your money. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding cryptoassets is suitable for you in light of your financial circumstances. Gains may be subject to Capital Gains Tax and there may be extra charges when paying via credit card from your provider. Geographic restrictions may apply.

Fiat money payments and balances (fiat is another name for traditional currencies, such as GBP, USD and EUR) constitute regulated e-money and payment services. In providing fiat balances, you are being issued with e-money by Optimus and Uphold is acting as its agent. See specific e-money terms. E-money is not a deposit or investment account which means that your e-money will not be protected by the FSCS. Your funds will be held in a designated safeguarding account with a regulated financial institution. E-money will not earn any interest.

Uphold is certified for SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS, ensuring rigorous control over our information security management systems, data handling, and payment processing practices. Furthermore, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the UK Data Protection Act, underscoring our dedication to protecting the personal data and privacy rights of our global customers.

© 2025 Uphold Europe Limited. All rights reserved.