Gordon sat with Jared Lawrence for a conversation that breaks down where Bitcoin and Bittensor are heading as markets sit at a critical inflection point. With Bitcoin hovering around key technical levels and multiple macro-driven scenarios in play, attention is increasingly shifting to Bittensor’s fast-evolving ecosystem.
From major infrastructure moves like Astrid’s acquisition of TaoFi to decentralized AI training breakthroughs and growing institutional-style participation, the discussion highlights why TAO is emerging as one of the most closely watched assets at the intersection of crypto and AI in 2026.
Watch the video below:
Bittensor Market Overview
Bittensor development is moving at extreme speed. New subnets, team launches, cold key swaps, and Bitstarter updates are happening almost weekly. Information speed is now a competitive edge, especially for traders trying to stay ahead in the ecosystem.
Bitcoin and Macro Backdrop
Bitcoin recently bounced above $90,700 after trading between $86,000 and $98,000 amid geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty. Three scenarios are in focus:
- Liquidity super cycle with bullish momentum into summer
- Extended cycle where high rates delay QE until rates drop to 0 to 1 percent
- Rollover scenario after a final push higher
Bitcoin is currently in a 60-day cycle low window, and a weekly bullish cross at the bottom is a positive signal, though risks of a rollover remain.
Bitcoin Technical Context
Bitcoin rejected the 50-week EMA near $98,000. Historically, 2025 should have been a strong green year, but it was red. This deviation keeps optimism alive for 2026. Notably, there has been no euphoric top, which is unusual for crypto cycles.
Why TAO Is Different
TAO is institutionally driven, not retail-led. It functions as retail access to AI startups, similar to investing early in Uber or Airbnb. Investors can gain fractional exposure to AI subnets, which traditionally would be limited to venture capital.
That said, risk is high. Some subnet investments are down 50 percent or more, with volatility similar to penny stocks. Many projects are still pre-product.
TAO Price Structure and Scenarios
TAO is currently stuck between accumulation and distribution.
- Long-term holders may endure 50 to 60 percent drawdowns while earning TAO via subnets
- Traders may wait for breakdown confirmation and rebuy lower
Key level to reclaim is $350 to $400. Holding above this range is required to unlock higher upside. MACD signals suggest potential for sharp impulsive moves, and Bitcoin dominance remains critical for altcoin relief.
Astrid Acquires TaoFi
Astrid (subnet 127) acquired TaoFi, a bridge and DEX connecting Solana and Ethereum. TaoFi consistently processes $500,000 to $1 million in daily volume, primarily routing capital into subnet alpha tokens through the TAO USDC pool.
The subnet 10 swap infrastructure is being sold separately. The move is viewed as net positive, bringing external liquidity into BitTensor, similar to what subnet 106 has done.
Score Launches Manako
Score released Manako, a ChatGPT-style interface for video intelligence. Users can upload video and query analytics such as player movement distance. This marks a shift toward application-layer products, either as sub-subnets or external apps partnered with subnets.
With only 128 subnet slots, proper incentive design is critical.
Templar Trains a Fully Decentralized AI Model
Templar successfully trained a frontier-scale AI model fully decentralized using Bittensor compute. No centralized servers were used. The model is reportedly comparable to Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini.
This proves decentralized training is viable and potentially far cheaper than centralized AI infrastructure, strengthening Bittensor’s long-term credibility.
Crunch DAO Mining Integration
Crunch DAO opened Bittensor mining to its ML engineers and community, abstracting the crypto layer entirely. Participants contribute without realizing they are mining on BitTensor.
This abstraction removes crypto stigma and opens the ecosystem to new capital and engineers, making it a major long-term positive for adoption.
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