Vision of Holoworld AI: AI Agents, Virtual IPs, and the Future of Web3 Launchpads

In this episode of WuBlockchain Podcast, Tong Pow, co-founder of Hologram (Creators of Holoworld AI and Ava Studio), talks about the evolution of Holoworld AI from its early NFT avatar experiments to becoming a platform that bridges AI and Web3. Tong explains how products like Hologram Extension, Agent Creator, and Ava Studio led to the launch of Hololaunch, a Launchpad designed to help both Web2 and Web3 IPs enter the blockchain space. He discusses Hologram’s differentiation in the competitive Launchpad landscape, the roles of Holo and AVA tokens, and the ways AI-powered content creation can amplify community engagement. Tong also shares insights on partnerships, ecosystem growth, and the upcoming HOLO TGE.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is only the personal opinion of the interviewees, does not represent the views of WuBlockchain, and does not endorse any tokens.

The audio transcription is done by GPT and may contain errors. Please listen to the complete podcast:

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Origins of Holoworld AI and Tong’s AI + Crypto Journey

Ehan: Welcome to the WuBlockchain Podcast. For the latest blockchain and crypto insights, subscribe to WuBlockchain on YouTube and follow us on Twitter. Stay informed and join the conversation. Today, we’re excited to welcome Tong, the CEO of Hologram. Could you briefly introduce yourself, your background, and how Holoworld came to be?

Tong: Hi everyone, my name is Tong. I’m the founder of Hologram. My background has always been in AI and tech development. I started out working at a robotics company called Bright Machines in San Francisco. There we worked on industrial robotics, such as robotic arms, and I was building AI models and software to enable operators to use AI to automate robotic arm instructions.

After that, I joined 0x Labs, which is the creator of Matcha, a DEX. I worked on DEX design and focused on building better user experiences for new crypto users. That was how I entered the crypto industry. Through that job, I also got into the NFT bull cycle and became deeply involved in NFTs. My very first NFT was Loot, and that inspired me to start Hologram with a simple idea: at the time, NFTs were 2D, and I thought, why couldn’t they be used as livestreaming avatars? Everyone was already using NFT JPEGs as their brand identity and profile pictures on Discord and Twitter.

From that simple idea, Hologram was born. In 2022, we built a demo that quickly went viral with Cool Cats — a livestreaming Cool Cats avatar. Later, we partnered with brands like Pudgy Penguins, Milady and more than 25 other NFT IPs, as well as Web2 brands like L’Oréal and Bilibili. That was the earliest iteration of Hologram Labs and how it came to be.

AI’s Natural Intersection with Crypto and NFTs as Virtual Personas

Ehan: What experiences or opportunities led you to focus on the intersection of AI and crypto?

Tong: When we built our earliest demo with Hologram in 2022, we were already using AI in the form of computer vision. We deployed a complete face-tracking model into the browser, making us one of the earliest AI-crypto companies focused on consumers.

Later, when LLMs came out, one of the most popular Web2 platforms was Character AI, and that really unlocked our long-term vision — enabling anyone to create their own virtual AI persona linked to their NFTs, characters, brands, or IPs.

The connection with crypto is very natural. In crypto, memes and IPs play a major role in creating sticky communities that ultimately drive token value. From a community perspective, AI makes it possible to create far more engaging and memorable experiences and content, strengthening Web3 communities. From the on-chain perspective, it also enables communities to have direct ownership of their IP, which blockchain is perfectly suited to support.

Evolution of Holoworld AI Products: Extension, Agent Creator, Ava Studio, and Hololaunch

Ehan: So Hologram has developed a rich suite of products, including the Hologram Extension, Agent Creator, Ava Studio, and now Hololaunch. Can you recap the evolution of these products and the key milestones achieved for each? We can start with the Extension.

Tong: Hologram Extension was the earliest Hologram product. It enables any NFT holder to use their NFTs as avatars on Google Meet, Zoom, and any video platform. That was the first iteration, which used computer vision to track the user’s face with the camera on their laptop.

From there, we realized that when people wanted to create content or do marketing, many of them were not extroverted or didn’t have the personality needed to be content creators. In fact, the majority of people are introverted. So we evolved the product to allow users to create AI-powered IPs and characters. This way, they could automate the personality and memory creation of their characters. For example, an introverted person could create an introverted character that would help with marketing, branding, and content creation. That became Agent Creator.

The next solution was Ava Studio. With the latest advancements in AI video technology and models like V0.3, anyone could create cinematic content with just text. Ava Studio enables existing IP and character-based communities to use their IP in ways that were never possible before. Previously, we had to help brands create 3D models to produce character-consistent content. Now, AI can generate everything within minutes. For example, a Pudgy Penguin character can now appear in a cinematic film within minutes, powered by text.

Lastly, we launched Hololaunch, our Launchpad. Having been around for years, we built strong connections with leading Web3 and Web2 brands. Recently, we collaborated with a top Japanese virtual human IP, Mirai, and helped them launch their project on-chain.

Tong: We see ourselves at the intersection of Web2 and Web3. Our Launchpad is designed to help major Web2 IPs onboard into Web3 through tokenization and community building. We guide them through the entire process — from narrative building to marketing and go-to-market strategy. At the same time, we also help new Web3 teams launch their IPs by offering our AI technology stack as a service. This is the focus of our Launchpad: supporting IP and content-based brands.

Current Strategy and Expanding to an Agentic IP Ecosystem

Ehan: So among these initiatives, what is the current strategic focus of the team? Have product priorities shifted recently?

Tong: Hologram’s vision has always been the same: to be the go-to platform for creating virtual characters and virtual IPs. What has changed is the scope of what we cover. Today, we are building an ecosystem and app store to enable any agentic IPs and agentic apps to be developed, starting with our flagship applications like Ava Studio and AvaIP.

One of our recent collaborations is with Mirai, which also demonstrates this direction. We want Hologram to be the go-to place for anyone to create virtual IPs, supported by our entire ecosystem of products such as Ava Studio, Hologram Extension, and Agent Creator.

Why Holoworld AI Built a Launchpad and User-Driven Demand

Ehan: When did you first decide to build a Launchpad? Was it driven by user data or a broader shift in your strategic direction?

Tong: We decided to build a Launchpad after helping Mirai, the top virtual human studio from Japan. We supported them in creating what became the largest AI agent presale in the Web3 space — around 13 million dollars was raised in about 24 hours. We actually shut the presale early and returned 50% of the funds to ensure the market cap started at a reasonable level.

From that experience, we realized there was strong demand from both Web2 IPs and new Web3 teams to launch in a seamless way — using AI for marketing, go-to-market, and community building. So yes, the Launchpad was built primarily in response to user demand.

Competitive Landscape of Launchpads and Holo’s Positioning

Ehan: There are already quite a few Launchpads in the market, like Pump.fun, Bonkfun, and Virtuals, which specifically target AI agents. Which do you consider most innovative, and who do you see as your closest competitor?

Tong: Each Launchpad serves different types of users within the ecosystem. For example, Pump.fun, as one of the earliest, really targets meme coin creators. Bonkfun focuses on developer-type creators. Virtuals, on the other hand, is more focused on general AI agents.

Holo’s focus is different. We target Web2 companies and IPs that want to onboard into Web3, as well as Web3 companies that want to leverage IPs as their core differentiator. Our competitive edge comes from our ecosystem and live products. For example, Ava Studio offers a direct incentive program for creators to produce content and bring more value to the projects they support.

Right now, video is the biggest driver of marketing and demand — platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels generate far more views than Twitter. HOLO is the only Launchpad that allows new projects to directly tap into this type of traffic and mindshare through our technology. That’s how we’re positioned differently from others in the ecosystem.

Trends in AI + On-Chain Launchpad Evolution

Ehan: How do you view the evolution of Launchpads in the AI plus on-chain space specifically?

Tong: Launchpads today are evolving in a way that mirrors other technologies, with increasing verticalization and focus on specific types of audiences. For example, some are hyper-focused on Web2 SaaS builders and Web2 founders who want to use Web3 as a lever for fundraising. Their branding reflects this — it’s clean, professional, and very Web2-friendly.

I believe the biggest trend is greater verticalization and specialization. The next generation of Launchpads won’t be just general-purpose or meme-oriented; instead, they will be built for different types of creators and communities, aiming to serve those audiences in the best way possible.

Differentiation Through Technology, Partnerships, and Network Effects

Ehan: How does Hololaunch plan to differentiate itself in this highly competitive Launchpad space? Is it through technology, users, networks, or ecosystem depth?

Tong: It’s really a mix of technology and network effects. From the very beginning, HOLO has been focused on IP partnerships. We have a strong, ready-to-access network of both Web2 and Web3 IPs that are at the core of our Launchpad strategy.

Our technology also enables community members and users to become creators themselves and the strongest advocates of the projects. Through content creation and mindshare building, they directly contribute to the visibility and ultimately the value of tokens launched on the platform.

So, the entire system is built with incentives for creators to produce content that drives attention. At the same time, it offers Web2 and Web3 IPs a new way to onboard on-chain, combining both creative output and token value growth.

Role of HOLO Token in Hololaunch and Ecosystem Flywheels

Ehan: What role will the HOLO token play in Hololaunch? Are there mechanisms like buybacks or staking incentives to build a flywheel?

Tong: The HOLO token is central to Hololaunch, which is the core Launchpad that enables new projects to be created within the Holoworld ecosystem. You can think of Holoworld as an app store for different types of AI applications and IPs, initially launched through Hololaunch.

There are built-in flywheels powered by Holoworld products like Ava Studio. For example, creators are incentivized to produce content and post it across platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, highlighting projects launched via Hololaunch. The more engagement they generate, the more rewards they receive. This incentive loop drives greater visibility and adoption for new projects while rewarding community creators. This is just one example of the flywheels integrated into Hololaunch.

Distinction Between HOLO Token (Ecosystem) and AVA Token (App-Level Utility)

Ehan: How do HOLO and AVA tokens differ in utility or benefits for users and creators? Will they serve separate functions across products?

Tong: Yes. The HOLO token is the primary token driving ecosystem growth within the Holoworld agentic app store. Think of it as the infrastructure token: it allows anyone to create agentic IPs and applications seamlessly, while also enabling new community members to participate in project launches and helping to power the network that supports these applications.

Ava, on the other hand, is the app-level token. Ava Studio, our flagship AI video creation platform, uses AVA as its primary token. Creators are incentivized with AVA to generate content that drives awareness and distribution for new projects launched on Hololaunch.

To summarize: HOLO token is the network currency, powering ecosystem-wide participation and growth. AVA token is the utility token for Ava Studio, designed to fuel audiovisual content creation and act as a distribution flywheel, driving visibility and adoption across all projects launched through Hololaunch.

Ava Studio’s Advantages Over Runway, Pika, and Others

Ehan: Ava Studio’s AI-generated video content has even caught the attention of big names. Compared to tools like Runway or Pika, what are Ava Studio’s competitive advantages? Where do you see the strongest moat?

Tong: Ava Studio is different from Runway, Pika, and other video platforms because it aggregates the latest models. It’s a one-stop shop where consumers can access every available model. In fact, Runway and Pika themselves are supported within Ava Studio.

Not only that, Ava Studio also functions as an agent, similar to Web2 platforms like Canva, helping users select the best models. It allows users to combine image, video, sound, and music models into a complete production flow, resulting in ready-to-publish content.

For example, if you use Runway to create a video, you only get one clip at a time. You would still need to export it to tools like CapCut to add music, multiple scenes, and finishing touches. With Ava Studio, you can do everything on a single platform — create your first TikTok or even a cinematic production — because it integrates all models and acts as an agent that guides you in choosing the best options for your ideas.

Open Beta Status of Ava Studio and Mobile-First Approach

Ehan: Ava Studio is currently invite-only. Is that to manage quality, cost, or infrastructure constraints? When do you expect it to be fully open to the public?

Tong: Ava Studio is actually in open beta now, so it’s no longer invite-only. At this stage, our core focus is to bring as many serious creators onto the platform as possible. This way, they can provide feedback that helps us refine the product and make it ready for mainstream adoption.

At the same time, Ava Studio is also available on mobile, making it directly accessible to creators coming from TikTok and Instagram who want to produce content on their phones.

APIs and SDKs on the Roadmap for Pro Creators

Ehan: Are you planning to offer APIs or SDKs for pro users and studios?

Tong: Yes, APIs and SDKs are on our roadmap for Ava Studio. We’re planning to support a wide range of custom workflows so that users can generate videos directly from their own pipelines. For example, from Twitch streams, tweets, or even PDFs to video. Many of these specialized use cases will be supported through APIs as well.

New Workflows vs. Traditional Production Pipelines

Ehan: Do you have any plans to integrate into existing production pipelines like Premiere, Resolve, or After Effects?

Tong: That’s not a core focus on our roadmap, because Ava Studio is actually creating a completely new workflow for a new type of creator, rather than targeting existing Premiere or Resolve users. We believe AI video and AI content represent a different workflow that opens the door to an entirely new class of creators, making content creation much more accessible compared to traditional tools that take years to master. While we’re open to the idea of integration in the future, it’s not a current priority.

Combining Ava Studio with Hololaunch for Creator-Driven Promotion

Ehan: How do you envision combining Ava Studio with Hololaunch to let creators fully leverage AI tools in their launch process?

Tong: Ava Studio is the primary distribution funnel for new projects launched on Hololaunch to build mindshare across platforms. You can imagine every project launched on Hololaunch having its own IP mascot that resonates with users and acts as a brand ambassador.

Ava Studio allows the community to generate infinite variations of content using that IP mascot. On top of that, we’ve built an incentive loop: creators benefit when their content goes viral, and this in turn adds more value to the project.

Agent Creation and No-Code Launch Stack Integration

Ehan: Will Launchpad projects be able to generate agents or promo videos directly through Ava Studio? Could this become a no-code AI plus Launchpad stack?

Tong: Holoworld already has a platform called Agent Creator, which enables anyone to create an agent that can then be used in Ava Studio as the project’s primary character. So yes, this is already possible, and we have the product to support it.

Incentive Alignment Across Users, Creators, Developers, and Investors

Ehan: With so many components — AI generation, Launchpad tokens — how do you plan to align incentives across users, creators, developers, and investors?

Tong: The HOLO token is at the core of aligning these incentives. For example, infrastructure providers can host MCP servers, which bring more utility to the agents created in the Holoworld ecosystem. If new projects want to make their APIs accessible — whether financial data, on-chain, or off-chain — they can stake HOLO tokens to enable their services. The number of queries generated through their MCP servers directly drives incentives for them.

In addition, staking HOLO allows new users to participate in launch projects. This benefits project creators as well, since stakers are long-term incentivized holders who tend to have a broader vision and stronger belief in the project’s future.

Partnerships with Pudgy Penguins and Upcoming Collaborations

Ehan: Are there any upcoming partnerships or ecosystem interactions, whether on the content side or infrastructure, that you can share with us?

Tong: One major partner is Pudgy Penguins. We recently ran Ava Studio campaigns with Pudgy holders, where every Pudgy character could be turned into an AI agent for video generation.

We also have other partnerships in the pipeline that I can’t reveal just yet, but they are with IPs of the same caliber, spanning both Web2 and Web3. We’ll be sharing updates as they come along.

Ehan: Anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

Tong: I’d like to highlight our upcoming TGE for HOLO. Right now, anyone who stakes AVA tokens is still eligible for the HOLO airdrop. When Hololaunch goes live, both content creators and stakers will have opportunities to participate in new project launches. So stay tuned for our upcoming product releases for Hololaunch and Ava Studio.

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