The Rise of AI Computing Power Platforms: An Analysis of the Business Models of IO and Aethir

Recently, two AI concept projects have successively completed the token generation event (TGE), attracting widespread attention from the market. These two projects adopt a classic business model aimed at connecting AI startups with individuals who have idle graphics card resources.

The core of this model lies in solving a key problem: AI startups often lack the funds and capability to purchase a large number of graphics cards, while many individuals own idle high-performance graphics cards. By building a mediation platform, these projects can effectively connect the demand side and the supply side, creating a win-win situation.

For AI companies, the advantages of this model are evident. First, they can avoid high hardware investment costs by adopting a more flexible rental model. Second, in the current global shortage of graphics cards, and even facing embargoes in some regions, this decentralized solution provides them with a reliable Computing Power source, bypassing the potential gray areas of traditional channels.

However, this platform model also faces the typical "which came first, the chicken or the egg" dilemma. To solve this problem, these projects cleverly utilize the characteristics of cryptocurrency. Through a token incentive mechanism, they successfully attracted a large amount of Computing Power resources, providing the necessary foundation for the platform's launch.

In terms of specific operational strategies, these projects each have their own characteristics. Some platforms choose to first focus on establishing GPU resource pools, using token subsidies to attract supply. Others adopt a more diversified approach, such as launching virtual and physical mining machines to cultivate a loyal user base.

These platforms have also been carefully designed with token economic models. While they all support fiat and stablecoin payments, they also offer preferential options for payments using the platform's native tokens, which not only increases the utility of the tokens but also helps to enhance user stickiness to the platform.

It is worth noting that although these projects have a competitive relationship to some extent, they also show a posture of cooperation. Through means such as token swaps, these platforms are building a more open and interconnected ecosystem.

Overall, these AI Computing Power platform projects demonstrate the potential of cryptocurrency in solving real business problems. Through innovative business models and clever token economic designs, they are reshaping the infrastructure landscape of the AI industry, paving the way for future development.