The blockchain-based artificial intelligence platform Ai16z has announced a rebranding initiative, changing its name to ElizaOS. Founder Shaw Walters stated that this move aims to strengthen collaborations with major industry players. The original name faced criticism due to its similarity with the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), prompting the latter to request a name change to avoid confusion. Despite this rebranding, the platform will retain the AI16z symbol for its altcoin. Currently, the altcoin’s market value exceeds $600 million, although its price has fallen by 20% in the last 24 hours.
Reasons Behind the Name Change
Walters emphasized in a social media statement that the initial name was a “playful nod” to a16z. However, the platform’s rapid growth increased the risk of brand overlap. Walters noted that they have grown their assets by 300 times in three months, stating, “We needed a more professional identity.”
Chris Dixon, a manager within a16z’s cryptocurrency division, commented that the confusion was foreseeable, saying, “We had to protect our name.”
Walters announced that they are working on a new version of ElizaOS, transitioning…
