"We have always positioned ourselves at the intersection of Web2 and Web3."

整理：Wu Says Blockchain

In this episode, Tong Pow, co-founder of Hologram (creator of Hologram, Holoworld AI, and Ava Studio), discusses the evolution of Holoworld AI from an early NFT virtual avatar experiment to a platform connecting AI and Web3. Tong explains how products like Hologram Extension, Agent Creator, and Ava Studio have driven the launch of HoloLaunch, a Launchpad designed to help Web2 and Web3 IP enter the blockchain space. He discusses Hologram's differentiated advantages in the competitive Launchpad market, the roles of Holo and AVA tokens, and how AI-driven content creation enhances community engagement. Tong also shares insights on partnerships, ecosystem growth, and the upcoming HOLO TGE.

The audio record was generated by GPT, so there may be some errors.

This article does not constitute any investment advice or endorsement. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the interviewee and do not represent the views of Wu Says. Readers are advised to strictly comply with the laws and regulations of their location.

The Origins of Holoworld AI and Tong's AI + Crypto Journey

Ehan: Today, we are very pleased to invite Tong, the CEO of Hologram. Could you please briefly introduce yourself, your background, and how Holoworld came into being?

Tong: Hello everyone, I am Tong, the founder of Hologram. My background has always been in AI and technology development. Initially, I worked at a robotics company called Bright Machines in San Francisco, focusing on industrial robots, such as robotic arms. I was responsible for building AI models and software that allowed operators to automate the commands of robotic arms through AI.

Later, I joined 0x Labs, the creators of the decentralized exchange Matcha. During that time, I was involved in the design of DEX, focusing on creating a better user experience for newcomers to the crypto space. It was through this job that I officially entered the crypto industry. I also caught the NFT bull market cycle and became deeply involved. My first NFT was Loot, which inspired me to start Hologram. My idea was simple: at that time, NFTs were just 2D images, and I thought, why not turn them into live avatars? After all, many people were already using NFT JPEGs as brands and avatars on Discord and Twitter.

From this simple idea, Hologram was born. In 2022, we created a demo version that used Cool Cats' avatars for live streaming, and it quickly became popular. After that, we collaborated with Fat Penguins, Milady, and over 25 NFT IPs, as well as some Web2 brands like L’Oréal and Bilibili. This is the early form and development history of Hologram Labs.

The Natural Intersection of AI and Crypto: NFT Avatars and Virtual Personas

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

Tong: When we did the earliest demo of Hologram in 2022, we were already using AI in the form of computer vision. We deployed a complete facial tracking model directly in the browser, making us one of the earliest consumer-facing AI + Crypto projects.

Later, with the emergence of large models (LLMs), platforms like Character AI in Web2 inspired us greatly and clarified our long-term vision — to enable anyone to create their own virtual AI persona based on their NFT, character, brand, or IP.

The combination of AI and crypto is very natural. In the crypto industry, memes and IP play important roles; they can form highly sticky communities, which ultimately drives token value. From a community perspective, AI can bring more interactive and memorable experiences and content, thereby strengthening the cohesion of Web3 communities. From an on-chain perspective, it allows communities to truly own their IP, which is where blockchain can play its best role.

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

Ehan: Hologram has developed a complete set of products, including Hologram Extension, Agent Creator, Ava Studio, and the latest HoloLaunch. Can you review the development history and key milestones of these products? Let's start with Extension.

Tong: Hologram Extension is our earliest product, allowing any NFT holder to use their NFT as a virtual avatar on video platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. The first version relied mainly on computer vision technology to track users' facial movements through their laptop cameras.

Next, we realized that many people who wanted to create content or marketing were not inherently extroverted and lacked the personality to become content creators. In fact, most people are introverted. So we upgraded the product to allow users to create AI-driven virtual IPs and characters. This way, they could automatically generate personalities and memories for the characters. For example, an introverted person could create an introverted character to help with marketing, brand building, and content creation. This led to the birth of Agent Creator.

Then came Ava Studio. With advancements in AI video technology and the emergence of new models like V0.3, anyone can create movie-level content using just text. Ava Studio allows existing IP and character communities to use their IP in new ways. In the past, we needed to help brands create 3D models to ensure character consistency; now AI can generate everything in minutes. For instance, a Pudgy Penguin can be directly generated in a movie scene through text.

Finally, we launched HoloLaunch, our Launchpad. With years of accumulation, we have established close ties with top Web3 and Web2 brands. Recently, we collaborated with Japan's top virtual human IP "Mirai" to help them bring their project on-chain.

Tong: We have always positioned ourselves at the intersection of Web2 and Web3. Our Launchpad can help large Web2 IPs enter Web3 through tokenization and community building, providing them with complete support from narrative design, marketing to product launch. At the same time, we also offer one-stop services based on our AI technology stack for emerging Web3 teams to help them launch their IP. This is the core positioning of HoloLaunch — supporting IP and content-based brands.

Current Strategy and Expansion to Agentic IP Ecosystem

Ehan: What is the current strategic focus of your team among these plans? Has the product priority changed recently?

Tong: Hologram's vision has always remained the same, which is to become the preferred platform for creating virtual characters and virtual IPs. What has changed is our scope. We are now building an ecosystem and application store that allows anyone to create agentic IPs and agentic applications, starting from our core products like Ava Studio and Ava IP.

Our recent collaboration with Mirai also proves this direction. We hope Hologram becomes the go-to place for anyone to create virtual IPs, supported by our complete product ecosystem, including Ava Studio, Hologram Extension, and Agent Creator.

Why Holoworld AI is Building a Launchpad and User-Driven Demand

Ehan: When did you decide to create a Launchpad? Was it based on user data feedback or a strategic shift?

Tong: We decided to create a Launchpad after helping Japan's top virtual human studio Mirai. At that time, we supported them in completing the largest AI Agent presale in the Web3 space, raising about $13 million in approximately 24 hours. We even ended the presale early and returned 50% of the funds to ensure the project's market cap started at a reasonable level.

From that experience, we realized that there is a strong demand from both Web2 IPs and new Web3 teams to launch projects in a more seamless way — utilizing AI for marketing, user growth, and community building. So, we can say that the birth of the Launchpad was primarily in response to user demand.

The Competitive Landscape of Launchpads and the Positioning of HOLO

Ehan: There are already several Launchpads in the market, such as Pump.fun, Bonkfun, and Virtuals, which specifically target AI Agents. Which one do you think is the most innovative? Who do you consider your closest competitors?

Tong: Different Launchpads actually serve different user groups within the ecosystem. For example, Pump.fun, as one of the earliest, mainly targets meme coin creators; Bonkfun focuses more on developer-type creators; while Virtuals leans towards general AI Agents.

HOLO's focus is different from theirs. We are more concerned with Web2 companies and IPs that want to enter Web3, as well as Web3 companies that hope to differentiate themselves based on their IP. Our competitive advantage comes from our ecosystem and the products that are already online. For instance, Ava Studio provides direct incentives for creators to continuously produce content and bring more value to the projects they support.

Currently, video is the biggest driver of marketing and demand growth — the impact of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels far exceeds that of Twitter. HOLO is the only Launchpad that allows new projects to directly leverage our technology to tap into this flow and attention. This is where we differ from other platforms in the ecosystem.

The Development Trend of AI + On-Chain Launchpads

Ehan: How do you see the evolution of AI and on-chain Launchpads?

Tong: Launchpads are experiencing an evolution trend similar to other technologies, which is gradually becoming more vertical and focused on specific user groups. For example, some are dedicated to serving Web2 SaaS entrepreneurs and Web2 founders looking to raise funds through Web3. Their brand positioning is very clear and friendly to Web2.

I believe the biggest trend is stronger verticalization and segmentation. The next generation of Launchpads will no longer be generic or rely solely on memes to attract users, but will specifically create services tailored to different types of creators and communities.

Differentiation through Technology, Collaboration, and Network Effects

Ehan: How does HoloLaunch plan to differentiate itself in the competitive Launchpad market? Is it through technology, users, networks, or ecosystem depth?

Tong: It is actually a combination of technology and network effects. From the very beginning, HOLO has placed great importance on IP collaboration. We have built a strong network that encompasses high-quality IPs from both Web2 and Web3, which are core resources for our Launchpad strategy.

Our technology also enables community members and users to become creators themselves and the most powerful promoters of the projects. Through content creation and the accumulation of influence, they can directly enhance the exposure of the projects and ultimately impact the value of the tokens.

So the entire system is designed around incentive mechanisms that encourage creators to continuously produce attention-grabbing content. At the same time, it provides a new way for Web2 and Web3 IPs to go on-chain, linking creative output with token value growth.

The Role of HOLO Token in HoloLaunch and the Ecosystem Flywheel

Ehan: What role will the HOLO token play in HoloLaunch? Will there be mechanisms like buybacks or staking incentives to create a flywheel effect?

Tong: The HOLO token is central to HoloLaunch. HoloLaunch, as a Launchpad, is the starting point for incubating new projects within the Holoworld ecosystem. You can think of Holoworld as an app store, where various AI applications and IPs are launched through HoloLaunch.

In this system, we have built multiple flywheel mechanisms driven by Holoworld's products, such as Ava Studio. For example, creators are incentivized to create content and publish it on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram Reels to bring heat to projects launched through HoloLaunch. The more interaction their content receives, the higher the rewards. This incentive loop not only helps new projects quickly increase their visibility and adoption but also brings returns to community creators. This is just one example of the built-in flywheel mechanism in HoloLaunch.

Differences between HOLO Token (Ecosystem Level) and AVA Token (Application Level)

Ehan: What are the differences in functionality or value to users and creators between the HOLO and AVA tokens? Will they serve different roles in different products?

Tong: Yes. The HOLO token is the core token driving the growth of the Holoworld agentic application store ecosystem. You can think of it as an infrastructure token: it allows anyone to smoothly create agentic IPs and applications, while also enabling new community members to participate in project launches and support the operation of the entire network.

AVA, on the other hand, is the application layer token. Our flagship product — the AI video creation platform Ava Studio — uses AVA as its main token. Creators are incentivized through AVA to create content and bring more exposure and dissemination to new projects on HoloLaunch.

To summarize: the HOLO token is an ecosystem-level currency that drives participation and growth across the ecosystem; the AVA token is a functional token for Ava Studio, used to promote audio and video content creation and serve as a distribution flywheel to boost the visibility and adoption of all projects launched through HoloLaunch.

Advantages of Ava Studio Compared to Platforms like Runway and Pika

Ehan: Ava Studio's AI video generation has even attracted the attention of some well-known figures. What is Ava Studio's competitive advantage compared to tools like Runway and Pika? What is its biggest barrier?

Tong: The biggest difference between Ava Studio and video platforms like Runway and Pika is that it aggregates the latest models into a one-stop platform where users can directly use all available models. In fact, the models from Runway and Pika have also been integrated into Ava Studio.

Moreover, Ava Studio acts like a smart assistant, similar to Canva in Web2, helping users select the most suitable models and combining different models such as images, videos, sounds, and music into a complete production process, ultimately outputting content that can be directly published.

For example, if you use Runway to make a video, you can only generate a clip, and you have to export it to tools like CapCut to add music and splice scenes before completing it. In Ava Studio, you can complete the creation all in one go without jumping to other platforms. Whether making your first TikTok or a small film, Ava Studio can help you get it done because it not only integrates all models but also acts as an "agent" guiding you to choose the best tool combination for your creative ideas.

Ava Studio Public Beta and Mobile-First Strategy

Ehan: Is Ava Studio still by invitation only? Is this to control quality, costs, or due to infrastructure limitations? When do you expect it to be fully open?

Tong: Ava Studio has actually entered the public testing phase and is no longer by invitation only. Our current focus is to attract as many creators with genuine creative needs to join the platform as possible. This way, they can provide feedback to help us refine the product and make it better suited for the mass market.

At the same time, Ava Studio now supports mobile, allowing creators from TikTok and Instagram to complete content creation directly on their phones.

APIs and SDKs for Professional Creators

Ehan: Are you planning to provide APIs or SDKs for professional users and studios?

Tong: Yes, APIs and SDKs are already on the roadmap for Ava Studio. We plan to support various custom workflows, allowing users to generate videos directly from their data sources. For example, generating videos from Twitch streams, tweets, or even PDF documents. Many specific scenarios like this will be supported through APIs.

New Creative Processes vs. Traditional Production Pipelines

Ehan: Will you consider integrating with existing production pipelines like Premiere, Resolve, or After Effects?

Tong: This is not the core direction of our roadmap because Ava Studio is actually building a brand new workflow for the next generation of creators, rather than catering to traditional Premiere or Resolve users. We believe that AI video and AI content represent a completely different creative process that significantly lowers the barriers to entry, attracting a whole new group of creators, rather than those who need to spend years mastering traditional tools. In the future, we do not rule out such integrations, but it is not our current priority.

Combining Ava Studio and HoloLaunch: Creator-Driven Promotion

Ehan: How do you envision combining Ava Studio and HoloLaunch to allow creators to fully utilize AI tools during project launches?

Tong: Ava Studio is the core distribution channel for new projects after they go live on HoloLaunch, used to build awareness across different platforms. You can imagine that each project launched through HoloLaunch will have its own IP image, serving as a mascot to connect with users and become the brand ambassador for the project.

Ava Studio allows the community to create an infinite variety of content around this IP image. At the same time, we have designed an incentive loop: if a creator's work goes viral, they can earn rewards, which in turn will enhance the value of the project itself.

Agent Generation and No-Code Launchpad Integration

Ehan: Can projects on the Launchpad directly generate agents or promotional videos through Ava Studio? Could this become a no-code AI + Launchpad tool stack?

Tong: Holoworld already has a platform called Agent Creator, which allows anyone to create an agent and then bring it directly into Ava Studio as the main character of the project. So the answer is yes, we already have existing products to support this.

Aligning Incentives Among Users, Creators, Developers, and Investors

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

Tong: The HOLO token is the core of the entire incentive mechanism. For example, infrastructure providers can host MCP servers to bring more practical features to agents in the Holoworld ecosystem. If new projects want their APIs to be callable — whether for financial data, on-chain, or off-chain data — they can open services by staking HOLO tokens. The number of times the API is called will directly bring corresponding incentives.

Additionally, staking HOLO will allow new users to participate in the launch of projects. This is also beneficial for project parties because stakers are often long-term incentive holders who have more confidence and stronger support for the project.

Collaboration with Pudgy Penguins and Upcoming Partnerships

Ehan: Can you share some upcoming collaborations or ecological interactions at the content or infrastructure level?

Tong: One important partner is Pudgy Penguins. We recently held an event with Pudgy holders where each Pudgy character could be generated as an AI agent for video creation.

We also have other collaborations in progress, although we cannot disclose them yet, but their level and influence are comparable to Pudgy Penguins, covering top IPs from both Web2 and Web3. As progress is made, we will gradually announce more news.

Ehan: Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?

Tong: I want to emphasize the upcoming TGE of HOLO. Currently, anyone staking AVA tokens is still eligible to participate in the HOLO airdrop. When HoloLaunch goes live, both content creators and token stakers will have the opportunity to participate in the launch of new projects. So please stay tuned for our upcoming HoloLaunch and new product updates for Ava Studio.

免责声明：本文章仅代表作者个人观点，不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享，不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议，与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权，请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com，本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。