🏗️ BUILDER BANTER - WHAT ARE WEB3 DEVS BUILDING?? - 🔔

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PayAI Network | x402 Facilitator
@PayAINetworkOct 13, 2025

The Spaces brought together a diverse group of builders primarily focused on Solana, with a strong emphasis on the emerging X402 “Payment Required” standard. The host set the format and spotlighted X402 momentum (Google, Cloudflare, Vercel), urging builders to integrate it for simple, pay-per-request payments. Ben (Meme Pewter) showcased an AI agent launchpad with X (auto-replies, brand voice tools) and a powerful Telegram integration under one white-labeled bot, plus token launches via Bags app. Rowan (Serpent) outlined a branding/verification platform using SPT, curators, and partnerships to professionalize project legitimacy; NFTs are under consideration. Dexter presented the Builder token and Caffeine AI built on ICP, including a Solana PvP staking arena and token-burn utility. Chad (Utopian) revealed a browser-extension-based optimization to externalize common web libraries (e.g., React) to reduce bandwidth and emissions, with a Cloudflare HQ talk scheduled. K6 (UBI) detailed an on-chain AI infrastructure with Synapse RPC beta, multi-batch improvement, and enterprise discussions. Julian (Blank.build) introduced a serious-token launchpad with transparent tokenomics, templates, and audited contracts. Nesbit (Degen Oracle) described an AI-driven screener filtering bot noise, integrating X402 boosts directly from X. The session closed with Q&A and a call for wider X402 adoption.

Builder Banter # 13 — Web3 builders on Solana, AI agents, token launches, and HTTP 402 payments

Session framing and format

  • Host: Pay AI (organizer of the Builder Banter series), focused on the emerging HTTP 402 “Payment Required” standard for web-native payments.
  • Episode: ~13th session; primary focus on what Web3 devs are building (mostly on Solana), with occasional cross-chain mentions.
  • Format: ~10 scheduled speakers; each gets ~5 minutes + 1-minute warning; Stage X anonymous Q&A running throughout (link posted at end of the Spaces thread). Additional builder share time at the end as time permits.
  • Time zones: global audience; community-building emphasized (introductions, partnerships, recurring builders).

Host update: HTTP 402/X402 payments, ecosystem traction, and developer call-to-action

  • What is HTTP 402/X402: Historically unused HTTP status “402 Payment Required.” Coinbase initiated a modern standard in April for web-native payments via digital assets (USDC and stablecoins), with the premise that consumer wallets will be embedded across banking/fintech UX, making on-the-fly payments feasible.
  • Adoption momentum: Google, Cloudflare, and Vercel are on board; narrative is accelerating.
  • Pay AI progress:
    • Added Solana as a supported network for X402 flows (continuing to add more chains but focusing on Solana adoption first).
    • Encouraging builders to integrate X402 for payment-related functionality; Pay AI will provide support, amplification, and spotlighting.
  • A2A/AP2 note: Google’s agent-to-agent ecosystem (AP2 extensions) has an X402 adapter. Pay AI’s original vision around an “Upwork for AI agents” remains relevant but is still early; X402 fits within that agent ecosystem vision.

Project spotlights and deep dives

Meme Pewter — AI Agent Launchpad (Ben, “raw ground beef”)

  • What it is: Launchpad to create and deploy intelligent brand/personality-aligned agents that engage, moderate, and can earn on your behalf.
  • Integrations and capabilities:
    • X (Twitter):
      • Easy auto-replies to mentions; agent-driven engagement for 24/7 brand presence.
      • Content tooling: dashboard provides structured tweet generation matched to brand voice; supports video/image caption generation; scheduled queues with best-selection from generated candidates.
    • Telegram:
      • Consolidates moderation, buy alerts, raids (raids “coming soon”), verifications, muting/blocking under one white-labeled, branded agent bot with a web UI.
      • Multi-community management with a single dashboard; avoids juggling multiple bots/commands.
    • Roadmap: Discord, Slack, and streaming integrations planned.
  • Token launch functionality:
    • Can launch tokens via Bags app; tokens originate from Meme Pewter’s account with a current minimum 10% retained by Meme Pewter; remainder to the creator/agent.
    • Legitimacy/guarantee: Meme Pewter provides tooling and acts as the issuer account on Bags; they are not responsible for project conduct post-launch. Listings appear on their site.
    • Origin concept: funded agents can autonomously launch tokens (initially more for entertainment), alongside structured tools for safer operation.
  • Voice/personality: Their public agent is intentionally “spicy,” being iterated to balance humor and civility.
  • Q&A highlight: Swarm coordination between agents? Ben is open to concrete use cases and rapid POC—DMs open, join their Telegram and ping “raw ground beef.”

Serpent — Branding, marketing, and verification (Rowan, “Feathers”)

  • Background: UK-based founder with a marketing/branding degree; observed a gap where indie devs struggle to communicate value.
  • Launch status: Token launched ~2 weeks ago; ~$1.7M volume; surge in inbound requests.
  • Product scope expansion:
    • From branding/marketing tooling → adding a verification layer for projects/devs.
    • Verification approach (early design):
      • Application via SPT token; basic checks by the team.
      • Curator layer: vetted community members (fair/onboarded with balanced criteria) conduct deeper verification.
      • Considering NFTs or smart-contract-based attestation as unique/falsification-resistant labels (not finalized).
    • Partnerships: Working with Foundry (corporate AI video generation). Long-term aim is to be both a verification and launch partner, then support projects with growth tooling (assets, campaigns, etc.).
  • Team and hiring: Scaling beyond solo to accelerate; filtering for aligned dev(s) with branding/marketing interest; likely found a fit and moving to platform build.
  • Productization: Early for patterns; expects verification to be as central as marketing over time. Commitment to show platform proof on a future session.

Builder token + Caffeine AI apps (Dexter)

  • Tooling: Using Caffeine AI from DFINITY/ICP—a conversational dev tool that generates full-stack dApps and deploys directly on ICP; has integrations with multiple networks (Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, etc.).
  • Current flagship app: PvP arena on Solana (Devnet now; audit submitted):
    • Mechanics: Users deposit SOL to ICP-derived Solana addresses; create/accept staking challenges; enter a 3D arena; backend verifies damage/health/outcome; winner paid out. Anti-cheat via backend validation; minor latency due to verification.
  • Builder token model:
    • Marketplace for apps/services built with Caffeine AI (think Fiverr/Upwork for Caffeine builders).
    • Will onboard verified builders; buyers can commission apps; every app will require burning some Builder tokens to interact, tying app demand to token value.
    • Current status: ~14% of supply locked via Streamflow; ~15k TVL in staking; ~$100k market cap.
  • Discovery: Streaming builds live on X and Pump.fun; website link available via token profile; larger public launch for Caffeine AI expected “tomorrow.”

Utopian — Sustainable web optimization via shared-dependency extension (Chad)

  • Background: ~10 years in web/app dev (ex-corporate/startup/freelance including Porsche and Siemens). Identified inefficiencies in the web’s fundamentals.
  • Concept and demo:
    • Post-processing developer tool creates two builds: an optimized “mini” website and a regular version.
    • Browser extension ships with commonly used libraries (e.g., React, select icon libs) embedded (~5 MB currently). When visiting sites instrumented by the tool, the extension loads these dependencies from local storage instead of the network, reducing bandwidth and improving efficiency; falls back to the regular build if needed.
    • Early metrics: Even externalizing React yields notable per-site savings; scaled across millions of loads, the aggregate network and energy savings become material.
  • Strategy:
    • Partner with website builders/hosting tools (e.g., Webflow, Framer) to adopt the optimized build pipeline at scale.
    • Browser partnerships (e.g., Firefox, Lens) could pre-ship the extension for seamless end-user adoption.
    • Longer term: a sustainability-prioritized web app store/ecosystem.
  • Community: Daily live coding/streams; feedback-driven iteration.
  • Announcement: Speaking at Cloudflare HQ in Lisbon on Oct 20 to present Utopian; working on industry relationships.
  • Host offered to intro to Lens Browser.

Aimo Network — Decentralized inference, pay-per-request (absent; host summary)

  • Positioning: Like OpenRouter, but decentralized—access to models (OpenAI, Anthropic, open-source) with pay-per-request economics instead of subscriptions.
  • Integration: Using X402 for payments; aiming for per-request billing.

UBI Protocol — On-chain AI infra and Synapse RPC (K6 Soul)

  • Scope: On-chain AI infrastructure for Solana—high-performance RPC (Synapse), AI agent frameworks, and dev tools; ambition to power the backend of most Solana dApps.
  • Beta testing: Onboarding strong builders to push infrastructure limits (latency, reliability, live AI agent on-chain use cases); updated beta tester roster includes LensEasy, IQ69000, OdinKai, nvAI, DegenAI, tgmap, Trick (and others). Note: Participation ≠ partnership by default.
  • New feature: Multi-batch RPC—combine and chain multiple Solana requests dynamically into a single operation to cut redundant calls and improve efficiency for multi-step agent workflows.
  • Transparency: Live session Friday with Steve to share performance metrics, agent demos, and direct tester feedback.
  • Biz dev: Active discussions with two major projects, including one on a tier-1 exchange serving tens of millions of users (name under NDA); targeting mainstream integrations/adoption.
  • Recap thread: Monthly summary posted (SDK, RPC upgrades, integrations, stack progress).
  • Token design: Tight coupling—UBI token remains the economic center of all technologies, ensuring utility and value accrual; not merely optional.
  • Open question (from Stage X): “When will the beta phase end?” — no on-air timing provided.

Blank.build — Launchpad for serious builders with transparent tokenomics (Julian; previously built Dior Hub)

  • Motivation: After shipping an AI-powered alpha-calls feature on Dior Hub, Julian wanted a better token launch experience than pump-style platforms (control over supply, vesting, and stress-free launch). Lack of liquidity for manual market-making spurred a structured launchpad concept.
  • Product: A from-scratch Solana launchpad to professionalize token launches for builders and protect traders:
    • Launch templates: Fair launch, marketing-focused, user-incentivized, etc.
    • Automation: Auto-creation of purpose-specific wallets (e.g., marketing, ops, development), liquidity dispatch, vesting schedules, locks, TGE parameters—preconfigured and transparent at launch.
    • Trader protections: Standardized vest/lock setups to limit founder dumping; full transparency on allocations and schedules from day one.
    • Liquidity: Graduated bonding curve with post-curve migration to Meteora.
    • Delivery: Contracts, bonding curve, and infra built from scratch; audits planned; target release by end of the month.
    • Market research: Working with multiple Solana utility founders, weekly sessions (e.g., with 16z-backed teams), to ground features in real founder pain points.
    • Feature coverage: Expect “all the small launch details” (e.g., DEX Screener hooks; optional automation for CoinGecko/CMC submissions; dev updates) to be available as configurable options.
  • Outreach: Builders considering launches can contact [email protected]; Julian will also post contact info under the Space thread for discovery.

Degen Oracle — AI-powered, organic-volume-first screener (Nesbit)

  • Problem framing: Memecoin launch volume is massive and low-signal. Example cited: 10,041 Pump.fun launches yesterday; ~151 graduated (0.5051%); external claim that ~98.5% of tokens ultimately rug. Result: degen trading is largely gambling; existing tools (DexTools/DexScreener/etc.) and paid boosts can be gamed by bots/wash trades.
  • Solution:
    • Core engine ranks by organic volume (filters bot/manipulated activity), enriched with social context and market sentiment to capture genuine community traction.
    • User tooling (“Oracle AI”):
      • Watchlists; AI-assisted market analysis specific to memecoins.
      • Chart TA performed by the AI; users can ask questions in-chat.
    • Listings and boosts:
      • Platform automatically fetches trending tokens from on-chain and other sources using strict filters.
      • Projects can list and optionally buy “Fuel” boosts (legit, on top of filtered trends) to gain visibility—framed as fairer than botted/paid trends elsewhere.
  • Payments integration:
    • Historically used Helio; now integrated Pay AI’s X402 to decouple the experience and let users trigger boosts directly from X (Twitter). Demo: tag @DegenOracle with desired fuel (e.g., 10x/50x/100x), receive a payment link, complete, and boost applies instantly.
  • Access model:
    • Login with X for a free tier (watchlists, basic TA). Premium available; 30-day premium codes offered in Space (to be posted). Not indexing every new token by design (reduce noise); may evolve later.

Cross-cutting themes and insights

  • Indie devs repeatedly seek help with go-to-market (Serpent), transparent tokenomics (Blank.build), and growth tooling (Meme Pewter’s agent-based engagement, UBI’s agent infra, Degen Oracle’s fair discovery).
  • Agent economy emerging:
    • Meme Pewter’s brand agents (replying, moderating, later swarms) with monetization.
    • UBI’s multi-batch RPC enabling fast, multi-step AI agents on-chain.
    • Pay AI’s X402 standard bridging agent/payment flows, including direct-from-X monetization paths.
  • Tokens as utility primitives:
    • Builder token burns tied to every app built with Caffeine AI.
    • UBI token tightly coupled across infra.
    • Blank.build’s standardized vesting/locking to align founders and traders.
  • Sustainability and infra efficiency:
    • Utopian’s shared-dependency extension as a novel, pragmatic path to reduce bandwidth and energy use at web scale.

Audience Q&A highlights (Stage X)

  • Meme Pewter: “Who backs legitimacy if an agent launches a coin?” — Launches route via Bags app; tokens appear as coming from Meme Pewter’s account; Meme Pewter retains a minimum share (10% currently); ultimately the project is responsible, Meme Pewter provides tooling. “Agent swarm workflows?” — Open to specific use cases; willing to build a POC.
  • Serpent: “Will verification include unique labels (NFT/smart-contract)?” — NFTs are being considered; details not yet finalized (early stage by design).
  • UBI Protocol: “Are you able to tokenize or just monetize?” — Token is integral; all tech ties back to the token for utility accrual. “When does beta end?” — no on-air date shared.
  • Degen Oracle: “Is it more like DexTools/DexScreener or Pump.fun with smart filters?” — Hybrid; heavy on smart filtering + AI analysis to surface organic traction; deliberately doesn’t ingest every token to avoid noise.

Notable announcements and follow-ups

  • Pay AI to focus even more on X402; encourages all builders to consider adding X402 payment flows for attention and alignment with the growing narrative.
  • Utopian (Chad) speaking at Cloudflare Lisbon HQ on Oct 20; host to intro to Lens Browser.
  • Blank.build target release: end of the month; audited from-scratch contracts; contact [email protected]; link/details to be posted on the Space thread.
  • UBI Protocol to host a Friday session with Steve for beta metrics, live demos, and tester feedback; monthly recap thread shared.
  • Dexter to post Builder token site/link in the Space thread; Caffeine AI large public launch imminent.
  • Degen Oracle integrated X402 for X-native paid boosts; premium codes to be shared.

Actionable takeaways for listeners

  • If you’re building payment flows or agent monetization: evaluate X402; Pay AI can support and amplify early adopters.
  • If you need brand presence and moderation at scale: test Meme Pewter’s X/Telegram agent stack; propose swarm use cases if relevant.
  • If you need go-to-market and credibility: watch for Serpent’s verification platform; explore curator roles and future NFT attestations.
  • If you’re launching a token and want serious tokenomics: contact Blank.build early to influence templates and automation.
  • If you’re building AI agents or complex on-chain workflows: explore UBI’s Synapse RPC multi-batch feature; join the upcoming live breakdown.
  • If you want fairer memecoin discovery: try Degen Oracle’s filtered trends and Oracle AI; test X-native fueling via X402.
  • If you care about sustainability and performance at web scale: check Utopian’s demo and follow partnership progress; browser tooling is a lever for outsized impact.

Closing

  • Strong variety and velocity across AI agents, RPC infra, launch tooling, verification, discovery, and sustainable web tech.
  • Builder Banter runs every two weeks; host offers intros (e.g., Utopian ↔ Lens). Keep an eye on X402 developments and consider integrating to ride the growing standard.