Coinbase Ventures, the investment arm of the popular U.S.-based crypto exchange, has just unveiled the ideas it’s most excited about for 2026. These concepts give us a glimpse into where the next generation of breakthrough Web3 projects could emerge.
From decentralized identity to AI agents shaping onchain development, these ideas are pushing boundaries far beyond traditional finance. Here’s a breakdown of the top concepts and why they matter.
Emerging Frontiers in Web3
Real-World Asset (RWA) Perpetuals & Composable Perp Markets
Coinbase Ventures sees a future where perpetual trading expands to include real-world assets like bonds or real estate. These RWA perpetuals could unlock new forms of DeFi exposure. Similarly, composable perpetual markets—DeFi tools that can easily integrate with others—promise a more flexible, modular financial ecosystem.
Specialized Exchanges and Prop-AMMs
Rather than general-purpose platforms, Coinbase anticipates niche exchanges tailored for specific asset classes or strategies. Prop-AMMs (Proprietary Automated Market Makers) will offer smarter, customizable liquidity options for traders, improving market depth and efficiency.
Prediction Markets and Unsecured Onchain Credit
Prediction market terminals may rise in popularity, especially in volatile markets or political cycles. Meanwhile, onchain lending without collateral—unsecured onchain credit—could broaden access to decentralized finance but also raises new risk concerns.
AI, Privacy & Human Identity on the Blockchain
AI Agents for Onchain Development
One of the most futuristic concepts is using AI agents to write, test, and deploy smart contracts autonomously. This could significantly lower barriers to entry for builders in the crypto space.
Onchain Privacy & Proof of Humanity
Privacy remains a major challenge in public blockchains. Coinbase Ventures supports tools that protect user data while keeping transactions transparent. In parallel, Proof of Humanity systems could help verify real users online, combatting bots and fake identities.
Robotics Data via DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks)
By using blockchain to secure and share data collected by robotics, DePINs can help create decentralized data marketplaces, especially useful in areas like supply chains, logistics, and autonomous vehicles.
NEW: Coinbase Ventures shared the ideas it’s most excited about for 2026, highlighting where the next breakout crypto projects may emerge.
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 26, 2025
– RWA perpetuals
– Specialized exchanges and Prop-AMMs
– Prediction market trading terminals
– Composable perp markets
– Unsecured… pic.twitter.com/b2gL5FPknr
Conclusion
Coinbase Ventures’ 2026 crypto ideas reveal a strong belief in decentralization, identity, and automation. These concepts aren’t just buzzwords—they could define the next wave of innovation in the crypto space.