Seattle AI Week Recap: Why AI Agents, Web3 Ownership, and Data Portability Dominated the Niftmint & UpRock Happy Hour

Jonathan G. Blanco
6 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

AI and Web3 Event in Seattle: Merging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Web3/Blockchain. Networking for builders and founders focused on digital ownership and tokenization.

October 30, 2025 | Seattle, WA

Seattle AI Week: AI x Web3 Happy Hour

Seattle AI Week was buzzing, but the AI x Web3 Happy Hour, co-hosted by Niftmint and UpRock, was where the real future was quietly, yet emphatically, being built. Held in the heart of Seattle, this event wasn't just another networking mixer; it was a powerful gathering of builders, operators, and founders serious about fusing AI and digital ownership.

The energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened. An incredible turnout proved that the curiosity around this powerful intersection has moved past the hype cycle and into a phase of real, focused momentum.

Connections & Community: The Heart of Innovation

Beyond the technical deep dives, the atmosphere was genuinely collaborative and fun. The room was loud with laughter and thoughtful debate, proving that great ideas often spark over a drink.

Vibrant Networking: Attendees from diverse backgrounds, from enterprise AI leaders to Web3 DeFi founders, mingled freely. The true magic was watching those connections happen: quick introductions turning into deep, enthusiastic discussions about decentralized data economies and the future of AI agents.
Strengthening the Ecosystem: This was a night for strengthening the local community. It wasn't about competitive silos; it was about the community leading with curiosity and collaboration, sharing ideas, and celebrating the pioneering spirit that defines Seattle tech.
Energy and Fun: The buzz was infectious! The casual setting allowed for candid conversations that are impossible in formal conference halls. We saw whiteboards being covered in architectural diagrams, but also plenty of celebratory toasts to the future, the perfect blend of hard work and happy hour payoff.

Panel Spotlight: Jesse Adams (UpRock) & Jonathan G. Blanco (Niftmint)

A highlight of the evening was a dynamic, quick panel featuring Jesse Adams, CoFounder & CEO of UpRock, and Jonathan G. Blanco, Founder & CEO of Niftmint. Their discussion drilled down into the practical infrastructure needed to merge AI and Web3.

The key points they underscored were:

The Transactional AI Agent: Jesse Adams emphasized that AI agents need more than just information access; they require economic agency. He discussed how decentralized infrastructure, like UpRock's, is essential for enabling AI to securely and verifiably transact, turning data from a static asset into a dynamic, tradable resource.
Identity as the Anchor: Jonathan G. Blanco focused on the role of digital identity and ownership. He argued that for AI to operate ethically and for data to be truly portable, a Web3 framework is necessary to anchor the identity of both the user and the data itself, ensuring clear, indisputable ownership for every digital interaction.
Verifiable and Portable Data: Both leaders agreed that the current state of siloed data stifles AI innovation. They highlighted the shared vision where verifiable credentials and NFT standards unlock a future where data is not just used by AI, but is owned, portable, and paid for fairly by the AI agents that consume it. This shift unlocks "new economies" built on trust and transparency.

Building Momentum: Seattle’s Quiet Power

The event confirmed that the conversations are moving beyond theory and into execution. With such a strong foundation of real builders and operators present, the consensus was clear: fueled by a unique mix of enterprise AI expertise and a strong Web3 builder scene, Seattle is quietly becoming a powerhouse for applied AI and Web3 innovation.

A massive thank you to everyone who came out to connect, share ideas, and strengthen the local ecosystem.

We also want to give a special shout-out to Kaylen So at Zolar Studio for taking great photos and video throughout the event, perfectly capturing the energy, focus, and fun of the evening.