The rise of malicious AI agents and shadow AI systems is reshaping how venture capitalists view risk in crypto and blockchain ecosystems. As decentralized networks face growing threats from autonomous bad actors and covert AI operations, VCs are pouring unprecedented capital into AI security solutions. The challenge is real: rogue agents can exploit smart contract vulnerabilities, manipulate transaction flows, and operate without direct human oversight. Shadow AI—systems designed to evade detection—amplifies these risks. This urgency has sparked a wave of early-stage funding for AI security startups, with investors betting that robust AI safeguards will become foundational infrastructure for Web3. The consensus is clear: whoever masters AI security first will control a significant moat in the evolving digital economy.