SemanticPay, an AI startup, has emerged from stealth as it looks to enable AI-powered agents to transact and create value for organisations in the digital world.
Developed by a team of AI, fintech, and Web3 experts, SemanticPay will establish the monetisation layer necessary to support autonomous AI agents, positioning itself as the first mover in this transformative space. The startup is looking to establish itself as the “Visa for AI”, offering a platform that empowers AI agents to become full participants in the digital economy.
Furthermore, SemanticPay will look to tackle challenges that arise from trying to apply AI agents in human-centric systems i.e. the current internet infrastructure. One of the firm’s co-founders said: “The internet was built by humans for humans, not agents.” Things must change. This is especially true as AI models like DeepSeek R-1 rapidly evolve, decrease computing costs and democratise access to AI leading.
The potential of intelligent systems capable of executing complex tasks, optimising workflows, and unlocking new revenue streams are all currently being held back by the internet’s infrastructure. Challenges arise such as regulatory uncertainty that slows the adoption rate, restrictive firewalls that misidentify agents as bots, and outdated monetisation models not suited for microtransactions.
Solving the challenge for AI agents
SemanticPay builds a robust transaction infrastructure that allows AI agents to securely interact, access services, and engage in economic activity. By developing a specialised infrastructure, it will eliminate these constraints and unlock new opportunities for an AI-powered economy.
The startup will look to achieve this in a variety of ways. Its Agentic API layer will ensure that AI agents can access web services and data sources seamlessly, unlocking new opportunities for interaction and information retrieval.
Traditional internet structures often categorise AI agents as bots, blocking their ability to perform legitimate tasks. Through Agent ID and “Know Your Agent” (KYA) protocols, SemanticPay establishes a secure, compliant framework for transactions, building trust and ensuring regulatory adherence.
The platform will also offer optimised payment rails, supporting fiat currencies, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies for high-frequency, low-value transactions crucial to the AI agent economy.
Lastly, value-added services such as data analytics, decision-making tools, and access to specialised AI models will enhance the capabilities of AI agents, driving efficiency and growth.
Rooted in the GCC, SemanticPay aims to scale globally, with its team currently having a presence in APAC and Europe.
