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In the Room with Anna Kazlauskas, founder of Vana

4 min readMay 14, 2025

This week, we’re excited to chat with Anna , Co-Founder of Vana, a company pioneering an alternative to centralized AI monopolies. Vana uses crypto principles like ownership, incentives, and decentralization to build AI models that users collectively own and benefit from, empowering individuals to control their data while earning from its use.

We explore fascinating concepts like Data DAOs (which Anna compares to labor unions for your data), the emergent “DataFi” category, and how Vana enables users to pool their data to create AI models more powerful than any single company could build. Key themes include: Building at the intersection of crypto and AI, Regulatory, UX and perception hurdles of both, How User owned AI can reshape incentives online, and the talent it takes to get there.

Let’s open the door.

T1: Building at the Intersection of Crypto and AI

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Anna, the founder of Vana is pioneering a new frontier at the intersection of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. Vana aims to create a decentralized AI model that users collectively own and benefit from, challenging the traditional monopolistic structures of AI development. Anna emphasizes that the future of AI is not just about creating powerful models but also about ensuring that users have a stake in the data that fuels these systems. By leveraging the principles of crypto — ownership, incentives, and decentralization — Vana is redefining how we think about data and AI.

Anna’s journey from MIT to founding Vana illustrates the transformative potential of combining these two domains. She notes that the current AI landscape is dominated by a few large players who control vast amounts of data. Vana seeks to democratize this data ownership, allowing users to pool their information and create a more robust AI model that benefits everyone involved. This shift not only empowers individuals but also fosters a more equitable digital economy.

T2: Regulatory, UX, and Perception Hurdles

Despite the promising vision of user-owned AI, Anna acknowledges the significant regulatory, user experience (UX), and perception hurdles that lie ahead. The intersection of crypto and AI is fraught with complexities, particularly as regulators grapple with how to approach these rapidly evolving technologies. Anna’s experience at Celo, where she worked on making blockchain accessible for mobile users, has given her insight into the importance of regulatory compliance and user-friendly design.

The challenge is not just about building a technically sound product; it’s also about ensuring that users understand and trust the systems they are engaging with. Anna highlights that many potential users may be hesitant to adopt decentralized solutions due to a lack of familiarity with crypto or concerns about data privacy. To overcome these hurdles, Vana is focused on creating intuitive interfaces and clear communication about how data ownership works, making it easier for users to engage with the platform.

T3: How User-Owned AI Can Reshape Incentives Online

The concept of user-owned AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape online incentives. Anna argues that as users begin to recognize the value of their data, they will demand more control and compensation for its use. This shift in mindset could lead to a new economic model where users are rewarded for their contributions, much like a labor union for data.

Vana’s approach to data ownership is akin to creating a cooperative where users collectively benefit from the AI models they help build. By pooling their data, users can negotiate better terms and ensure that their contributions are recognized and compensated. This model not only incentivizes participation but also fosters a sense of community among users, as they work together to create a more powerful AI.

Anna emphasizes that the talent required to realize this vision is multifaceted. It involves not only technical expertise in AI and blockchain but also a deep understanding of user needs and regulatory landscapes. As Vana continues to grow, attracting the right talent will be crucial to navigating the complexities of this new paradigm.

Anna’s vision for Vana represents a bold step towards a future where AI is not just a tool for a select few but a shared resource that benefits everyone. By addressing the regulatory, UX, and perception challenges head-on, Vana is poised to lead the charge in creating a more equitable and user-centric AI landscape. As we look ahead, the potential for user-owned AI to reshape online incentives and empower individuals is both exciting and transformative.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch on Youtube

Sponsor Info:

Special thanks to our Season 12 sponsors, Perkins Coie and Mercury, who we are thrilled to partner with for a third consecutive season.

Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking* and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That’s why over 200K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best.

​*Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC.

Perkins Coie is a leading full-service, international law firm known for providing high-value, strategic solutions for startups and investors. Lawyers in Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice support the most innovative entrepreneurs and investors in fast-moving and high-growth sectors across the country, addressing the myriad legal needs that arise when fundraising and scaling their businesses. The firm’s tailored legal services are informed by an understanding of each client’s discrete needs.

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