io.net thesis: decentralized GPU aggregation for AI compute
Thread648 words
Bullish call$IO−92%since this piece, moved against the callHow it played out ↓Thread arguing io.net will be the foundational GPU layer for AI by aggregating idle GPUs from other networks and data centers using Ray-based geo-distributed clustering. Covers AI agent demand, partnerships and recent adoption.
Key claims
IO up more than 20% in 7 days vs ETH 13%, SOL 10%, BTC 8%
io.net sources GPUs from Aethir, Render, Filecoin, data centers and consumer hardware
Partners include Leonardo.ai, NetMind, Nesa, Movement and Aptos
DePIN is a key narrative to watch this cycle.
As the market comes back to life, I expect the fundamentally strong leaders in the sector to outperform.
One of my bets is $IO, which has been absolutely cooking recently.
Alpha-🧵 on the internet of GPUs. ⤵️ t.co/QAjuEINlrJ
1/ @ionet is building a decentralized GPU aggregation layer that sources idle GPU resources from other decentralized networks (e.g. @AethirCloud, @rendernetwork or @Filecoin), data centers globally, and even end user hardware.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1828695294403334258
2/ By using a unique, Ray-based solution to create geo-distributed GPU clusters, @ionet aims to serve those GPU resources to the market at scale.
By leveraging these otherwise idle resources, $IO is able to provide GPUs at a more affordable rate than traditional cloud compute providers.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1826581241753133099
3/ This allows $IO to serve an industry in hyper-growth that suffers under a very limited and largely monopolized GPU supply.
Many AI/ML can't access compute resources and/or are priced out from traditional service offerings.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1813910528076488977
4/ That's where @ionet comes in to fix things.
$IO will be the foundational GPU layer for AI and ML companies building both on-, and off-chain.
Making compute liquid, affordable and accessible to anyone through an on-chain marketplace.
The $IO State of the Network post by @MTorygreen is a highly recommended read. Find the link and my take below!
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1831611311379124310
5/ $IO will also matter in the context of autonomous, AI-powered on-chain agents, a narrative that is quickly gaining traction.
AI agents cant transact in meatspace. They have no credit cards and can't go through AWS KYC.
Through $IO, agents can access liquid compute and leverage the on-demand to spin up other instances of AI on top of @ionet's infra.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1830288700695306523
6/ In recent months, $IO has seen a significant surge in adoption, clearly showcasing its PMF.
x.com/ionet/status/1836962604444791174
7/ This is also thanks to many strong partnerships, which for example includes @leonardoai.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1821831538540962162
8/ Another one is @NetmindAi.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1823681360101327311
9/ Or @nesaorg (among others).
x.com/ionet/status/1832064631755747376
10/ $IO is built on @solana but is also working with Move-based ecosystems.
Partnerships with @movementlabsxyz and @Aptos are two high-profile examples.
Learn more about the case for AI on Aptos (featuring $IO) below.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1833849368555745690
11/ For a deep dive into the overarching narrative, the long-term vision behind $IO and the full tech stack, check my thread here.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1790096196658409528
12/ By tapping into consumer-grade hardware as well, @ionet is open for participation from anyone.
That (in combination with the $IO token) creates a strong community around a very technical infrastructure project, which is quite unique.
At Token2049, @ionet won the award of being a Top 20 project from @odayilychina, evidencing its strong ties into the asian market as well.
x.com/ionet/status/1835657848203952317
13/ The team also gathered the $IO nation at @kbwofficial and @Solana Breakpoint, re-enforcing the strong community focus (and approachable event presence) vs. many other infrastructure projects in web3.
x.com/ionet/status/1831615131450826978
14/ The AI/DePIN landscape is huge.
It offers a wealth of opportunity and I'm sure the narrative will print millionaires this cycle.
However, making the right picks is hard in a space littered with scams and vaporware.
There is a lot of great teams building though, and @ionet is one of them.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1835526562860658943
15/ In the past 7 days, $IO is up >20%, while $ETH is up 13%, $SOL 10% and $BTC 8% (note that chart below is 30 days).
If the bullish market sentiment continues to grow, I could see $IO perform very strongly in Q4.
NFA but DYOR anon.
16/ The room for growth in the case of $IO is enormous.
Once people understand the vision, the valuation will follow.
Study the global GPU market anon.
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1834173861262172671
That's a wrap for today! I hope you've found this thread helpful! 🫡
Make sure to follow me @zerokn0wledge_ to stay ahead of the curve on DePIN and AI! 🤖 ✨
Like/Repost of the below post is also highly appreciated! 🙏👇
x.com/zerokn0wledge_/status/1838141117084447008
2 images on X
How the call played out · since 23 Sep 2024
Prices as of 23 Oct 2026This piece takes a view on $IO, so that move is read against the call.
By aggregating idle GPUs from other networks, data centers and consumers into Ray-based clusters, io.net can sell compute below traditional cloud prices.
−92%
Moved against the call · over 2.1 years
- At publication
- $1.98
- Now
- $0.157
- vs BTC
- −94%
- After 1 month
- −4.5%
- After 3 months
- +45%
- After 1 year
- −72%
- High since
- +114% 14 Dec 2024
- Low since
- −95% 06 Apr 2026
Since then
Zero has written 25 more pieces on io.net and $IO since this one.
- io.net IDE tokenomics: #1 revenue DePIN at 5.3x MC/ARRBullish call on $IO
- DeAI as crypto's endgame: compute, agents and autonomous economiesOn io.net
- Why decentralized compute solves the startup GPU cost squeezeOn io.net
- Big compute is cracking: summary of the DeAI case against centralized cloudOn io.net
Daily closes in USD from DefiLlama and Yahoo Finance. Only a bullish or bearish call in a thesis or market take is tracked; explainers, lists, maps and mentions are neutral context. Not financial advice.