Olas, a decentralized platform focused on building the agentic economy, has officially launched Pearl v1, heralded as the world’s first “AI agent app store.” The platform aims to redefine user interaction with artificial intelligence, shifting from reactive chatbots to fully autonomous agents that users can own and operate with complete transparency and control.
The launch offers a distinct alternative to the increasingly centralized AI models from major tech players, positioning user sovereignty at the forefront.
A New Paradigm for AI Ownership
Pearl v1 introduces a vision for AI built on decentralization and user autonomy, a direct contrast to centralized “AI app store” models where users essentially rent access to closed systems. On Pearl, every action an agent takes is verifiable on-chain, providing a transparent and real-time transaction history. Users retain full control to activate, deactivate, or modify their agents’ goals, ensuring the AI operates in alignment with their specific intentions.
The platform’s architecture also addresses the vulnerabilities of centralized infrastructure, highlighted by recent global outages that have impacted major applications and financial institutions. Pearl is designed as an autonomous, decentralized foundation that can continue to operate even when centralized systems fail.
“Centralized infrastructure has achieved global reach and performance, yet this concentration means decisions or faults can strip users of their data and work completely,” said David Minarsch, CEO of Valory and Founding Member of Olas. “This is why ownership is so important. At Olas, we’re building towards a future where your AI agents work for you, not for centralized platforms harvesting your data.”
Bridging Web2 Simplicity with Web3 Security
Pearl v1 is a desktop-native application designed to merge the user-friendly experience of Web2 with the robust security and ownership principles of Web3. Users can onboard using familiar credentials from Google or Apple and fund their agents with a credit or debit card, removing the need for prior crypto knowledge.
Behind the scenes, the platform seamlessly integrates Web3 technologies, including smart accounts via Safe, authenticated recovery wallets through Web3Auth, and automated bridging from Transak and Relay. This technical stack ensures users retain full self-custody and control over their data and assets without navigating the complexities typically associated with blockchain technology.
Proven Success in Beta
The platform’s potential has already been demonstrated during its successful beta phase. A notable instance involved Modius, a DeFi trading agent built within the Pearl ecosystem, which achieved an impressive return on investment of over 150% in less than 150 days.
This result proves that autonomous agents can operate both profitably and safely in live market environments. With the public launch of Pearl v1, Olas is now aiming to scale this capability and make it accessible to a global user base.
Implications for the MENA AI Landscape
While Olas is a global platform, its launch holds particular relevance for the rapidly advancing MENA tech ecosystem. As regional governments and corporations heavily invest in AI to diversify their economies, a decentralized platform like Pearl offers a compelling alternative to relying solely on centralized Big Tech solutions. This aligns with a growing interest in data sovereignty and technological self-reliance.
Furthermore, with hubs like the UAE emerging as global leaders in Web3 and crypto adoption, Pearl’s fusion of AI and blockchain technology resonates strongly with the region’s forward-looking agenda. The platform presents a new frontier for MENA’s developers, founders, and VCs to build and invest in a new class of autonomous applications, from sophisticated financial tools to innovative social and creative agents.
About Olas
Olas is a platform that enables co-ownership of AI. With Pearl, its “AI Agent App Store,” consumers can use AI agents they truly own. Olas also features the Mech Marketplace, an “AI Agent Bazaar” where businesses can offer their AI agents for hire to earn crypto and utilize services from other agents. Olas’s AI agents serve diverse use cases, including prediction markets, asset management, and influencer agents. The OLAS utility token facilitates access to platform benefits and coordinates agent interactions within AI agent economies.
Source: Zawya
