Donut Labs has raised $22M in pre-seed and seed funding to develop what it claims is the first ever agentic AI browser.
* Donut Labs raised $22 million to develop an AI-powered crypto trading browser.
* The browser can autonomously research, analyze, and execute trades.
* Layered security ensures safe handling of private keys and sensitive data.
* The company plans a full product suite including a browser, web app, extension, and mobile app.
* AI is designed to assist, not replace, human traders, making personalized trading strategies easier.
What Makes Donut Labs’ AI Browser Unique
Traditional browsers have remained largely unchanged for decades, but Donut Labs aims to redefine this landscape for crypto trading.
Source: Donut Labs
Founder and CEO Chris Zhu explains that the idea emerged after his team faced challenges when their TikTok-based app was abruptly shut down.
Zhu said:
“Browsers haven’t really changed in 30 years. We wanted to build the largest front end on the internet — but do that for crypto.”
Donut Labs’ browser doesn’t just display information; it acts as an autonomous agent that can:
* Analyze market trends in real-time
* Execute trades securely
* Synthesize data across multiple sources
Layered Security For Agentic Trading
One of the key innovations of Donut Labs is its layered security system, inspired by Tesla’s self-driving software. This structure ensures that tasks ranging from simple research to fully authorized trades are executed safely.
Unlike other browsers that handle HTML links insecurely and risk prompt injection attacks, Donut Labs processes authorizations on the backend.
In partnership with key management firm Turnkey, private keys remain protected, and the AI agent never directly accesses a user’s wallet balances.
Zhu emphasized:
“We actually don’t give the agent the ability to click into your other wallets.”
How Donut Labs’ Browser Works
Behind the scenes, Donut Labs utilizes an “open router” system that dynamically selects the best AI model for each task. Lightweight models handle simple token swaps, while advanced reasoning systems perform complex market analysis.
The browser integrates liquidity and pricing data from sources like CoinGecko and Pyth, enabling real-time insights and automated execution.
In addition, Donut Labs plans to offer a full suite of products, including:
* A standalone AI-powered browser
* Browser extensions
* Web apps
* Mobile applications
This ecosystem is designed to support the entire lifecycle of a trader’s journey, from research to execution.
Human Traders & AI: A Partnership
Contrary to concerns that AI might replace human traders, Zhu sees the technology as a complement:
“Right now, quants excel at high-frequency trades. But AI browsers know your whole context — they make it easier to do what you already do, across the internet.”
He envisions AI becoming a trading equalizer, allowing traders to apply unique strategies tailored to their individual goals.
Why Donut Labs Matters
As AI moves from chatbots to fully autonomous agents, browsers may evolve into the primary interface for both human and machine activity online. Crypto traders, accustomed to automation and volatility, are likely to be early adopters.
Zhu stated:
“Our species is looking for rapid growth. Choosing AI to help us get there is one of the easiest ways to evolve.”
By merging automation, market analysis, and robust security, Donut Labs is pioneering a new paradigm for crypto trading — where the browser is not just a tool but an intelligent assistant.
FAQ
Q1: What is Donut Labs?
Donut Labs is a New York-based startup developing the first AI-powered browser capable of autonomously executing crypto trades.
Q2: How does the Donut Labs browser ensure security?
It uses a layered security system and backend authorization for transactions, partnered with Turnkey for private key management.
Q3: Can the AI access my crypto wallets directly?
No, the AI agent never sees wallet balances or interacts directly with other wallets.
Q4: What platforms will Donut Labs support?
Donut Labs plans to offer a standalone browser, web apps, browser extensions, and mobile apps.
Q5: Will this AI replace human traders?
No. Donut Labs’ AI is designed to complement traders by providing context-aware insights and automated execution.
