AirDAO Pivot & $AIA Token Introduction – FAQ 

1. AirDAO’s Pivot to an AI-Focused Layer-1

What is changing with AirDAO?

• AirDAO is shifting from a general-purpose Layer-1 blockchain to an AI-centric Layer-1 focused on AI Agents.
• This pivot introduces a new token, $AIA, to drive AI-related utilities while keeping $AMB as the core network token.
• The goal is to attract AI-focused investors, developers, and users.

Why pivot to AI?

• AI-driven automation and on-chain AI Agents are a high-growth sector.
• By specializing in AI, AirDAO aims to differentiate itself and increase adoption.
• The AI narrative could renew interest in AirDAO, bringing in new partnerships and utility.

Will existing projects on AirDAO ($AST, $HBR, etc.) be affected?

• No, existing projects will continue their own roadmaps.
• Over time, these projects may integrate with AI-driven features, but they remain independent.

2. $AMB vs. $AIA – Understanding Their Roles

Is $AIA replacing $AMB?

• No. $AMB remains the native token for transaction fees, staking, and security.
• $AIA is an additional token for AI-driven incentives and utilities.

How do $AMB and $AIA work together?

• Users must lock/stake $AMB to earn $AIA over a proposed 3-year period.
• All AI Agent transactions will still require $AMB as gas.
• This creates demand for $AMB while introducing new AI-driven incentives.

Will $AIA overshadow $AMB?

• The design ensures that $AIA enhances $AMB’s value rather than replacing it.
• More AI activity should drive more demand for both tokens.

Will there be a 1:1 swap between $AMB and $AIA?

• No direct swap. $AIA will be earned by locking $AMB.
• $AIA will have its own tokenomics, which will be announced later.

Will AIA operate independently in the future?

• $AIA will initially run on AirDAO’s network.
• Multi-chain possibilities may be explored later.

3. Staking & Locking Mechanism for $AIA

How do I get $AIA?

• By locking/staking $AMB in a smart contract for a set period (proposed as 3 years).
• $AIA will be distributed gradually over this period.

What happens if I stake $AMB?

• You will receive 10x the locked amount in $AIA, distributed over 3 years.
• Details about vesting, withdrawal rules, and minimum stake amounts will be provided in the official tokenomics.

Is staking mandatory?

• No, staking is optional.
• Holding $AMB alone does not grant $AIA; only locked $AMB earns $AIA.

Will there be a minimum staking amount?

• The proposal does not specify a minimum yet.
• This will be confirmed when the staking smart contract is finalized.

How can I unstake from older pools (Harbor/Hera)?

• If you staked in Harbor’s Liquid Staking, an unstake button is available at star-fleet.io/harbor/liquid-staking.
• If you used an older pool with a lock-up, check if the vesting period has ended.
• If you still have issues, contact support@airdao.io.

4. Governance & Voting

How do I participate in governance votes?

• Typically, DAO votes require you to hold or stake $AMB in a self-custody wallet (like MetaMask or AirDAO web wallet).
• If your $AMB is on an exchange (e.g., KuCoin), you may not be able to vote unless the exchange supports governance (rare).

What governance proposals are being discussed?

• AI pivot approval.
• OTC buyback program for large holders.
• Dissolution of the current governance council.
• Staking and reward mechanisms for $AIA.

When will voting take place?

• Governance votes are expected within the next 2 months.
• Specific details on snapshots and voting mechanics will be announced.

5. OTC Buyback Program

What is the purpose of the $650K OTC buyback?

• Designed to provide a structured exit for large holders (10M+ $AMB).
• Helps prevent large dumps on the open market, which could stabilize price action.

Why would large holders sell at a lower OTC price?

• Some may prefer guaranteed liquidity instead of selling on exchanges with high slippage.
• The buyback prevents a market-wide dump and helps maintain stability.

Will the OTC buyback price change with the market?

• The proposal mentions multiple rounds of buybacks at different prices over time (e.g., $0.0001, then $0.0002).
• These prices may be adjusted based on community feedback and market conditions.

6. Price, Market, and Economic Impact

Will $AIA help increase $AMB’s price?

• By requiring $AMB locks for $AIA rewards, circulating supply is reduced.
• If the AI pivot attracts more users, this could create additional demand for $AMB.
• The buyback program aims to prevent major price crashes.

Why has $AMB dropped ~97%?

• Price declines can be due to:
• - Broader market trends.
• - Lack of immediate utility.
• - Large holders selling.
• - Uncertainty about the project’s direction.
• The AI pivot is meant to restore interest and stability.

Should the team burn $AMB to reduce supply?

• There is no confirmed burn plan.
• The staking lock-up and buybacks aim to reduce circulating supply, which is a similar approach.

What is the trading volume like?

• If volume seems low on one exchange, more trading may be happening on another.
• Gate.io currently reports the highest $AMB trading volume.

7. Team Restructuring & Transparency

Is the team reducing headcount?

• Yes. 14 members were laid off last month, and 8 more are expected to leave.
• This is part of cost-cutting and restructuring to focus on the AI pivot.

Will there be a full team list published?

• Yes. A revised team roster will be published in early March.

Are team members paid in $AMB, $AIA, or stablecoins?

• Historically, crypto teams use a mix of stablecoins and native tokens.
• The exact compensation structure will be shared after restructuring.

Some team members/admins seem dismissive in chat—why?

• High tensions due to the token’s price drop.
• If you have concerns, the best way to get an official response is to file a support ticket or wait for official announcements.

8. Roadmap & Timeline

What are the next steps for AirDAO’s AI pivot?

• Within 1 Month:
• - Official announcements.
• - Launch of the $AMB locking smart contract.
• - OTC buyback funding preparations.
• Within 2 Months:
  - Governance votes (AI pivot, buyback, governance restructuring).
• Within 4 Months:
• - AI Agent testnet development.
• - Potential rebranding and marketing push.
• By End of 2025:
• - Full AI Agent testnet launch.
• - $AIA listing on mid-tier exchanges.
• - Further ecosystem expansion.

9. General Investor Concerns

Is buying $AMB risky?

• As with any cryptocurrency, investing in $AMB carries risks.
• The project is pivoting, which may create upside potential, but nothing is guaranteed.
• Consider your risk tolerance before investing.

Should I wait for more clarity before making a decision?

• Absolutely. Governance votes will determine the final direction.
• More details on tokenomics, staking, and buybacks will be released soon.
• You can choose to hold your $AMB until you're more confident.

Conclusion & Next Steps

• Governance voting is key – The community will decide the AI pivot, buyback program, and governance changes.
• More details coming soon – Tokenomics, staking mechanics, and final plans will be shared before voting.
• For support (staking issues, unstaking problems, etc.), contact:
  support@airdao.io
• Stay tuned to official AirDAO channels for updates.