Kindred Labs is a protocol designed to integrate artificial intelligence with intellectual property (IP), enabling the creation of interactive AI companions. The project's stated mission is to bring iconic characters and IPs to life as emotionally intelligent digital entities that can engage and evolve with users. ^[1]

Overview

Kindred Labs aims to provide the underlying technology for third-party IP holders to transform their static characters into dynamic, interactive AI companions. According to the project, these companions are designed to be capable of imagination, feeling, and evolution through user interaction. The company's broader vision is to develop what it terms "the final form factor of Personal AI," suggesting an ambition to create a definitive platform or interface for human-AI interaction. ^[2]

The protocol is built to allow these AI-powered IPs to serve various functions within their native ecosystems, such as acting as guides, teachers, or challengers. This positions Kindred Labs as a technology enabler for brands and creators in Web3 and other digital spaces looking to deepen user engagement with their established characters. As of September 2025, the project is in an early access phase, onboarding users through a waitlist system in collaboration with its partners. ^[1]

History

The official X social media account for Kindred Labs was created in November 2021, establishing its initial public presence. The project maintained a relatively low profile until it announced a series of significant developments on September 17, 2025.

On this date, Kindred Labs simultaneously revealed multiple strategic partnerships and launched its early access waitlist, signaling a major step toward a public release. The coordinated announcements generated attention within the Web3 community and marked the project's formal entrance into the market. ^[1]

Technology

Kindred Labs operates as a protocol that provides the AI engine for external IPs rather than developing its own first-party characters. The technology is designed to be integrated into existing digital ecosystems, allowing partners to enhance their IP with advanced AI capabilities.

Protocol Functionality

The core function of the Kindred Labs protocol is to imbue digital characters with personality and the capacity for dynamic interaction. It enables IPs to become "fully interactive" companions that can respond to users in a manner that is consistent with the character's established lore and personality. Access to the protocol during its initial phase is managed through a waitlist portal, with unique access points provided to the communities of its various partners. ^[1]

Key Features

The protocol's technology is centered on several key features:

• Emotional Intelligence: The AI companions are designed to be emotionally aware, allowing for more nuanced and meaningful interactions with users.
• Evolutionary Learning: The AI is built to evolve and adapt based on its interactions, enabling a personalized experience for each user.
• IP Integration: The technology is specifically architected to integrate with existing, well-known IPs, providing a framework for bringing established characters to life. ^[1]

Partnerships

Kindred Labs launched with several announced partnerships aimed at community building and technology demonstration.

• CoinMarketCap Labs: A strategic partnership was formed with CoinMarketCap Labs to provide the CoinMarketCap community with early access to the Kindred Labs protocol. This collaboration was formally designated as a "CMC Labs: Partnership" and focused on onboarding a large user base through the project's waitlist.
• Imaginary Ones: Kindred Labs partnered with the Web3 brand Imaginary Ones to transform its characters into emotionally intelligent AI companions. This collaboration serves as a direct use case for the protocol, demonstrating its ability to power an existing and established IP.
• SHIFU: The project announced a partnership with SHIFU to utilize the Kindred Labs protocol to power the SHIFU character. The goal of this integration is to create a "fully interactive AI sensei," showcasing the protocol's capacity to create AI personas for specific roles, such as mentorship and guidance. ^[1]

Reception

The project's launch announcements on September 17, 2025, attracted attention from prominent figures in the Web3 industry. Jihoz, the co-founder of Axie Infinity, publicly commented on the project's activity, noting that Kindred Labs was "heating up." This acknowledgment from a key industry figure indicated growing awareness and positive sentiment surrounding the project's market debut. ^[1]