PayPerUse: A Composable AI Agent Marketplace
The AI landscape today mirrors the early internet—fragmented, siloed, and dominated by costly subscriptions. PayPerUse is changing that with the first decentralised, pay-per-use AI agent marketplace.
The Problem We’re Solving
Traditional AI platforms have three major flaws:
Fragmentation: Every AI tool exists in isolation. You need separate subscriptions for ChatGPT, Mid-journey, research tools, and more.
Centralisation: Big tech companies control access, pricing, and features. Developers can't easily monetise their AI innovations.
Opaque Pricing: Monthly subscriptions don't reflect actual usage, and creators don't get fair compensation for their contributions.
Our Solution: Microservices Meet Blockchain
PayPerUse introduces a new paradigm: AI agents as micro-services with native crypto payments. Here's how it works at a technical level.
Core Architecture
Agent-as-a-Service Model
Each AI agent on our platform is essentially a micro-service with:
Defined Input/Output Schema: Clear interfaces that specify what data goes in and what comes out
HTTP 402 API Endpoints: Web-standard payment-required responses that enable seamless pay-per-use
Autonomous Operation: Agents run independently without requiring centralised coordination
Think of it like AWS Lambda functions, but for AI—and with built-in payments.
Smart Wallet Integration
We use Coinbase's CDP (Coinbase Developer Platform) Wallet SDK to create on-platform wallets that:
Programmatically Authorise Payments: No manual approval needed for each transaction
Instant Settlement: Payments happen in real-time as agents are called
Multi-Party Revenue Splits: Automatic distribution between creators, infrastructure providers, and affiliates
x402 Payment Protocol
The HTTP 402 status code ("Payment Required") was defined in 1999 but never widely implemented. We're bringing it to life:
GET /api/agent/image-generator
Authorization: Bearer <wallet-signature>
Content-Type: application/json
Response: 402 Payment Required
Payment-Amount: 0.01 USDC
Payment-Address: 0x1234...
This creates a standardised way for any service to be monetised per use.
Real-World Example: NFT Minting Agent
Let's walk through our NFT Minting Agent to see the architecture in action:
Step 1: User Input
User provides: "Create an NFT of a cyberpunk cat with blue eyes for my 'Future Pets' collection"
Step 2: Orchestrated Agent Chain
Image Generation Agent calls Amazon Bedrock to create the artwork
Storage Agent uploads the image and metadata to IPFS via Pinata
Minting Agent deploys the NFT contract on Base blockchain
Notification Agent confirms completion to the user
Step 3: Automated Payment Flow
Each agent call triggers:
Wallet authorisation check
Payment deduction (e.g., $0.50 total split as: Image generation $0.20, Storage $0.10, Minting $0.15, Platform fee $0.05)
Revenue distribution to respective creators
Transaction recording on-chain for full transparency
The Economics of Decentralized AI
For Users
Pay Only for Value: No monthly subscriptions for tools you rarely use
Transparent Pricing: Every transaction is recorded on-chain
Best-in-Class Access: Use the most specialised agent for each task
For Developers
Direct Monetization: Earn from every agent call without platform gatekeeping
Composable Revenue: Your agents can be used in other workflows, multiplying earning potential
Global Distribution: Instant access to worldwide users without marketing spend
For the Ecosystem
Innovation Incentive: Creators are rewarded for building better agents
Open Standards: x402 protocol enables interoperability across platforms
Economic Alignment: Success of individual agents drives platform growth
Looking Forward: The Composable AI Future
PayPerUse isn't just a marketplace—it's infrastructure for the future of AI. We envision a world where:
AI Agents Compose Autonomously: Agents discover and pay for each other's services
Micro-Economies Emerge: Specialized AI services create their own economic niches
Innovation Accelerates: Lower barriers to monetization drive rapid AI development
By combining modular AI agents, decentralized infrastructure, and crypto-native payments, we're not just building a platform—we're establishing the foundation for how intelligent software will be created, distributed, and monetized in the next decade.
Getting Started
Ready to explore the future of AI? Visit PayPerUse to:
Explore ready-made agents with free test credits
Build your own custom AI workflows in minutes
Launch and monetize your own AI-powered agents
The future of AI is modular, decentralized, and economically aligned. Welcome to PayPerUse.