Table of contents
- Overview and History of Mantle:
- What is Mantle?
- The Modular Architecture: A New Era of Blockchain Design
- Why Mantle? The Key Benefits
- How Does Mantle Work?
- Mantle's Ecosystem Innovations: mUSD, mShard, and mETH Protocol
- The Native $MNT Token: Fueling the Mantle Ecosystem
- Mantle Ecosystem: The Future of Web3
- Mantle Network Details
- Supporting Builders and Developers: Grants and Bounties on Mantle
- The Future of Mantle: Roadmap and Potential
- Upcoming Events: Connect with Mantle in 2025
- References:
In the ever-expanding world of blockchain and decentralized applications (dApps), scalability, transaction speed, and cost-efficiency are at the forefront of every developer’s mind. With Ethereum’s growing popularity and high gas fees, the need for a more scalable solution has never been clearer. Enter Mantle Network- a high-performance Ethereum Layer-2 solution that is set to change the way developers build and users interact with dApps.
Mantle is more than just another Layer-2 scaling solution; it’s a game-changer that leverages Ethereum’s security while enhancing speed, reducing costs, and increasing scalability. In this blogpost, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Mantle, how it works, and why it’s the next big thing in the blockchain ecosystem. Let’s break it down!
Overview and History of Mantle:
Mantle Network emerged from the vision of BitDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) established by the centralized exchange Bybit. BitDAO was created to support and empower builders in the blockchain space. In February 2023, the Mantle core team proposed a $200 million fund on BitDAO's governance forum to grow the Mantle ecosystem. Half of the funding ($100 million) would come from the BitDAO treasury, with the remaining $100 million from external investors such as Pantera Capital, Spartan, QCP Capital, and Dragonfly. The fund is set to drive ecosystem growth.
In May 2023, a proposal to rebrand Mantle Network and BitDAO under the unified Mantle brand was approved, with 235 million $BIT (now $MNT) votes in favor and only 988 votes against. The goal was to adopt a "one brand, one token" approach, creating a unified ecosystem with a stronger product focus. As part of the rebrand, the initial rollup component was officially named the Mantle Network, while BitDAO was rebranded as Mantle Governance. Mantle has its native utility token, $MNT, which is used for governance, staking, and paying transaction fees on the network.
The Mantle team includes key figures such as Ben Zhou, CEO and co-founder of Bybit, and Jordi Alexander, Chief Alchemist of Mantle.
What is Mantle?
Mantle is an Ethereum-based Layer-2 network designed to solve the scaling issues Ethereum currently faces. By utilizing modular architecture, Mantle separates key functions like execution, consensus, and data availability, offering a solution that boosts throughput, reduces gas fees, and enhances security—all without sacrificing decentralization.
At its core, Mantle uses optimistic rollup technology to securely process transactions off-chain and then settle them on-chain, inheriting Ethereum’s security model. This design helps developers build dApps that are both scalable and cost-efficient, making Mantle an ideal choice for projects in DeFi, GameFi, NFTs, and more.
The Modular Architecture: A New Era of Blockchain Design
What makes Mantle stand out from other Layer-2 solutions? It’s the modular architecture. Unlike traditional blockchains that lump all functions into a single chain, Mantle separates core processes into distinct layers, each optimized for a specific task:
Execution Layer: The EVM-compatible execution layer processes transactions and executes smart contracts. Developers can use the same Ethereum tools and languages they’re familiar with, like Solidity, Hardhat, and Remix, without having to make any significant changes to their existing code.
Consensus & Settlement Layers: Mantle utilizes Ethereum’s security model by relying on Ethereum validators to confirm Layer-2 state transitions. This means that Mantle transactions undergo the same consensus and settlement procedures as Ethereum’s mainnet, ensuring high security and decentralization.
Data Availability (DA) Layer: Mantle utilizes independent data availability modules, such as Mantle DA powered by EigenDA technology from EigenLayer. This separation of layers allows Mantle to significantly reduce data availability costs—by up to 90% compared to traditional on-chain Layer-1 solutions.
Why Mantle? The Key Benefits
1. Scalability and Speed
Ethereum’s scalability issues are well-known, especially during periods of high network congestion. Mantle addresses this by allowing off-chain transaction processing and on-chain settlement, ensuring faster transaction finality and higher throughput. Whether you're interacting with a dApp, trading tokens, or minting NFTs, you’ll experience drastically reduced latency and fast transaction finality, even during high traffic periods.
2. Low-Cost Transactions
One of the most attractive features of Mantle is its ability to reduce gas fees. By processing transactions off-chain and using rollups, Mantle lowers transaction costs by distributing fees across multiple transactions. This makes Mantle ideal for dApps and DeFi protocols where high transaction costs can otherwise be prohibitive.
With Mantle, you get the security of Ethereum without burning through your wallet on gas fees. Users and developers alike benefit from more affordable, scalable, and faster blockchain solutions.
3. EVM Compatibility: Seamless Transition
For developers, EVM compatibility means they can easily migrate their existing Ethereum-based applications to Mantle with minimal changes. Whether you're using Remix, Hardhat, or Truffle, you can continue to leverage the same tools and technologies you're accustomed to. This makes Mantle a developer-friendly option that removes barriers to entry, allowing teams to build seamlessly on Ethereum’s powerful ecosystem.
4. Enhanced Security
Security is a top priority for any blockchain, and Mantle ensures that all Layer-2 state transitions are validated by Ethereum’s trusted validators. This provides a robust layer of security while taking advantage of Ethereum’s battle-tested consensus model. So, while Mantle enhances scalability and reduces costs, it doesn’t compromise on security.
5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
As blockchain networks continue to scale, concerns over their environmental impact have grown. Mantle’s architecture helps reduce the computational load on Ethereum’s mainnet, leading to lower energy consumption compared to traditional on-chain solutions. For developers and projects aiming for a greener blockchain, Mantle is a sustainable alternative.
How Does Mantle Work?
At its core, Mantle uses optimistic rollups to process transactions off-chain. Here's a quick breakdown of how it works:
Transaction Processing: Mantle processes user transactions off-chain and then batches them into a single rollup block.
Settlement on Ethereum: The rollup block is then settled on the Ethereum mainnet, where Ethereum validators confirm the transactions and secure the state transitions.
Data Availability: Using Mantle DA (powered by EigenDA technology), Mantle ensures that data related to transactions is stored securely, while also minimizing the costs associated with on-chain data storage.
This unique combination of technologies allows Mantle to offer scalability without compromising on security or decentralization.
Mantle's Ecosystem Innovations: mUSD, mShard, and mETH Protocol
Mantle is continuously expanding its ecosystem with innovative financial products and collaborations that aim to enhance decentralized finance (DeFi) and broaden the capabilities of the Mantle Layer 2 network. Let's dive into some of the key developments:
mUSD: The Yield-Bearing Stablecoin
mUSD is a rebasing-wrapped version of USDy, a yield-bearing stablecoin from Ondo Finance. The purpose of mUSD is to maintain a consistent $1 peg, while providing users with the opportunity to earn interest through real-world U.S. Treasury yields. Through its integration into the Mantle Network, mUSD offers a new way for users to directly benefit from treasury yields, with interest being distributed via the rebasing mechanism of the mUSD token.
This collaboration between Mantle and Ondo Finance brings real-world financial yields into the crypto space, allowing users to earn stable, predictable returns on their stablecoin holdings without compromising on the security and scalability of the blockchain ecosystem.
mShard: Delta-Neutral Synthetic Dollar
In partnership with Ethena, Mantle introduces mShard, a delta-neutral synthetic dollar designed to operate without relying on traditional banking infrastructure. mShard combines liquidity from both centralized and decentralized exchanges, marking Ethena's first cross-chain deployment, bringing innovation to the Mantle ecosystem and Layer 2 applications.
As part of the Mantle Sharding with Ethena event, mShard holders can also participate in the Mantle Rewards Station, where $MNT holders can earn rewards and exclusive perks from popular Mantle ecosystem dApps. Moreover, mShard holders can redeem Ethena’s native token, $ENA, at a conversion rate of 582 mShards to 1 $ENA.
This development is set to enhance the liquidity and utility of the Mantle ecosystem, offering an exciting new option for those seeking to leverage the benefits of decentralized finance without exposure to traditional assets.
mETH Protocol: Liquid Staking on Mantle
The mETH Protocol (formerly known as Mantle LSP) is a permissionless, non-custodial Ethereum liquid staking protocol integrated into the Ethereum Layer 1 (L1) network. It allows users to stake their ETH and earn competitive yields, offering a solution for users who want to benefit from Ethereum staking while maintaining liquidity. mETH serves as the value-accumulating receipt token for the protocol.
The primary goal of mETH is to become the most widely adopted and capital-efficient ETH staking token, enabling Ethereum stakers to access liquid staking opportunities in a more decentralized manner. The protocol is integrated across several Mantle Layer 2 decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, core tech partners, and centralized exchanges.
The idea for mETH was proposed by Jordi Alexander, who describes it as a "lighter, more modern version of Lido’s" liquid ETH staking model. One of the key differences, according to Jordi, lies in mETH's decentralized nature, appealing to users who may have concerns about the centralization of projects like Lido. With this innovation, Mantle is making it easier and more efficient for users to stake their ETH and participate in the growing world of DeFi while avoiding centralization risks.
The Native $MNT Token: Fueling the Mantle Ecosystem
$MNT is the native token of the Mantle Network and plays a dual role within the ecosystem:
Governance: $MNT token holders can participate in the governance process through the DAO, ensuring that the development and evolution of the network remain community-driven. This gives users and developers a say in the future direction of the network.
Utility: $MNT is used for gas fees on the Mantle network, helping to reduce transaction costs. It also serves as collateral for nodes, incentivizing participation and improving the security of the network.
Mantle Ecosystem: The Future of Web3
Mantle isn’t just about technology; it’s about building a thriving ecosystem that supports the next generation of decentralized applications (dApps). With over 235+ dApps and 1.2 million users, Mantle is growing rapidly, and it’s only just getting started.
The $4.3 billion treasury backs the Mantle ecosystem, fueling innovation through grants and hackathons. This treasury ensures that Mantle continues to grow and support the development of new and exciting projects across the blockchain space.
Mantle Network Details
| Network name | Mantle | Mantle Sepolia Testnet |
| RPC URL | rpc.mantle.xyz | rpc.sepolia.mantle.xyz |
| WebSocket URL | wss://wss.mantle.xyz | N/A |
| Chain ID | 5000 | 5003 |
| Token Symbol | MNT | MNT |
| Explorer | MantleScan | MantleScan Sepolia |
Supporting Builders and Developers: Grants and Bounties on Mantle
Mantle is deeply committed to fostering a robust community of entrepreneurs and developers who are shaping the future of decentralized technology. To encourage innovation, Mantle offers a variety of grant programs, including Flagship Buildathon Programs and the Mantle Scouts Program, as well as incentives for security research through its bug bounty program.
Mantle Grants: Empowering Builders at Every Stage
Mantle’s Flagship Buildathon Programs are designed to support developers and teams at all stages of their projects, from concept to deployment. Whether you’re an early-stage team looking for technical or go-to-market assistance, Mantle is dedicated to helping you build and grow. These programs cater to different categories and regions and run on a rolling basis throughout the year. They are an excellent opportunity for teams to gain technical resources, funding, and guidance to bring their ideas to life within the Mantle ecosystem.
Top-performing projects in these buildathons can qualify for additional grants and ecosystem support, further amplifying their chances of success. The programs aim to build strong, scalable solutions across various verticals and are key to driving growth within the Mantle network. Teams interested in participating can apply directly through the Mantle ecosystem channels.
To learn more and apply, visit the Grants page.
Mantle Scouts Program: Community-Led Innovation
The Mantle Scouts Program encourages individuals and groups to identify, support, and mentor projects that align with the goals of the Mantle ecosystem. As a community-driven initiative, the program helps foster innovation by bringing together those with an entrepreneurial spirit and the knowledge to nurture new ideas.
Mantle’s Bug Bounty Program: Securing the Ecosystem
Security is a top priority for any blockchain ecosystem, and Mantle recognizes the importance of proactively identifying and resolving vulnerabilities. Through its bug bounty program, Mantle incentivizes security researchers to identify and report potential vulnerabilities in the LSP protocol. This open program is accessible to all security researchers, regardless of their affiliation or experience level.
The program uses the Immunefi Vulnerability Severity Classification System V2.3 to categorize vulnerabilities, with rewards distributed based on the severity of the findings. The reward structure is as follows:
Critical: Max reward of $500,000, Min reward of $100,000
High: Max reward of $100,000, Min reward of $20,000
Medium: Flat reward of $5,000
This initiative is vital for maintaining the security and integrity of the Mantle ecosystem, and it provides security researchers with significant incentives to contribute their expertise.
For those interested in participating in the bug bounty program, more details can be found on the Immunefi Bug Bounty page.
The Future of Mantle: Roadmap and Potential
Mantle is constantly evolving. With plans to transition from optimistic rollups to ZK rollups, Mantle is preparing for even faster and more efficient transaction finality. The upcoming shift to EigenDA will further reduce costs and increase decentralization, ensuring that Mantle remains a top-tier scaling solution for Ethereum and beyond.
Upcoming Events: Connect with Mantle in 2025
Mantle is excited to engage with the global community through several key events in 2025. These gatherings offer both newcomers and existing users an opportunity to learn more about Mantle’s offerings, engage with the team, and immerse themselves in the rapidly growing ecosystem. Here are some upcoming events where you can meet Mantle in person and dive deeper into its vision:
Web3 Connect: Institutional-Focused Forum
Date: February 17, 2025
Location: Hong Kong
Time: 8:00 AM (local time)
This forum brings together institutions and blockchain professionals to discuss the latest advancements in the Web3 space. Attendees will have the chance to explore the opportunities that Mantle offers to institutional players and learn about the future of decentralized technologies. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on future initiatives.
Sozu Haus Denver 2025
Date: February 22, 2025
Location: Denver
Time: 1:00 PM (local time)
Sozu Haus Denver is an exciting event where the Mantle team will showcase its innovative ecosystem and share how it’s redefining scalability and decentralization in the blockchain space. If you're in the Denver area, it’s a great chance to engage with the Mantle community and hear from experts about the latest developments and use cases for Mantle Network.
Digital Asset Summit 2025
Date: March 18, 2025
Location: New York
Time: 3:00 PM (local time)
The Digital Asset Summit is a prime event for those looking to explore the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology. Mantle will be at the forefront, discussing its innovations and how it’s enabling new possibilities for decentralized applications. It’s a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of digital assets and blockchain scalability.
Conclusion: Why You Should Care About Mantle
Whether you're a developer looking for a scalable, secure, and cost-efficient platform to build on or a user seeking fast and affordable transactions, Mantle is the solution you've been waiting for. With its modular architecture, EVM compatibility, and Ethereum-level security, Mantle is shaping up to be one of the most innovative blockchain solutions available today.
As Ethereum continues to scale, Mantle is the perfect sidekick, offering everything you need to build the decentralized future we’ve all been waiting for.
Ready to dive in? Whether you’re a developer or user, Mantle offers a powerful ecosystem that supports your goals while offering the scalability and affordability needed for a successful Web3 future.
References:
Overview and History of Mantle:
Grants: https://www.mantle.xyz/grants
Bug Bounty: https://immunefi.com/bug-bounty/mantlelsp/information/
Mantle Rewards Station: https://rewards.mantle.xyz/
Developer Docs: https://docs.mantle.xyz/network