Key Takeaways
- Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer-2 solution using Optimistic Rollups and a modular architecture to reduce transaction fees by up to 90% compared to Ethereum’s base layer.
- The network’s EigenDA integration decentralizes data availability, enhancing scalability while leveraging Ethereum’s security.
- Originally launched under BitDAO, Mantle rebranded in 2023 and has since migrated 98.64% of its legacy BIT tokens to MNT, consolidating its ecosystem.
- MNT serves dual purposes: paying gas fees and enabling decentralized governance through Mantle’s DAO framework.
- Recent upgrades like Tectonic V2 introduced EIP-1559 fee markets and fixed two-second block times, improving transaction predictability.
Mantle Network is a cutting-edge Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution designed to optimize transaction throughput and cost efficiency while maintaining the security of Ethereum’s base layer. Using Optimistic Rollups, Mantle processes transactions off-chain, batches them, and settles them on Ethereum’s Layer-1. Its modular architecture separates transaction execution, consensus, and data availability into distinct layers, enabling scalability without compromising decentralization. Mantle integrates EigenDA, a decentralized data availability solution built on EigenLayer, which reduces storage costs by up to 99%. This innovative structure has positioned Mantle as a high-performance platform for decentralized applications (dApps), offering gas fees as low as $0.0047 per transfer compared to Ethereum’s $2.10.
Since its rebranding from BitDAO in May 2023, Mantle has consolidated its ecosystem under the Mantle name and introduced its native token, MNT, which serves as both a governance token and a payment mechanism for gas fees. As of April 7, 2025, MNT is trading at approximately $0.80, with a circulating supply of 3.36 billion tokens and a market capitalization of $2.69 billion, ranking it among the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market value.
What Is Mantle?
Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution that addresses the blockchain trilemma of scalability, security, and decentralization by leveraging modular design principles. It uses Optimistic Rollups to process transactions off-chain before batching them for settlement on Ethereum’s Layer-1. This approach significantly reduces congestion on the mainnet while maintaining high throughput and low costs.
The protocol’s modular architecture separates core functions into distinct layers. Transaction execution occurs on an EVM-compatible layer that supports Ethereum smart contracts. Consensus and settlement rely on Ethereum’s Layer-1 for security. Data availability is managed by EigenDA, which decentralizes storage using restaked ETH from EigenLayer participants. These design choices enable Mantle to scale horizontally while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and infrastructure.
Who Is Behind Mantle?
Mantle was co-founded by Jordi Alexander and Arjun Krishan Kalsy with the vision of creating a scalable solution for Ethereum-based dApps. Alexander played a pivotal role in BitDAO’s transition to Mantle Network during the 2023 rebranding process under BitDAO Improvement Proposal (BIP)-21. The project operates under a decentralized governance framework where MNT holders vote on protocol upgrades, treasury allocations, and strategic decisions.
Mantle collaborates with key partners such as EigenLayer for decentralized data availability and Chainlink for cross-chain communication solutions. These partnerships enhance the protocol’s scalability and interoperability while ensuring robust security measures.
How Mantle Works?
Mantle combines Optimistic Rollups with modular architecture to achieve scalability without sacrificing security or decentralization. Optimistic Rollups allow transactions to be processed off-chain before being batched for settlement on Ethereum’s Layer-1. Validators have seven days to challenge fraudulent transactions through fraud-proof mechanisms, ensuring integrity without requiring extensive computation on-chain.
EigenDA integration decentralizes data availability by leveraging ETH restaking through EigenLayer participants. This reduces storage costs by up to 99% compared to traditional rollup methods while enabling up to 20,000 transactions per second (TPS). The Tectonic V2 upgrade in March 2024 introduced several enhancements. EIP-1559 fee markets stabilize transaction costs by burning excess MNT. Fixed block times ensure blocks are generated every two seconds, improving transaction predictability. MNT became the native token of Mantle Network post-upgrade, replacing bridged ERC-20 tokens for gas fees. These features make Mantle one of the most efficient Layer-2 solutions available today.
Current Status of Mantle In The Wider Ecosystem
Mantle has rapidly expanded its ecosystem since its mainnet alpha launch in July 2023. The protocol now ranks among the top five Layer-2 solutions by Total Value Locked (TVL), which exceeds $1.2 billion as of April 7, 2025, reflecting a remarkable 354% year-over-year growth.
The network supports over 650,000 daily active users across multiple chains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Base, and Scroll. Its DeFi ecosystem is thriving, with protocols like Merchant Moe contributing over $253 million in TVL alone. Mantle has also gained traction among institutional users through initiatives like Mantle Banking, which enables regulated entities to access decentralized liquidity pools securely. Compared to competitors like Arbitrum and Optimism, Mantle offers significantly lower transaction fees due to its modular architecture and EigenDA integration.
Mantle’s Price Journey
MNT debuted at $0.50 following its rebranding in July 2023 and reached an all-time high of $1.89 during the crypto bull market in early 2024. The token experienced a correction in Q1 2025 due to macroeconomic factors like Bitcoin ETF outflows but stabilized around $0.80 as of April 7, 2025.
Key price drivers include increased staking demand following EigenDA mainnet launch, sell pressure from legacy BIT token migrations post-Tectonic upgrade, and broader market trends affecting liquidity across the crypto sector. Despite these fluctuations, MNT has outperformed many other assets year-to-date due to its expanding use cases within DeFi and institutional finance.
Current Data & Interesting Statistics About Mantle
- Transaction Cost: $0.0047 per transfer vs. Ethereum’s $2.10.
- Staking Rewards: 18% APR for ETH restakers via Mantle Liquid Staking Protocol (LSP).
- Ecosystem Grants: $200 million allocated to developers building on Mantle.
- Cross-Chain Reach: Deployed on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Base, and Scroll.
- Security Audits: Conducted by OpenZeppelin and Sigma Prime.
- Token Burn: Over 9 billion BIT tokens, worth approximately $9 billion, permanently removed from circulation.
- Governance Participation: 37% of MNT supply locked in voting contracts.
What Is The Future of Mantle?
Mantle’s roadmap for 2025 focuses on enhancing interoperability and capital efficiency through key upgrades. A fraud-proof system inspired by Specular Network will reduce withdrawal times from seven days to minutes. A fair sequencer architecture using verifiable randomness functions will prevent MEV exploits. Chain abstraction will enable unified interfaces for cross-chain swaps using EigenDA’s light client proofs.
With plans to onboard over ten million users by Q4 2025 and expand into sectors like real-world asset tokenization (RWA), Mantle is poised for significant growth within the blockchain ecosystem. The key takeaway is that Mantle’s innovative design balances scalability with security while fostering adoption among developers and institutional users alike.
Bridging Scalability With Decentralized Innovation
Mantle Network exemplifies how modular blockchain design can address scalability challenges without compromising security or decentralization principles. By integrating EigenDA for data availability and adopting Optimistic Rollups for transaction efficiency, it provides developers with a robust platform for building next-generation dApps. As regulatory clarity improves globally and institutional interest in DeFi grows, Mantle’s ability to deliver cost-effective solutions will likely drive long-term adoption of its technology stack and appreciation of its native token MNT within the broader crypto ecosystem.
Michael Crag
