What is Mantle (MNT)? | iTrustCapital

Summary

Mantle (MNT) is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain that uses optimistic rollup technology and a modular architecture to process transactions faster and at lower cost than Ethereum's main network. The MNT token is used to pay network gas fees and participate in governance. Investors can buy and sell Mantle (MNT) at iTrustCapital through a Premium Custody Account (PCA) for everyday investing or access it through a Crypto IRA for tax-advantaged investing.

What is Mantle?

Ethereum has grown into one of the most influential blockchains in Web3 and decentralized finance. Its popularity has surged, and with that success comes a challenge many people never notice. As more activity pours into the network, it becomes crowded, fees rise, and transactions slow down.

Layer-2 networks were created to help with this. They operate alongside Ethereum, handling transactions more efficiently and sending the final results back to the main chain. This eases congestion while still relying on Ethereum's security. Even with these improvements, many Layer-2s are still developing the performance needed for high-volume, everyday use.

This set the stage for a new approach. A Layer-2 network built on Ethereum's trusted foundation, designed to deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for both builders and everyday users.

Mantle is one of the networks stepping forward to meet that demand. It is a modular Layer-2 network focused on increasing speed, lowering costs, and giving developers a flexible environment to build powerful Web3 applications.

Mantle at a Glance

Attribute	Details
Mainnet Launch	July 2023
Network Type	Layer-2 Optimistic Rollup
Native Token	MNT
Backed By	BitDAO / Bybit
Primary Use Cases	DeFi, Gaming, Infrastructure
Data Availability	Modular (separate DA layer)

What is Mantle?

Mantle is a modular Layer-2 network built on Ethereum that uses optimistic rollup technology to process transactions faster and at lower cost while relying on Ethereum for security and final settlement. It separates key blockchain functions into specialized layers, allowing each component to be optimized independently.

Mantle released its mainnet in July 2023 with support from BitDAO, one of the largest decentralized communities in the industry. BitDAO later combined its brand, governance, and ecosystem with Mantle, bringing everything under one unified name.

Mantle's Modular Architecture

Mantle separates its responsibilities into three distinct layers:

Layer	Function	Benefit
Execution	Processes transactions quickly	High throughput and fast confirmations
Data Availability	Stores information efficiently	Lower costs and improved performance
Settlement	Finalizes and syncs with Ethereum	Inherits Ethereum's security guarantees

By giving each layer a specific job, Mantle can handle more activity at lower costs while still benefiting from Ethereum's reliable base.

This design makes Mantle a strong foundation for the next wave of Web3 applications, including DeFi, gaming, infrastructure, and enterprise tools.

Mantle vs. Other Layer-2s

Feature	Mantle	Optimism	Arbitrum
Technology Type	Optimistic Rollup	Optimistic Rollup	Optimistic Rollup
Data Availability	Modular (separate DA layer)	On-chain (Ethereum)	On-chain (Ethereum)
Ecosystem Backing	BitDAO / Bybit treasury	Optimism Collective	Offchain Labs
Native Token	MNT	OP (ETH for gas)	ARB (ETH for gas)
Gas Token	MNT	ETH	ETH

Mantle's key differentiator is its modular approach to data availability. While Optimism and Arbitrum post all transaction data directly to Ethereum, Mantle uses a separate data availability layer to reduce costs while maintaining security through Ethereum settlement.

The History of Mantle

Mantle's story begins with BitDAO, a large decentralized treasury supported by prominent backers like Bybit. BitDAO held billions in assets and focused on funding builders across Web3. To support that mission, it needed a scalable, unified network that could bring its ecosystem together.

The Merge: BitDAO to Mantle

In 2023, BitDAO combined its brand, governance, and roadmap under the Mantle name. This helped streamline development, align the community, and speed up the launch of the Mantle network.

Early Growth

When Mantle went live in July 2023, developers took notice. It offered:

Lower gas fees
High throughput
Ecosystem support through BitDAO's treasury
Easy onboarding for Ethereum-native projects

DeFi protocols, cross-chain tools, infrastructure providers, and gaming teams began deploying on Mantle. They benefited from both the performance improvements and the network's liquidity incentives.

Protocol Evolution

By 2024 and 2025, Mantle had matured into a major modular Layer-2 supporting a wide range of applications, including:

High-speed decentralized exchanges
Yield platforms and lending markets
On-chain gaming
Infrastructure and middleware services
Stablecoin and RWA issuers
Cross-chain messaging and bridging solutions

Mantle also launched Mantle Economics, a treasury-backed sustainability framework focused on long-term incentives, grants, and developer growth.

With a scalable foundation and strong community governance, Mantle established itself as one of the leading rollup ecosystems built for real, high-volume blockchain adoption.

MNT: The Native Token

MNT is the native token that powers the Mantle ecosystem. It supports governance, network operations, and overall economic alignment across the protocol.

Mantle introduced MNT through a community-approved migration from the original BIT token, creating one unified asset for its entire ecosystem.

MNT Token Utilities

Governance: MNT holders vote on economic frameworks, treasury allocations, protocol upgrades, incentive programs, and other on-chain proposals. This keeps Mantle transparent, community-driven, and aligned with long-term interests.
Gas Fees: MNT is used to pay transaction fees on the Mantle network, similar to how ETH is used for transactions on Ethereum.
Buy & Sell Mantle (MNT) at iTrustCapital

If you're interested in buying and selling Mantle (MNT), you can do so in a secure Premium Custody Account or tax-advantaged Crypto IRA* at iTrustCapital.

Click here to open an account today!

*Some taxes may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mantle (MNT) used for?

Mantle is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain designed to make transactions faster and less expensive while maintaining Ethereum's security. The MNT token is used to pay network gas fees, participate in governance proposals, and support the overall operation of the Mantle ecosystem. Developers also use Mantle to build decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and infrastructure applications that benefit from lower transaction costs.

What blockchain is Mantle built on?

Mantle is built on Ethereum as a Layer-2 network. It uses optimistic rollup technology to process transactions separately from Ethereum before settling them on Ethereum's mainnet. This approach increases throughput and reduces fees while continuing to benefit from Ethereum's security and decentralization.

How is Mantle different from other Layer-2 networks?

Mantle distinguishes itself through its modular blockchain architecture. Unlike many Layer-2 networks that store transaction data directly on Ethereum, Mantle uses a separate data availability layer, helping reduce costs and improve scalability. It also uses MNT as its native gas token, whereas networks like Optimism and Arbitrum require ETH to pay transaction fees.

Is Mantle compatible with Ethereum applications?

Yes. Mantle is designed to be Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible, allowing many Ethereum-based smart contracts and decentralized applications to be deployed with minimal modifications. This compatibility makes it easier for developers to migrate existing projects while benefiting from lower fees and improved network performance.

Is Mantle the same as BitDAO?

Mantle evolved from BitDAO through a community-approved transition completed in 2023. During the migration, BitDAO's governance, treasury, and ecosystem were unified under the Mantle brand, and the BIT token was converted into MNT. Today, Mantle serves as both the blockchain network and the governance ecosystem that succeeded BitDAO.

Where can I buy Mantle (MNT)?

MNT is available through various cryptocurrency exchanges and supported investment platforms. At iTrustCapital, investors can buy and sell Mantle in either a Premium Custody Account (PCA) or a Crypto IRA. A PCA is designed for everyday investing, while a Crypto IRA allows eligible investors to buy and sell MNT in a tax-advantaged retirement account.

Can you hold Mantle (MNT) in an IRA?

Yes, if your provider supports the asset. Through iTrustCapital, eligible investors can hold Mantle in a self-directed Crypto IRA, allowing them to buy and sell MNT within a tax-advantaged retirement account. Traditional IRAs may offer tax-deferred growth, while Roth IRAs may provide tax-free qualified withdrawals, depending on IRS rules and individual circumstances.

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Disclaimer

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