Mantra Launches $108.88 Million Ecosystem Fund to Propel Real-World Asset Tokenization and DeFi Innovations

On April 7, Mantra, a Layer-1 blockchain network dedicated to real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, has announced the creation of the Mantra Ecosystem Fund (MEF) valued at $108.88 million. The fund is aimed at driving the development of entrepreneurial projects in RWA tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The MEF plans to identify and support "high-potential blockchain projects" over the next four years through collaboration with leading investment firms. Backers of the fund include prominent names such as Laser Digital, Shorooq, Brevan Howard Digital, Valor Capital, Three Point Capital, and Amber Group. According to Mantra’s official statement, the fund adopts an "open policy," welcoming applications from projects at any stage of development, whether or not they are built on the Mantra blockchain. This flexibility is designed to attract innovative teams worldwide and foster breakthroughs in RWA tokenization and DeFi.

Mantra positions itself as a permissionless Layer-1 blockchain tailored for RWA tokenization, leveraging advanced technological modules, compliance mechanisms, and cross-chain interoperability to bring traditional financial assets into the blockchain realm. RWA tokenization is increasingly seen as one of the most promising use cases in the crypto industry, with significant market potential. McKinsey forecasts that the global RWA market could reach $2 trillion by 2030, while the sector's market value already surpassed $50 billion in 2025, reflecting robust growth.

John Patrick Mullin, CEO and Founder of Mantra, emphasized the fund's transformative role in the blockchain space in an interview with Cointelegraph: "The MEF thesis is to invest in top-tier teams building RWA and DeFi applications, as well as complimentary infrastructure, that will both directly and indirectly support the broader ecosystem."

Notably, Mantra has also made significant strides in regulatory compliance and market expansion. In February 2025, it received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). Additionally, Mantra partnered with Dubai-based DAMAC Group to tokenize its $1 billion real estate portfolio, solidifying its presence in the Middle Eastern market and providing a strong foundation for the MEF launch.