Key Questions from the Twitter Community

Q1: How does Mantle’s modularity enhance scalability, and which modules are being prioritized?

Gabe: Mantle’s innovative modular architecture allows for optimal integration of blockchain components, ensuring we stay ahead in scalability. Our focus is currently on the Mantle DA data availability solution, developed in collaboration with EigenLayer and EigenDA. This module permits offloading call data and transaction details onto a separate layer, securely supported by the network, leading to a significant reduction in gas fees—by approximately 60-80%. Notably, Mantle transactions can cost as little as 1 cent.

Additionally, we are transitioning from an optimistic rollup model to a ZK rollup, which will enhance our security framework and streamline withdrawal times from seven days down to only one hour, ultimately making transactions faster and more economical.

Q2: What industries or use cases do you believe are most viable for Mantle technology, and how will you aid developers?

Gabe: Mantle operates as a generalized EVM-compatible chain, enabling developers to create solutions across various sectors such as DeFi, NFTs, and gaming. Our unique advantage lies in our robust ecosystem support, which encompasses features like liquid staking, wrapped Bitcoin, and an upcoming index fund.

Moreover, Mantle boasts the largest on-chain treasury in the industry, estimated at $4 billion, primarily comprising Ethereum and stablecoins earmarked for fostering promising projects. This financial foundation empowers developers with access to grants, incentives, and comprehensive support.

Q3: How does Mantle’s smart contract operation stack up against Ethereum regarding EVM compatibility, gas mechanics, and Solidity support?

Gabe: Mantle is entirely EVM-compatible, having evolved from Optimism’s OVM2 to the enhanced Bedrock framework. Developers proficient in Solidity can effortlessly deploy on Mantle without the need for alterations. We guarantee support for all the latest Solidity features and EVM opcodes, facilitating a smooth development process.

Q4: Can you provide insights into Mantle’s upcoming innovations for 2025, including the enhanced index fund, Mantle Banking, and Mantle X?

Gabe: The Enhanced Index Fund will offer institutions a streamlined, capital-efficient approach to engaging with crypto through a carefully curated selection of yield-generating assets, like MEF (liquid staking), wrapped BTC (FBTC), and SUSD (stablecoin from Athena).

Meanwhile, Mantle Banking seeks to facilitate the connection between fiat currencies and crypto, introducing blockchain solutions for payments, lending, and wealth management with a DeFi-focused perspective.

Additionally, Mantle X will focus on AI-driven DeFi functionalities, automating treasury management and harnessing AI for portfolio enhancement, a fascinating undertaking that merges crypto with AI.

Q5: What significant updates should users expect that will enhance their experience on the platform?

Gabe: The most prominent upgrade is the shift from an Optimistic Rollup to a ZK-EVM framework, positioning Mantle as the largest ZK-EVM chain. This migration will result in shorter withdrawal times (1 hour instead of 7 days) while bolstering security.

Another critical enhancement comes from the implementation of RIP-7212, which introduces hardware-based signatures, enabling user authentication via devices like Apple Face ID and Android Face Unlock. This will enhance accessibility and user experiences, drawing parallels with the intuitiveness of Web2 applications.

Q6: EigenDA is a crucial component; could you elaborate on its functionality and its implications for costs and transaction efficiency?

Gabe: EigenDA functions as a decentralized data availability layer that offloads blockchain data from the main chain, alleviating congestion and lowering gas fees. By allowing Layer 2 chains such as Mantle to scale effectively whilst leveraging Ethereum’s security via restaking, EigenDA assures greater efficiency.

When compared to Ethereum’s blob storage solution (EIP-4844), EigenDA provides consistent costs and enhanced stability. Unlike blobs, which can exhibit cost fluctuations based on market demand, EigenDA consistently offers fees that are 60-80% lower than traditional Layer 2 approaches.

Q7: What challenges have you faced in scaling Mantle, and what milestones are on the horizon for 2025?

Gabe: The primary challenge has been ensuring that Mantle establishes a solid infrastructure and toolset for developers to innovate effectively. Essential components, including interoperability solutions, oracles, RPC providers, and account abstraction, are vital for frictionless development.

In 2025, Mantle aims to:

• Broaden its ecosystem by partnering with notable projects like Merchant Moe, Athena, Compound, and Pendle.
• Enhance features such as liquid staking (MEF) and wrapped BTC (FBTC).
• Launch the index fund, Mantle Banking, and Mantle X to drive on-chain finance innovation.

Q8: What impact do Mantle’s collaborations with LayerZero and other protocols have on ecosystem growth and user retention?

Gabe: Interoperability is crucial for Mantle’s advancement. Users shouldn’t need to distinguish between blockchains—they should experience a seamless interaction. Collaborations with solutions like LayerZero allow developers to abstract the complexities associated with different blockchains, promoting effortless engagement with applications.

By focusing on developer-friendly infrastructure, Mantle fosters an environment where innovative projects can be developed efficiently, leading to wider adoption.

Q9: What fundamental values guide Mantle’s development strategy, and how do they resonate with the larger Web3 movement?

Gabe: While being rooted in Web3 is essential, our vision extends toward achieving mass adoption. The Web3 community largely consists of pioneers, yet to onboard the next billion users, building solutions that cater to a broader audience is vital.

Our core principles include:

• Modular Architecture: Ensuring adaptability and future-proofing the network.
• Financial Accessibility: Providing genuine real-world value through on-chain finance.
• Developer-Centric Focus: Backing early-stage developers through grants and necessary resources.

Q10: How is Mantle positioned within the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and what role will AI play moving forward?

Gabe: Our initiative Mantle X exemplifies our focus on AI, emphasizing AI-driven DeFi solutions. We are collaborating with AI agent developers to integrate automated treasury management and optimization of portfolios within the Mantle ecosystem.

Given the growing significance of AI, Mantle is poised to harness this technology to deliver smarter and more efficient financial applications.

StealthEX: Thank you for participating today!

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