- $108.9M ecosystem fund targets global RWA tokenization and DeFi projects.
- Backed by institutional giants including BlackRock’s BUIDL fund and Laser Digital.
What happened: Mantra’s $109M fund targets RWA tokenization boom
Mantra, a Dubai-based layer-1 blockchain, has unveiled a $108,888,888 (£86.5M) ecosystem fund to accelerate the development of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. Announced on April 7, the Mantra Ecosystem Fund (MEF) will deploy capital over four years, focusing on startups at “any developmental stage” globally. The fund’s backers include institutional heavyweights such as Laser Digital, Brevan Howard Digital, and Amber Group, with Mantra CEO John Patrick Mullin emphasising an “open-arms policy” to attract RWA and DeFi innovators.
The launch follows Mantra’s recent milestone as the first DeFi platform to secure a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This regulatory approval positions Mantra as a compliant infrastructure layer for tokenized assets, aligning with surging institutional demand. Tokenized RWAs, which represent physical assets like real estate or commodities on blockchain, have seen their market capitalisation soar to $19.6 billion in April 2024, up from $17 billion in February, per RWA.xyz.
Mullin highlighted that MEF will prioritise “top-tier teams” building RWA applications and complementary infrastructure. The fund’s timing coincides with BlackRock’s BUIDL fund, which grew from $615M to $1.87B in March 2024, underscoring institutional appetite for asset-backed digital products. Analysts predict RWA tokenization could hit $50 billion by 2025, driven by demand for stable returns amid crypto volatility.
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Why it’s important
The Mantra Ecosystem Fund reflects a strategic push to capitalise on the $19.6 billion RWA tokenization market, which has grown 15% in two months. RWAs are increasingly viewed as a hedge against crypto volatility, with institutions like BlackRock and Brevan Howard allocating billions to asset-backed digital products. Tokenization bridges traditional finance and blockchain, enabling fractional ownership of high-value assets like real estate or bonds, thereby improving liquidity and accessibility.
Mantra’s VASP license in Dubai also signals growing regulatory acceptance of DeFi platforms, a critical step for mainstream adoption. Compliance frameworks reduce risks for institutional investors, who require clarity on custody, auditing, and legal recourse. Meanwhile, RWA projects on Mantra’s blockchain could streamline cross-border transactions and reduce intermediaries, lowering costs for issuers and investors.
The fund’s focus on global startups amplifies competition in the RWA sector, which already includes platforms like Ondo Finance and Maple Finance. With analysts projecting a $50B RWA market by 2025, Mantra’s infrastructure investments could position it as a key player in reshaping how traditional assets are traded and managed globally.
