🤯RWA Coin SURGE! You Won’t Believe What’s Next!🤑

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So, the Real World Asset tokenization industry is apparently “growing.” You know, like that weird patch of mold in the back of your fridge? Except instead of cheese, it’s attracting big names like Franklin Templeton, BlackRock, and Blackstone. Probably because they’ve run out of actual real-world assets to play with. 🤷

And these cryptocurrencies in the space? Oh boy, they’ve been “performing well.” That’s one way to put it. Their total market capitalization has “soared” to over $30 billion. Soared like a drunken pigeon trying to fly into a headwind. Mantra (OM), a cryptocurrency, has become the second-largest RWA coin after Chainlink (LINK). Its token has surged by 640% over the last 12 months, giving it a market cap of over $6 billion. I guess that’s good? 🤔

Crypto.news, bless their cotton socks, recently had a chat with Patrick Mullin, Mantra’s CEO, about their newly launched ecosystem fund, the token’s performance, and the future of Real World Asset tokenization. Because, you know, we all needed to know *that*. 🙄

Congratulations on the strong performance of your cryptocurrency. With so many RWA projects in the space, what made MANTRA stand out?

Congratulations meme

Mullin, bless him, started with “Thank you!” Always a good start. He’s “proud” of Mantra’s “momentum.” Momentum! Sounds like a washing machine on full spin. Apparently, it’s all about “building a fully compliant, end-to-end ecosystem.” Because who *doesn’t* want a fully compliant ecosystem? Especially if it involves real-world asset tokenization and trading. Their “permissionless chain” was designed to meet regulatory standards. Well, isn’t that special? 😇

They even secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Try saying that five times fast! This apparently makes them “one of the most regulatory-compliant platforms” in the RWA sector. Which, let’s be honest, probably isn’t saying much. 🤣

Beyond compliance, they’re “driving real-world adoption” through strategic partnerships. Notably, with DAMAC Group, who are committing to tokenize over US$1 billion in Dubai real estate. Because Dubai definitely needs more tokenized real estate. Unlike projects that focus on just one piece of the RWA puzzle, MANTRA is building a comprehensive ecosystem – from asset tokenization to exchange infrastructure and investment services. All the buzzwords!

Dubai real estate

You have just launched the MANTRA Ecosystem Fund. Which kind of projects do you aim to support?

The MANTRA Ecosystem Fund (MEF) plans to deploy capital over the next four years. Which, in crypto time, is roughly equivalent to the lifespan of a geological epoch. They’re going to use a combination of OM-token grants and partner capital investments. The MEF will operate with an “open-arms policy.” Because, you know, they’re just *so* welcoming. They want projects at any developmental stage globally, with a particular focus on RWA’s and DeFi. Because those two things definitely go together like peanut butter and… anchovies? 🤨

Applications can be made with just a one-pager through their portal. A one-pager! That’s all it takes to get your hands on some of that sweet, sweet crypto-cash. They’re interested in meeting teams that are building in categories that include lending and borrowing, asset management, trading and exchanges, infrastructure and tools and derivatives and synthetics. Basically, anything that sounds vaguely complicated and financially questionable. 😈

How will MANTRA ensure that the fund’s investments align with its commitment to regulatory compliance and security, given the complexities of tokenizing real-world assets?

Ah, the million-dollar question! (Or, you know, the billion-dollar question, given the market cap). The MEF will only invest in teams that share a similar commitment to compliance and security. Which, let’s be honest, is probably what every ecosystem fund says. “Truly scalable adoption,” Mullin says, “only comes through a compliance and regulatory orientation.” He thinks it’s a “prerequisite” in achieving PMF. Which, I’m guessing, is some sort of crypto acronym. Probably stands for “Please Make Fortune.” 🤑

They will “lend their expertise and network” to ensure teams are sufficiently positioned for the challenges they will face in this vertical. Because nothing says “expertise” like launching a cryptocurrency. 😇

Many blockchain projects have launched ecosystem funds in the past with limited success. How do you plan to ensure that projects in your fund do well?

Mullin claims they’re taking a “very differentiated approach.” Because, of course they are. They’re not like those *other* ecosystem funds. Oh no. They’re special. They’re unique. They’re… differentiated! 🤡

Firstly, most ecosystem funds refuse to accept that we live in a multi-chain world. The result is that they only work with teams that will exclusively partner with them on the infrastructure layer side. This “constrains the variety” of the teams that funds can work with. Which, I guess, is a problem. 🤷

By acknowledging this, this means they can work with teams across ecosystems, and thus can pick from a more diverse range of applications. They want to work with much fewer teams, and make larger resourced bets. This way they believe teams will be properly invested in them and their commitment, as they are them. Got that? Good. Because I’m not explaining it again. 😵‍💫

The second difference is that they are trying to make fundamental, high-conviction bets. This differentiates from other approaches, that issue small cheques, that don’t result in any meaningful or fruitful relationship for either partner. They’re saying that from day zero, they are looking to be long-term partners with those in the MEF. Aiding not just on the infrastructure side but on set up, distribution, press, and so on. So basically, they’re going to shower these projects with money and attention until they become wildly successful. Or, you know, crash and burn. 🔥

MANTRA has positioned itself as a leader in real-world asset tokenization. What unique challenges do you see in bridging traditional finance with DeFi through RWAs, and how is MANTRA addressing them?

The “biggest challenge” MANTRA faces is getting traditional institutions educated with a new technology stack. Because, you know, those old-fashioned bankers are just *so* clueless. They need to be taught about the “benefits and risks” of crypto. And, most importantly, getting their technology working with them, in a way that is compliant and regulatory oriented. Because compliance is key! (Especially when you’re dealing with billions of dollars). 🤑

Mullin claims that traditional institutions “fully understand” the benefits of tokenization. Which is surprising, given how many of them still use fax machines. But there has been hesitancy on regulation and compliance from other possible infrastructure partners (L1s/L2s). That is precisely why they designed their L1 in the way they did, with compliance and regulation at its very core. It’s all about the compliance, baby! 😇

They have designed not just their tech stack, but the fabric of their firm, from their staff to their pursuit of top-tier licensing/regulatory status, so they are an “obvious day 0 partner” to any financial institution. They work in lock-step with their institutional partners, to address all the unique challenges that come with tokenizing a broad spectrum of assets, across different classes and jurisdictions. So basically, they’re going to hold their hands and walk them through the scary world of crypto. 😨

What is the progress on your partnership with DAMAC? When can we see tangible results on this?

Their partnership with DAMAC to tokenize more than $1 billion of assets has “already begun.” Which, in corporate speak, means “we’ve had a few meetings and exchanged some emails.” They look forward to sharing more details soon. Which, in corporate speak, means “we have absolutely nothing to announce yet, but we want to keep the hype train rolling.” Choo Choo! 🚂

How do you see the RWA tokenization market evolving over the next decade, and what role does MANTRA aim to play in shaping that future?

Mullin, ever the optimist, thinks that evolution will come from adoption. With adoption coming from regulation. And a collective composed of both institutional players and passionate builders. He believes in an “open-arms and source approach” when it comes to regulation. Because everyone loves open arms! 🤗

This means working alongside regulators, like they did with VARA, to draft regulations that suit both parties. They’ll continue to do this as they enter new markets. The next part is assisting others seeking to enter those regions and jurisdictions they already have, by sharing their learnings. So basically, they’re going to become the crypto sherpas, guiding everyone through the regulatory wilderness. Good luck to them! 🫡

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2025-04-11 16:27