The Mantra blockchain network has introduced a $108,888,888 ecosystem fund to support startups focusing on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi) in response to the increasing demand for stable, asset-backed digital products. Mantra, a layer-1 (L1) blockchain designed for tokenized RWAs, has launched the Mantra Ecosystem Fund (MEF) to promote the growth and adoption of projects and startups operating on its network. The fund will be deployed over the next four years among high-potential blockchain projects globally, with investment opportunities sourced through Mantra’s network of partners, including Laser Digital, Shorooq, Brevan Howard Digital, Valor Capital, Three Point Capital, and Amber Group. Mantra CEO John Patrick Mullin stated that the fund will welcome projects at any development stage globally, focusing on RWAs and DeFi to become the underlying infrastructure layer for tokenized asset issues worldwide. The launch of the fund follows Mantra’s achievement of obtaining a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), making it the first DeFi platform to do so. Investor interest in RWAs is growing, driven by institutional demand as a hedge against market volatility and economic uncertainty. Despite market fluctuations, tokenized RWAs recently reached a record high market capitalization of over $19.6 billion as of early April. Analysts predict RWAs could reach a $50 billion all-time high by the end of 2025 with support from major players like BlackRock, whose USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) saw a significant increase in assets under management.