Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. CoinMarketCap may be compensated if you visit any affiliate links and you take certain actions such as signing up and transacting with these affiliate platforms. Please refer to Affiliate Disclosure
What is Merlin Chain and MERL?
Merlin Chain serves as a Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin, incorporating essential components like ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs within the Bitcoin chain. Its primary objective is to empower the native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem of Bitcoin Layer 1, facilitating ongoing innovation and maximizing asset potential on Layer 2 networks.
MERL is the native token of Merlin Chain which is used for:
Staking:
Staking $MERL contributes to the overall security of Merlin Chain.
Collator Delegation:
$MERL holders have the option to delegate their holdings with collators or stake $MERL to run their collators to secure the network.
Network Fees:
Merlin L3 has the option to use $MERL to pay transaction fees.
Native Liquidity & Collateral:
$MERL token can be used in the Merlin ecosystem to serve as native liquidity and collateral.
How Many MERL Coins Are There in Circulation?
Merlin Chain will have a total supply of 2,100,000,000 MERL at genesis, and will be delivered to the public, Merlin Eco, early supporters and initial core contributors.
Who Is The Founder Of Merlin Chain?
Merlin Chain is a product line of Bitmap Tech (formerly known as RCSV). Bitmap Tech has previously launched products like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420. Bitmap Tech has long been dedicated to the Bitcoin ecosystem which was founded by Jeff.
Before founding Bitmap Tech, Jeff had been an entrepreneur in the Web2 industry for over a decade, and has garnered funding from industry giants such as Sequoia Capital, IDG Capital, BAI Capital, 5Y Capital, and Vitalbridge, paving the way for one success after another.
Although he had always kept an eye on the Web3 world, he never quite convinced himself to venture into the Web3 domain. It wasn't until 2023, when he saw Ordinals and the BTC ecosystem, that he decided to start constructing in the Bitcoin ecosystem in May 2023, when there was still bias against Ordinals.
Where Can I Buy MERL?
MERL is available for trading on OKX, Bybit, Gate, Kucoin, Bitget, with pairs for several mainstream cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
What is Merlin Chain?
Merlin Chain, a Bitcoin-native Layer 2 solution, revolutionizes the Bitcoin network by integrating advanced technologies to enhance scalability, reduce transaction costs, and improve liquidity. Launched in January 2024 by Bitmap Technology, Merlin Chain operates as a ZK-Rollup network, incorporating decentralized oracle networks and data availability modules to bolster the Bitcoin ecosystem.
The ZK-Rollup network is pivotal in Merlin Chain's architecture, enabling high transaction throughput and low fees. This technology aggregates multiple transactions into a single batch, which is then processed off-chain, significantly reducing the load on the Bitcoin mainnet. The decentralized oracle network ensures reliable and tamper-proof data feeds, essential for smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) operating within the ecosystem.
MERL, the native token of Merlin Chain, plays a crucial role in the network's functionality. It is used for staking, where holders can contribute to the network's security, and for collator delegation, allowing users to delegate their tokens to collators or run their own to secure the network. Additionally, MERL is utilized for paying transaction fees and serves as native liquidity and collateral within the Merlin ecosystem.
Bitmap Technology, the driving force behind Merlin Chain, has a rich history in the Bitcoin ecosystem, with previous projects like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420. Founded by Jeff, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the Web2 industry and backing from prominent investors, Bitmap Technology has been instrumental in advancing Bitcoin's capabilities. Jeff's transition to the Web3 space was inspired by the potential he saw in Ordinals and the broader BTC ecosystem in 2023.
Merlin Chain's total supply at genesis is set at 2,100,000,000 MERL, distributed among the public, Merlin Eco, early supporters, and initial core contributors. This strategic distribution aims to foster a robust and engaged community, driving further innovation and adoption of the network.
What is the technology behind Merlin Chain?
Merlin Chain, a Layer 2 protocol built on Bitcoin, leverages advanced technologies to enhance Bitcoin's scalability and efficiency. At its core, Merlin Chain employs a combination of ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, Data Availability, and on-chain BTC fraud-proof modules. This multifaceted approach ensures robust security and performance.
The ZK-Rollup network is a pivotal component of Merlin Chain. ZK-Rollups, or Zero-Knowledge Rollups, bundle multiple transactions into a single batch, which is then processed off-chain. This method significantly reduces the load on the main Bitcoin blockchain, allowing for faster and cheaper transactions. The "zero-knowledge" aspect ensures that transaction details remain private, enhancing security and privacy.
Decentralized oracle networks play a crucial role in Merlin Chain by providing reliable and tamper-proof data from the outside world to the blockchain. Oracles are essential for executing smart contracts that depend on real-world data, such as price feeds or weather conditions. By decentralizing these oracles, Merlin Chain mitigates the risk of single points of failure and ensures the integrity of the data being used.
Data Availability is another critical aspect of Merlin Chain's technology. Ensuring that data is readily available and verifiable is essential for maintaining the integrity of the blockchain. This is achieved through sophisticated data availability schemes that allow users to verify that all necessary data is present without having to download the entire dataset. This not only enhances security but also improves the efficiency of the network.
On-chain BTC fraud-proof modules are designed to detect and prevent fraudulent activities within the network. These modules continuously monitor transactions and activities on the blockchain, identifying any anomalies or suspicious behavior. By incorporating these fraud-proof measures directly into the blockchain, Merlin Chain provides an additional layer of security that is both proactive and reactive.
Merlin Chain also introduces the native token MERL, which serves multiple functions within the ecosystem. Staking MERL contributes to the overall security of the network, as holders can delegate their tokens to collators or run their own collators. This delegation process helps secure the network by ensuring that only trustworthy participants are involved in transaction validation. Additionally, MERL can be used to pay transaction fees, provide native liquidity, and serve as collateral within the Merlin ecosystem.
The total supply of MERL is capped at 2,100,000,000 tokens, distributed among the public, the Merlin ecosystem, early supporters, and initial core contributors. This distribution model aims to foster a balanced and sustainable growth of the network.
Founded by Jeff, an entrepreneur with a decade of experience in the Web2 industry, Merlin Chain is a product line of Bitmap Tech. Jeff's vision for Merlin Chain was inspired by the potential he saw in the Bitcoin ecosystem, particularly with the advent of Ordinals. Bitmap Tech, known for products like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420, has a strong foundation in the Bitcoin ecosystem, further solidifying Merlin Chain's credibility and potential for innovation.
Merlin Chain's integration of advanced technologies and its strategic approach to enhancing Bitcoin's capabilities make it a significant player in the cryptocurrency industry.
What are the real-world applications of Merlin Chain?
Merlin Chain (MERL) is a Layer 2 solution designed to enhance the Bitcoin network's scalability, efficiency, and functionality. By incorporating advanced technologies like ZK-Rollup networks and decentralized oracle networks, Merlin Chain aims to empower Bitcoin's native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem.
One of the key applications of Merlin Chain is its ZK-Rollup network, which significantly improves transaction throughput and reduces fees. This technology allows multiple transactions to be bundled together and processed off-chain, with a single proof submitted on-chain, ensuring security and efficiency.
Merlin Chain also integrates a decentralized oracle network, which provides reliable and tamper-proof data to smart contracts. This is crucial for applications that require real-world data, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, where accurate price feeds and other data points are essential for functionality.
The two-step zero-knowledge proof submission mechanism and fraud proofs based on Bitcoin further enhance the security and integrity of the network. These features ensure that transactions are verified without revealing sensitive information, maintaining privacy while preventing fraudulent activities.
Compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and popular Bitcoin protocols makes Merlin Chain a versatile addition to the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This compatibility allows developers to deploy Ethereum-based applications on the Bitcoin network, leveraging the strengths of both blockchains.
MERL, the native token of Merlin Chain, plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It is used for staking, which contributes to the network's security, and for collator delegation, allowing holders to support network validators. Additionally, MERL can be used to pay transaction fees and serve as native liquidity and collateral within the Merlin ecosystem.
Merlin Chain's focus on fair launches and community-driven innovations ensures that it remains aligned with the needs and interests of its users. By continuously evolving and integrating new technologies, Merlin Chain aims to provide unique solutions for the Bitcoin network and its users.
What key events have there been for Merlin Chain?
Merlin Chain (MERL) has emerged as a significant player in the blockchain space, particularly as a Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin. This innovative platform integrates ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs within the Bitcoin chain, aiming to enhance the native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem of Bitcoin Layer 1.
One of the pivotal moments for Merlin Chain was the launch of their mainnet. This event marked the transition from development to a fully operational network, enabling users to interact with the platform in a live environment. The mainnet launch was a critical step in demonstrating the viability and robustness of Merlin Chain's technology.
Following this, the introduction of the M-Token Contract Address was another significant milestone. This contract address is essential for the issuance and management of MERL tokens, ensuring secure and transparent transactions within the ecosystem. The release of the User Scenarios and Playbook provided detailed guidance on how to utilize the platform effectively, catering to both developers and end-users.
The implementation of Staking and Unstaking mechanisms allowed MERL holders to participate actively in securing the network. By staking their tokens, users contribute to the overall security and stability of Merlin Chain, while also earning rewards for their participation. This feature is crucial for maintaining a decentralized and secure network.
In a strategic move to enhance data availability, Merlin Chain collaborated with Celestia and Nubit. This partnership aimed to optimize data storage and retrieval, ensuring that the network remains efficient and scalable. The proposal of a solution based on Taproot's aggregated zero-knowledge proof further underscored Merlin Chain's commitment to privacy and security. This innovative approach enhances transaction confidentiality while maintaining the integrity of the blockchain.
The launch of the Merlin Chain ZK-Rollup Network represented a significant advancement in scalability and efficiency. ZK-Rollups enable the bundling of multiple transactions into a single batch, reducing the load on the main Bitcoin chain and increasing transaction throughput. This technology is pivotal for supporting a growing user base and expanding the capabilities of the network.
Participation in the TOKEN2049 event provided Merlin Chain with a platform to showcase its technology to a broader audience. This event is a major gathering in the cryptocurrency industry, attracting key stakeholders, investors, and developers. Merlin Chain's presence at TOKEN2049 helped to raise awareness and foster new partnerships.
The announcement of a $210 million ecosystem grant program was a substantial commitment to fostering innovation within the Merlin Chain ecosystem. This program aims to support developers, projects, and initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of the platform. By providing financial resources, Merlin Chain encourages the creation of new applications and services that leverage its technology.
Significant developments in Total Value Locked (TVL) have also been noteworthy. TVL is a key metric in the DeFi space, indicating the amount of assets secured within the network. Growth in TVL reflects increased trust and adoption of Merlin Chain's platform, highlighting its potential as a robust and secure Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin.
These key events collectively illustrate Merlin Chain's journey and its impact on the blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape.
Who are the founders of Merlin Chain?
Merlin Chain (MERL) emerges as a Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin, integrating ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs. The masterminds behind Merlin Chain are Jeff Yin and Bitmap Technology. Jeff Yin, a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade in the Web2 industry, has secured funding from prominent investors like Sequoia Capital and IDG Capital. Bitmap Technology, previously known as RCSV, has a history of contributing to the Bitcoin ecosystem with products like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420. Jeff's pivot to Web3 in 2023 was inspired by the potential he saw in the BTC ecosystem and Ordinals.
The live Merlin Chain price today is $0.287380 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $13,182,657 USD. We update our MERL to USD price in real-time. Merlin Chain is down 5.52% in the last 24 hours. The current CoinMarketCap ranking is #281, with a live market cap of $150,874,738 USD. It has a circulating supply of 525,000,000 MERL coins and the max. supply is not available.