Merlin Chain operates as a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution, integrating ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs directly into the Bitcoin chain. Its main goal is to support Bitcoin Layer 1’s native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem, driving continuous innovation and optimizing asset utility on Layer 2 networks.

MERL is the native token of Merlin Chain, utilized for:

• Staking: Staking $MERL helps maintain the security of Merlin Chain.
• Collator Delegation: Holders of $MERL can delegate their tokens to collators or stake them to operate their own collators, thereby securing the network.
• Network Fees: Merlin L3 offers the option to use $MERL for paying transaction fees.
• Native Liquidity & Collateral: Within the Merlin ecosystem, the $MERL token functions as both native liquidity and collateral.

What Is the Circulating Supply of MERL? At genesis, Merlin Chain will have a total supply of 2,100,000,000 MERL, distributed among the public, Merlin Eco, early supporters, and initial core contributors.

Who Founded Merlin Chain? Merlin Chain is part of the product lineup from Bitmap Tech (previously called RCSV). Bitmap Tech, which launched tools such as Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420, has long focused on the Bitcoin ecosystem and was founded by Jeff. Prior to establishing Bitmap Tech, Jeff spent more than ten years as an entrepreneur in the Web2 sector, securing investment from major firms including Sequoia Capital, IDG Capital, BAI Capital, 5Y Capital, and Vitalbridge, leading to multiple successes. While he monitored the Web3 space, he did not commit to entering it until 2023. Observing Ordinals and the BTC ecosystem, he chose to begin building within the Bitcoin ecosystem in May 2023, despite prevailing bias against Ordinals at that time.

Where Can You Purchase MERL? MERL can be traded on OKX, Bybit, Gate, Kucoin, and Bitget, with trading pairs available for various mainstream cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin-native Layer 2 platform that aims to improve the Bitcoin network by boosting scalability, lowering transaction fees, and increasing liquidity. Bitmap Technology launched the project in January 2024. It functions as a ZK-Rollup network that uses decentralized oracle networks and data availability modules to support the Bitcoin ecosystem.

The ZK-Rollup structure is central to Merlin Chain, allowing for high transaction volume and low costs. It bundles many transactions into one batch for off-chain processing, which lessens the burden on the Bitcoin mainnet. The decentralized oracle network provides secure and accurate data feeds, which are necessary for smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) in the system.

MERL is the native token of Merlin Chain and is essential for its operations. Holders can use it for staking to help secure the network and for collator delegation, where users either delegate tokens to collators or operate their own nodes. MERL is also used to pay transaction fees and acts as native liquidity and collateral within the Merlin ecosystem.

Bitmap Technology leads Merlin Chain and has a strong background in the Bitcoin space, having created projects such as Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420. The company was founded by Jeff, an entrepreneur with significant Web2 experience and support from well-known investors. Jeff moved into Web3 in 2023 after recognizing the potential of Ordinals and the wider BTC ecosystem.

The total supply of MERL at genesis is 2,100,000,000. These tokens are allocated to the public, Merlin Eco, early supporters, and initial core contributors. This distribution strategy intends to build a strong community to encourage innovation and network adoption.

Merlin Chain operates as a Layer 2 protocol on Bitcoin, utilizing advanced tech to boost scalability and efficiency. Its core architecture combines ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, Data Availability, and on-chain BTC fraud-proof modules to ensure strong security and performance.

The ZK-Rollup network is central to the system. These Zero-Knowledge Rollups group multiple transactions into one batch for off-chain processing. This reduces the burden on the main Bitcoin blockchain, enabling quicker and less expensive transactions. The zero-knowledge element keeps transaction details private, improving both security and privacy.

Decentralized oracle networks are vital for supplying trustworthy, tamper-proof external data to the blockchain. They allow smart contracts to execute based on real-world inputs like price feeds or weather. By decentralizing these oracles, Merlin Chain lowers the risk of single points of failure and maintains data integrity.

Data Availability is also key. It ensures data is accessible and verifiable to uphold blockchain integrity. Sophisticated schemes let users confirm all necessary data exists without downloading the full dataset, which boosts both security and network efficiency.

On-chain BTC fraud-proof modules work to spot and stop fraudulent activity. They constantly monitor blockchain transactions for anomalies. Embedding these measures directly into the chain adds a proactive and reactive security layer.

The ecosystem includes the native MERL token, which has several roles. Staking MERL helps secure the network, as holders can delegate tokens to collators or operate their own. This process aids security by involving only trustworthy participants in validation. MERL also covers transaction fees, provides native liquidity, and acts as collateral within the Merlin ecosystem.

The total MERL supply is capped at 2,100,000,000 tokens. Distribution targets the public, the Merlin ecosystem, early supporters, and initial core contributors to support balanced, sustainable growth.

Jeff, an entrepreneur with ten years of Web2 experience, founded Merlin Chain as a product line of Bitmap Tech. His vision stemmed from the potential in the Bitcoin ecosystem, especially following the rise of Ordinals. Bitmap Tech, creator of products like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420, has a solid base in the Bitcoin space, reinforcing Merlin Chain’s credibility and innovation potential.

By integrating these advanced technologies and strategically enhancing Bitcoin’s capabilities, Merlin Chain positions itself as a significant entity in the cryptocurrency sector.

Merlin Chain (MERL) operates as a Layer 2 solution intended to boost the scalability, efficiency, and functionality of the Bitcoin network. The project aims to strengthen Bitcoin’s native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem by utilizing technologies such as ZK-Rollup networks and decentralized oracle networks.

A primary application is its ZK-Rollup network, which bundles multiple transactions for off-chain processing and submits a single proof on-chain. This approach is designed to significantly increase transaction throughput while lowering fees, maintaining both security and efficiency.

The platform also incorporates a decentralized oracle network to supply smart contracts with reliable, tamper-proof data. This integration supports applications requiring real-world information, particularly decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms that depend on accurate price feeds and other data points.

Security and integrity are further reinforced by a two-step zero-knowledge proof submission mechanism and fraud proofs based on Bitcoin. These features allow for transaction verification without exposing sensitive details, thereby preserving privacy and preventing fraud.

Merlin Chain offers compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and popular Bitcoin protocols. This versatility enables developers to deploy Ethereum-based applications on the Bitcoin network, combining the strengths of both blockchains.

The native token, MERL, serves several functions within the ecosystem. It is used for staking to support network security, collator delegation to back network validators, paying transaction fees, and providing native liquidity and collateral.

With a focus on fair launches and community-driven innovation, Merlin Chain aims to stay aligned with user interests. The team plans to continue evolving and integrating new technologies to offer unique solutions for the Bitcoin network and its users.

Merlin Chain (MERL) has established itself as a notable Bitcoin Layer 2 solution. The platform combines ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs on the Bitcoin chain, with the goal of improving Bitcoin Layer 1’s native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem.

Key milestones include:

• The mainnet launch, which shifted the project from development to a live, operational network, allowing users to interact with the platform and demonstrating the technology's robustness.
• The introduction of the M-Token Contract Address, which is vital for issuing and managing MERL tokens to ensure secure and transparent transactions.
• The release of User Scenarios and a Playbook, offering guidance for both developers and end-users on effective platform usage.
• The implementation of Staking and Unstaking mechanisms, enabling MERL holders to help secure the network and earn rewards, thereby supporting decentralization and stability.
• A collaboration with Celestia and Nubit to improve data availability, aiming to optimize storage and retrieval for better efficiency and scalability.
• A proposal for a solution using Taproot's aggregated zero-knowledge proof, intended to boost privacy and security by enhancing transaction confidentiality while preserving blockchain integrity.
• The launch of the Merlin Chain ZK-Rollup Network, which bundles multiple transactions into single batches to reduce load on the main Bitcoin chain and increase throughput, supporting network expansion.
• Participation in TOKEN2049, where Merlin Chain showcased its technology to investors, developers, and stakeholders, helping to raise awareness and build partnerships.
• The announcement of a $210 million ecosystem grant program designed to fund developers, projects, and initiatives that drive platform growth and innovation.
• Notable growth in Total Value Locked (TVL), a metric reflecting increased asset security within the network and indicating rising trust and adoption of the platform.

These events highlight Merlin Chain's progress and its influence on the blockchain sector.

Merlin Chain (MERL) is a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution that combines ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs. The project was founded by Jeff Yin and Bitmap Technology. Jeff Yin brings more than ten years of experience from the Web2 sector, having raised capital from major backers such as Sequoia Capital and IDG Capital. He shifted his focus to Web3 in 2023, driven by the opportunities he identified within the BTC ecosystem and Ordinals. Bitmap Technology, formerly called RCSV, has previously supported the Bitcoin network through tools like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420.