Marinade is a protocol built on the Solana blockchain that aims to improve how SOL holders stake their tokens. It uses an automated strategy to delegate stakes across various validators, following guidelines from the Solana Foundation to help strengthen network security and decentralization.
A key feature is its liquid staking option, where users get mSOL tokens in exchange for their staked SOL. These mSOL tokens track the value of SOL closely, allowing holders to earn yields while also using mSOL in other Solana DeFi applications for further opportunities.
The protocol also includes a decentralized exchange function, which lets users trade assets without needing to unstake their SOL first, adding flexibility for traders.
Governance is handled through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), with MNDE as the governance token. MNDE holders can vote on protocol changes and treasury decisions.
Marinade started in March 2021 after performing well in the Solana x Serum Hackathon. It received grants from the Solana Foundation and Serum and chose a community-led development route without venture capital. The mainnet went live in August 2021, and MNDE began public trading in October 2021 alongside a liquidity mining program.
As of January 2022, 64,429,067 MNDE tokens were in circulation, mostly distributed via liquidity mining and rewards for early users. The total supply is capped at 1 billion MNDE tokens.
Potential users and investors should do their own research into the Solana ecosystem and Marinade’s specific mechanics before participating.