Merlin Chain Announces Funding to Build Native Bitcoin L2

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Bitcoin’s ecosystem is undergoing a transformative evolution, and at the forefront of this movement stands Merlin Chain, a native Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) solution that has recently announced a successful funding round. With backing from 24 prominent institutions—including OKX Ventures, ABCDE, Foresight Ventures, and Arkstream Capital—Merlin Chain is poised to redefine how assets and applications interact within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

This strategic investment underscores growing confidence in Bitcoin’s potential beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. As the demand for scalable, secure, and feature-rich infrastructure on Bitcoin intensifies, Merlin Chain emerges as a critical player building the next generation of on-chain innovation.

Building the Future of Bitcoin with Native L2 Infrastructure

Merlin Chain is not just another scaling solution—it's engineered specifically for Bitcoin-native assets and protocols. Unlike cross-chain bridges or wrapped asset models, Merlin Chain enables true native interoperability between Bitcoin’s mainnet and its Layer 2 network. This means users can leverage the security of Bitcoin while enjoying faster transactions, lower fees, and enhanced functionality.

The platform integrates several advanced technologies:

These components work in harmony to unlock new possibilities for DeFi, gaming, NFTs, and social applications built directly on Bitcoin. By preserving Bitcoin’s core principles—decentralization, security, and scarcity—while expanding its utility, Merlin Chain aims to catalyze a new wave of adoption.

👉 Discover how cutting-edge Layer 2 solutions are transforming Bitcoin’s potential

Backed by a Proven Team: Bitmap Tech

Behind Merlin Chain is Bitmap Tech, formerly known as RCSV—a team with deep roots in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Over the past year, they’ve launched multiple groundbreaking projects that have collectively achieved a market valuation exceeding $500 million.

One of their most notable successes is BRC-420, also known as the “Blue Box.” Launched under the Ordinals protocol, BRC-420 quickly became one of the most sought-after digital collectibles on Bitcoin. What started as a modest 0.15 USD mint price surged to an astonishing 34,000 USD, placing it second only to blue-chip NFTs like Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and CryptoPunks in terms of market value.

This track record demonstrates not only technical expertise but also an intuitive understanding of community-driven value creation—a crucial ingredient for long-term ecosystem growth.

Expanding the Merlin Chain Ecosystem

Merlin Chain’s vision extends far beyond infrastructure. Its growing ecosystem already spans multiple verticals:

By fostering a diverse range of use cases, Merlin Chain ensures that developers and users alike have the tools they need to build and participate in a thriving digital economy rooted in Bitcoin.

The upcoming mainnet launch marks a pivotal moment for the project. To celebrate and incentivize early participation, Merlin Chain will host a series of staking events and introduce its native token, MERL, through a fair launch mechanism.

What Is MERL?

MERL is the utility and governance token of the Merlin Chain ecosystem. It will be used for:

Crucially, MERL will be distributed via fair emission, ensuring broad accessibility and minimizing centralization risks. Early adopters, active users, and contributors will have opportunities to earn tokens before public trading begins.

👉 Learn how fair-launch tokens are reshaping decentralized ecosystems

FAQs: Your Questions About Merlin Chain Answered

Q: What makes Merlin Chain different from other Bitcoin L2s?

A: Merlin Chain focuses exclusively on native Bitcoin assets and protocols, avoiding reliance on wrapped tokens or external chains. Its integration of ZK-Rollups, oracles, and fraud proofs provides a secure, scalable, and fully on-Bitcoin experience.

Q: When is the Merlin Chain mainnet launching?

A: The mainnet is expected to go live soon. Official announcements regarding exact dates and staking events will be shared through official channels.

Q: How can I participate in the MERL token distribution?

A: MERL will be distributed through a fair launch model, with early access available to users who participate in staking campaigns, developer programs, and ecosystem activities.

Q: Is Merlin Chain compatible with Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens?

A: Yes. Merlin Chain supports Ordinals, BRC-20, and other native Bitcoin protocols, allowing seamless movement of assets between Layer 1 and Layer 2.

Q: Why is institutional funding important for Merlin Chain?

A: Backing from leading crypto investors validates Merlin Chain’s technology and roadmap. It also provides resources for continued development, security audits, and global community outreach.

Q: Can developers build on Merlin Chain today?

A: Developer tooling and documentation are being finalized ahead of mainnet. Interested builders can join the ecosystem program to gain early access to SDKs and support.

Powering Innovation Through Native Bitcoin Technology

Merlin Chain represents more than just technical advancement—it embodies a philosophical shift toward true ownership, decentralization, and user empowerment on Bitcoin. By enabling native asset expansion without compromising security or sovereignty, it opens doors for millions of users to engage with DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications in ways previously thought impossible on Bitcoin.

As the countdown to mainnet begins, all eyes are on what could become one of the most impactful developments in Bitcoin’s history.

👉 Explore how native Bitcoin L2s are unlocking trillion-dollar opportunities

Core Keywords

With strong fundamentals, proven execution, and growing momentum, Merlin Chain is not just building a network—it's building the future of Bitcoin.