Introduction

Several notable developments took place in the Web3 and crypto space during the week of April 4–10, 2025:

On April 4, Lens Protocol launched its mainnet, Lens Chain, marking a significant step forward for decentralized social networking.

On April 7, Mantra introduced a $108 million fund to boost the tokenization of RWA(real-world assets) and advance DeFi projects.

On April 9, PancakeSwap proposed its Economics 3.0 initiative, aiming to reduce token supply by 20% over the next five years.

On April 10, Tether’s CEO announced plans to launch an AI platform by June or September, giving users more control over their personal data.

Abstract

• Lens Protocol launched its mainnet, Lens Chain, to support the growth of decentralized social networks.
• Mantra introduced a $108 million fund to accelerate real-world asset tokenization and DeFi innovation.
• PancakeSwap proposed a five-year plan to cut token supply by 20%.
• Tether aims to release an AI platform by mid to late 2025, empowering users with data autonomy.

Key Events

4/4 Lens Protocol Mainnet Launch

On April 4, Lens Protocol officially launched its mainnet, Lens Chain, which incorporates cutting-edge technologies like Avail’s data availability layer and zkSync to enhance scalability and security. The network also uses GHO stablecoins for gas-free, fast, and scalable transactions. To support decentralized social apps, Lens Chain integrates several key components:

Social Protocol: Pre-built modules for accounts, posts, and groups, which developers can easily embed into existing apps.

Grove Storage System: A permissioned on-chain storage solution that ensures users retain control over their content and data.

Developer Dashboard: An easy-to-use toolset enabling developers to integrate social features quickly, even without advanced programming knowledge.

The Lens Chain launch represents a significant upgrade for the platform, enhancing the performance and functionality of SocialFi infrastructure. With zkSync’s hyperchain technology and Avail’s robust scalability, Lens Chain offers secure and efficient on-chain transactions, while also enabling permanent or flexible storage of user content. This makes it a strong foundation for large-scale decentralized social apps.

In contrast, competitors like Farcaster are still in early stages, with their mainnet not yet fully operational. This gives Lens a clear edge in security, scalability, and functionality, positioning it as a potential leader in the SocialFi market. Currently, Lens supports around 650,000 user profiles and 28 million social connections. While it still lags behind traditional social platforms, the idea of “blockchain-based social media” is steadily becoming a reality.

The community has responded enthusiastically to Lens’ mainnet launch, which could stimulate further investment in SocialFi and attract new capital to the market.[1]

4/7 Mantra Launches $108M Fund to Boost Real-World Asset Tokenization and DeFi Innovation

Mantra, a Layer 1 blockchain, has announced the creation of the Mantra Ecosystem Fund (MEF), a $108 million initiative designed to support the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) startups. The fund adopts an inclusive approach, welcoming high-potential projects at all stages from across the globe.

Over the next four years, Mantra plans to identify and invest in top-tier global projects focused on RWAs, DeFi applications, and related infrastructure through its extensive network of partners. The fund has already garnered support from institutions such as Laser Digital, Shorooq, Brevan Howard Digital, Valor Capital, Three Point Capital, and Amber Group.

Mantra also holds the distinction of being the first DeFi platform to secure a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). With strong regulatory compliance and substantial financial backing, Mantra is positioning itself as a leader in the global RWA infrastructure space.[2]

4/9 PancakeSwap Unveils Economics 3.0 Proposal, Aiming to Cut Token Supply by 20% Over Five Years

PancakeSwap has introduced its Economics 3.0 plan for the CAKE token, marking a shift toward a community-driven growth model with a focus on sustainability. The proposal outlines a gradual reduction of CAKE’s total supply by 20% over the next five years, targeting an annual deflation rate of 4%. This move aims to address the limitations of inflation-driven incentives. The plan also includes a significant reduction in CAKE’s daily issuance, lowering it from 40,000 tokens to 22,500 tokens. This adjustment is designed to increase the token’s scarcity and enhance its value.[3]

In governance, PancakeSwap proposes eliminating the existing veCAKE voting and staking systems in favor of a simplified governance structure. Staked CAKE tokens will be immediately unlocked, granting users full control over their assets. Additionally, fees previously allocated for staking rewards will instead be used to burn tokens, further reinforcing the deflationary mechanism.

This shift in tokenomics represents a turning point for PancakeSwap, moving away from inflationary incentives to prioritize long-term ecosystem value and real returns. By enhancing CAKE’s scarcity, streamlining governance, and optimizing incentives, PancakeSwap aims to attract long-term investors and institutional users, while strengthening user confidence and platform stability.

4/10 Tether CEO Announces AI Platform Launch, Empowering Users to Control Their Data

Tether is expanding into the artificial intelligence sector with plans to launch a decentralized AI platform in June or September. This platform aims to provide an alternative to centralized AI models like OpenAI, allowing users to retain full control over their data. Complex AI computations will be performed on users’ personal devices, such as smartphones and laptops, with the option to connect additional devices for enhanced functionality.

This decentralized approach eliminates the need to share data with centralized platforms like ChatGPT, aligning with the core principles of cryptocurrency. Tether’s CEO criticized centralized platforms for exploiting user data and predicted their eventual demise due to unsustainable business models.

To support this initiative, Tether has hired 60 developers and allocated significant resources to its venture fund, which now exceeds $10 billion, making it one of the largest in the crypto industry. Tether has also invested over $1 billion in data center operator Northern Data. CEO Ardoino envisions Tether not only as a stablecoin leader but also as a global innovator in technology, signaling a positive future for the company.[4]

Summary

This week (April 4–10, 2025), the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry saw multiple significant developments across public chains, decentralized finance (DeFi), and stablecoins. On April 4, Lens Protocol launched its mainnet, Lens Chain, which leverages Avail’s data availability layer and ZKsync technology to improve scalability and security. On April 7, Mantra announced the creation of a $108 million ecosystem fund (Mantra Ecosystem Fund, MEF) to support startups focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and DeFi innovation. On April 9, PancakeSwap proposed the CAKE token Economics 3.0 plan, aiming to transition to a community-driven platform and establish a sustainable growth model by reducing token supply by 20% over five years. Finally, on April 10, Tether revealed plans to launch a decentralized AI platform in June or September, offering users full control over their data and serving as an alternative to centralized AI models like OpenAI.


References:

1. Lens,https://lens.xyz/news/build-socialfi-apps-faster-with-lens-now-on-mainnet?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Cointelegraph,https://cointelegraph.com/news/mantra-108-m-fund-rwa-tokenization-defi-startups
3. X,https://x.com/PancakeSwap/status/1909532322388754754
4. Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/04/09/144-billion-tethers-next-act-a-us-stablecoin-and-a-peer-to-peer-chatgpt/

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