In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, Layer-1 networks continue to serve as the foundational backbone of decentralized ecosystems. While Layer-2 scaling solutions have grabbed headlines over the past year and a half, it’s the base-layer protocols that remain at the heart of transaction finality, security, and network sovereignty. As we approach 2025, institutional interest is surging, scalability is improving, and innovation is accelerating—making this an ideal time to spotlight emerging Layer-1 platforms poised for significant growth.
Though Bitcoin and Ethereum will undoubtedly dominate market conversations, several next-generation Layer-1 blockchains are redefining what’s possible in terms of performance, interoperability, and real-world utility. Below, we explore five standout chains—each tackling core blockchain challenges with fresh architectural approaches and strategic vision.
Sui: A Strengthening DeFi Powerhouse
Sui has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising high-performance Layer-1 blockchains since its mainnet launch in May 2023. Developed by former Meta engineers who contributed to Facebook’s Diem (formerly Libra) project, Sui leverages a delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) consensus model combined with a novel object-centric data model that enables parallel transaction processing—a key differentiator in speed and scalability.
This architectural edge has translated into real-world adoption: the network now boasts nearly 20 million active accounts and has processed over 4.5 billion transactions, showcasing its capacity to handle high-throughput demand. Its growing DeFi ecosystem has been further energized by the integration of major stablecoins like USDC and FDUSD, as well as support from popular wallets such as Phantom.
A major milestone came with the launch of the Sui Bridge, which enables seamless cross-chain transfers between Sui and Ethereum. This interoperability expands the reach of Sui-based dApps and opens new liquidity channels for developers and users alike. With several DeFi protocols now live—and collectively achieving a growing total value locked (TVL)—Sui is solidifying its reputation as a scalable, developer-friendly platform for next-gen financial applications.
👉 Discover how high-speed blockchains are reshaping decentralized finance in 2025.
EOS: The Phoenix Rises
Once a dominant force in the smart contract space, EOS has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of the EOS Network Foundation (ENF) and its visionary CEO, Yves La Rose—widely known in the community as @BigBeardSamurai. Far from fading into obscurity, EOS is staging a powerful comeback in 2025.
One of its most impactful upgrades has been the integration of EOSDT, a Bitcoin docking layer that allows users to stake Bitcoin directly on the EOS network. This innovative cross-chain mechanism not only enhances interoperability but also brings real yield opportunities to BTC holders. Impressively, over 1,400 BTC—worth approximately $142 million—has already been staked through this system.
The network has also overhauled its tokenomics with a new incentive model designed to boost ecosystem participation. This includes a 315 million EOS allocation for market-making activities and an additional 35 million EOS dedicated to the RAM Ecosystem Fund, aimed at improving liquidity and supporting developer growth.
Adding credibility to its revival, EOS recently partnered with Ceffu, Binance’s institutional custody arm, bringing enterprise-grade security and custodial services to institutional investors for the first time. This move signals EOS’s renewed focus on becoming a trusted platform for both developers and regulated financial entities.
CrossFi: Bridging Traditional Finance and Decentralized Ecosystems
CrossFi stands out with a modular architecture that blends the strengths of Cosmos for consensus and block production with EVM compatibility for smart contract execution. This hybrid design allows CrossFi to achieve extraordinary performance—reportedly capable of handling up to 1 million operations per second—making it one of the most scalable Layer-1 options available.
But CrossFi is more than just a blockchain; it's an integrated ecosystem designed to bridge TradFi (traditional finance) and DeFi (decentralized finance). The CrossFi app offers users a seamless experience with built-in features like swapping, bridging, staking, and even a VISA-powered banking card, enabling direct spending of crypto assets in everyday transactions.
This year, CrossFi strengthened its infrastructure through strategic partnerships with leading API providers and cross-chain oracle solutions, enhancing data reliability and connectivity across networks. These collaborations support its broader mission: simplifying blockchain interactions for mainstream users.
As Chief Growth Officer Phillip Alexeev puts it, CrossFi aims to be “the Apple Pay for crypto”—a user-first platform that abstracts away complexity while delivering powerful financial tools.
👉 See how blockchain is converging with traditional financial services in 2025.
Berachain: Where Liquidity Meets Consensus
Anticipated to launch its mainnet in early 2025, Berachain is turning heads with its groundbreaking proof-of-liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism—a radical departure from traditional proof-of-stake models. Instead of rewarding passive staking, PoL incentivizes users who actively provide liquidity to the ecosystem, aligning network security with economic utility.
Built using the BeaconKit framework, Berachain offers fast finality, low fees, and full EVM equivalence, meaning Ethereum developers can deploy their existing dApps without modification. This compatibility lowers the barrier to entry and accelerates ecosystem growth.
Backed by over $180 million in funding from top-tier investors like Polychain Capital and Framework Ventures, Berachain enjoys strong institutional confidence. Even before mainnet launch, its ecosystem is taking shape with a native decentralized exchange (HoneySwap) and a perpetuals trading platform (Purrpetual), setting the stage for immediate DeFi activity upon release.
Mantra: Leading the Real-World Asset Revolution
Launched in October 2024, Mantra positions itself at the forefront of the real-world asset (RWA) tokenization movement. Built on the Cosmos SDK, this permissionless blockchain combines regulatory compliance with institutional-grade infrastructure—an increasingly valuable combination as global markets seek transparent, auditable asset digitization.
A landmark achievement came when Google Cloud joined as a primary validator—a rare endorsement that underscores Mantra’s commitment to security, scalability, and enterprise readiness. This partnership enhances network reliability and opens doors for future integrations with cloud-based financial systems.
Mantra enables users to bridge its native $OM token between ERC-20 and its mainnet, unlocking access to exclusive RWA offerings and staking rewards. In 2025, it aims to tokenize assets ranging from real estate to private credit, backed by strategic alliances with major players like MAG (a UAE real estate giant) and Zand Bank.
With projections suggesting the global RWA market could surpass $16 trillion by 2030, Mantra is strategically positioned to capture early momentum in this transformative sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a Layer-1 blockchain different from Layer-2?
A: Layer-1 blockchains are base networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum that handle transaction validation and consensus independently. Layer-2 solutions are built on top of them to improve scalability and speed, often through off-chain processing.
Q: Why is EVM compatibility important for new blockchains?
A: EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility allows developers to easily port existing Ethereum dApps and tools to new chains, reducing development time and accelerating ecosystem growth.
Q: How does proof-of-liquidity work on Berachain?
A: Proof-of-liquidity rewards users who provide liquidity to designated pools rather than just staking tokens. This model encourages active participation in DeFi while securing the network.
Q: Can I use CrossFi for everyday purchases?
A: Yes—CrossFi offers a VISA-linked banking card that lets users spend their crypto directly at merchants worldwide, bridging digital assets with real-world spending.
Q: Is Mantra only for institutional investors?
A: While Mantra focuses on institutional-grade compliance and partnerships, its network is permissionless, meaning retail users can also participate in staking and future RWA drops.
Q: Are these Layer-1 platforms secure?
A: Each platform employs robust consensus mechanisms and security practices. However, as with any investment, users should conduct thorough research before engaging with new ecosystems.
As we move into 2025, these five Layer-1 blockchains—Sui, EOS, CrossFi, Berachain, and Mantra—are reimagining scalability, interoperability, and real-world integration. From parallel processing to RWA tokenization, they represent diverse but complementary approaches to solving blockchain’s enduring trilemma: decentralization, security, and scalability.
Whether you're a developer seeking high-performance infrastructure or an investor eyeing emerging trends like RWAs and liquidity-centric consensus, now is the time to pay attention.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve—explore cutting-edge blockchain innovations launching in 2025.