Yeliz Akmaca 
What is Metal DAO (MTL)?
Metal DAO is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that aims to merge real-world finance with blockchain technology in the Web3 space. At its core is the Metal project, the developer behind the “Metal Pay” cryptocurrency wallet and payment app. Metal DAO offers a decentralized governance structure by allowing MTL token holders to vote on the protocol’s future and platform development. The main goal of the project is to integrate cryptocurrencies into everyday financial transactions while offering a user-friendly experience.
Project Idea
The core idea behind Metal DAO is to seamlessly combine traditional banking and financial services with cryptocurrencies. It enables users to easily buy, sell, send, and spend crypto while allowing the community to guide the protocol through decentralized governance. The project particularly aims to address the shortcomings of traditional finance using blockchain by facilitating interest earnings on crypto assets and access to DeFi.
Team and Founders
The team behind Metal DAO consists of professionals experienced in blockchain, financial technologies, and payment systems. It was founded by Marshall Hayner. Initially, Glenn Marien and Irina Berkon were also part of the founding team. Hayner has a long-standing background in blockchain and previously worked on projects like QuickCoin and Block.io. The core developers and operational team bring together technical expertise and strategic know-how to realize the vision of Metal DAO and drive the adoption of decentralized finance.
Investors and Notable Partnerships
Metal DAO received significant early investor support. The project stands out through various partnerships in the fintech and blockchain sectors. For instance, Metal DAO’s parent company, Metallicus, has received investments from notable venture capital firms like Vantage Point Ventures. Furthermore, integrations with traditional payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard support its goal of bridging crypto with mainstream financial systems. Strategic collaborations with major blockchain ecosystems such as Optimism have also led to the development of the Metal L2 solution on this platform. Listings on major exchanges (like Binance, Coinbase) further enhance the project’s accessibility and liquidity.
How the Project Works
Metal DAO enables users to perform a range of financial operations using the Metal Pay app and the MTL token. Users can store, send, and receive both crypto and fiat currencies within the Metal Pay wallet. MTL token is an ERC-20 token running on Ethereum. They can also earn passive income by staking MTL tokens or using them within various DeFi protocols. Through the DAO structure, MTL token holders have voting rights on decisions regarding fee structures, new product integrations, and strategic directions, allowing the protocol to be community-driven.
Roadmap
The general phases of Metal DAO’s roadmap include:
- Early Development and Launch of Metal Pay: Establishing the core wallet and payment infrastructure.
- Development of the Proof-of-Processed Payments (PoPP) Protocol: A system that rewards users for making payments using cryptocurrencies.
- Formation of the DAO and MTL Token Governance: Granting MTL holders voting power and participation in the protocol.
- DeFi Integrations: Increasing partnerships with decentralized finance protocols and products.
- Global Expansion and Regulatory Compliance: Working on licensing and compliance in various jurisdictions.
- New Product and Service Development: Adding features such as NFT integrations, decentralized identity solutions, or new payment options.
- Community Incentives and Growth: Programs and marketing efforts aimed at increasing user engagement.
Ecosystem and Integrations
The Metal DAO ecosystem includes the Metal Pay app, the MTL token, and various DeFi integrations built on top of it. It acts as a bridge allowing users to easily manage, spend, and invest their crypto assets. Integrations with bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial services enable Metal Pay to connect the traditional financial world with crypto. In addition, collaborations with other blockchain networks and DeFi protocols expand the utility and use cases of MTL.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Crypto Wallet: Easy crypto buying, selling, and transferring via the Metal Pay app.
- Fiat Integration: Direct crypto trading with fiat currencies like USD.
- Decentralized Governance (DAO): MTL token holders can vote on protocol decisions.
- Reward Mechanism: Systems like PoPP offer MTL rewards for payment activities.
- Staking and DeFi Integrations: Earn passive income by staking MTL or using it in DeFi pools.
- Global Access: Potential to serve users in different regions and countries.
- Security: Strict security measures to protect user assets.
Tokenomics and Use Cases (MTL Token)
- Token Name: Metal (MTL)
- Total Supply: 84,646,958 MTL
- Circulating Supply: 84,646,958 MTL
MTL Token Use Cases
- Governance: MTL holders participate in protocol decisions through voting.
- Payments and Fees: Used for transaction fees within the Metal Pay app.
- Staking and Liquidity: Can be staked or added to liquidity pools to earn interest.
- Rewards and Incentives: Earned as rewards through platform activities (e.g., PoPP).
- Ecosystem Funding: Allocated for the project’s growth and development.
How It Works
Metal DAO allows users to bridge decentralized and traditional finance using the MTL token and Metal Pay app. Users can create accounts by downloading the app, deposit fiat or crypto, and perform actions such as sending payments, trading assets, or staking MTL to engage in governance. The decentralized structure ensures that the community collectively guides the future of Metal DAO.
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