TLDR

Katana, a DeFi-first layer-2 blockchain, launched mainnet with over $232 million in pre-deposits after being revealed less than a month ago
The platform uses “productive TVL” to measure actively deployed capital rather than idle deposits, focusing on yield-generating strategies
Katana offers rewards including randomized NFT “Krates” and 70 million KAT tokens to early depositors and liquidity providers
The blockchain features VaultBridge for cross-chain yield generation and chain-owned liquidity that converts sequencer fees into reserves
Despite being Ethereum-based, Katana supports blockchain-agnostic yield farming across ecosystems like Solana through partnerships

Katana has officially launched its mainnet as a DeFi-focused layer-2 blockchain. The platform secured over $232 million in pre-deposits within weeks of its public announcement.

The rapid capital accumulation makes Katana one of the most capitalized layer-2 network debuts this year. DefiLlama data shows deposits jumped from $75 million to $232 million between June 1 and June 30.

Source: DefiLlama

Katana was developed by the Katana Foundation as a graduate of the Polygon Agglayer Breakout Program. The platform is designed to support high-yield decentralized finance activity at scale.

The blockchain integrates with established DeFi protocols including Sushi for trading and Morpho for lending. These partnerships provide liquidity providers with various earning opportunities.

Early depositors receive rewards through multiple mechanisms. Users get randomized NFT rewards called “Krates” along with a share of 70 million KAT tokens.

New Approach to TVL Measurement

Katana introduces a concept called “productive TVL” to measure capital efficiency. This metric only counts assets actively deployed in yield-generating strategies rather than idle deposits.

Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, explained the approach provides clearer insight into actual usage. He said productive TVL reflects economic efficiency and long-term sustainability better than traditional metrics.

The platform accumulated over $200 million in productive TVL before its mainnet launch. This capital remains actively deployed across various DeFi protocols and yield strategies.

Katana’s design moves away from traditional token incentive models. Instead, it integrates yields from multiple sources including VaultBridge strategies and chain-owned liquidity reserves.

VaultBridge enables users to earn native Ethereum yields within Katana’s ecosystem. The system redirects bridged assets like ETH, USDC, USDT and wBTC into offchain yield-bearing positions.

These returns get looped back into Katana’s onchain DeFi pools. The mechanism benefits users who keep their assets actively deployed rather than sitting idle.

Cross-Chain Trading and Custody

Through its launch partner Universal, Katana supports trading of non-Ethereum tokens directly onchain. Users can trade popular tokens like SOL, XRP and SUI without leaving the platform.

Universal has integrated with Coinbase Prime to provide institutional-grade custody services. This integration supports minting of assets without requiring pre-seeded liquidity from decentralized exchanges.

The platform uses chain-owned liquidity to ensure sequencer fees get recycled into liquidity reserves. This mechanism aims to create a self-sustaining economic model.

Despite being Ethereum-based, Katana operates as a blockchain-agnostic platform. Users can generate yields across different ecosystems including Solana through partnerships with protocols like Jito.

Katana has allocated around 15% of its KAT token supply for an upcoming airdrop. The distribution will target Polygon token stakers, including holders of liquid staking derivatives.

The platform’s launch coincides with yield farming incentives across integrated protocols. Liquidity providers can earn KAT tokens by staking on platforms like Morpho and Sushi.

Recent DeFi infrastructure advances support Katana’s model, including Agora’s AUSD stablecoin. This yield-bearing stablecoin channels returns from US Treasury and repo markets into Katana’s protocols, forming part of its productive TVL foundation.

The post Katana Blockchain Launches Mainnet with $232 Million Pre-Deposits appeared first on CoinCentral.

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Filed under: News - @ July 1, 2025 10:33 am