Sonic (S)

Network and Performance

Sonic is a high-performance Layer 1 EVM blockchain offering up to 400,000 transactions per second (TPS) and sub-second finality. It provides fast, scalable, and efficient infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps), especially in DeFi, gaming, and Web3 innovation.

Token Utility

The native S token is used for paying transaction fees, staking to secure the network, running validator nodes, and participating in governance decisions. It also supports deflationary mechanisms like token burning through airdrop vesting and fee monetization.

Developer Incentives

Sonic offers a Fee Monetization (FeeM) program that rewards developers with up to 90% of the fees generated by their apps, encouraging innovation and growth in the ecosystem. Sonic Gems reward apps for user engagement, which can be converted into S tokens for further incentives.

Interoperability and Liquidity

Sonic Gateway is a secure native bridge connecting Sonic to Ethereum, allowing seamless asset transfers and access to vast liquidity. This bridge includes a fail-safe mechanism to protect assets in case of issues.

Use Cases

• DeFi applications benefiting from high speed and low fees
• Blockchain gaming with AAA titles supported on Sonic’s Solana Layer 2 network
• NFT marketplaces and digital asset trading
• Fast, cost-effective transactions and staking rewards for users
• Enabling developers to build scalable, user-friendly dApps with strong financial incentives

Ecosystem Growth

Sonic supports airdrops and community incentives to encourage user participation and developer engagement, aiming to build a vibrant ecosystem around the S token and its blockchain platform.

Pros

• Sonic is a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain evolved from Fantom, offering ultra-fast transactions with speeds up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) and sub-second finality.
• It uses a DAG-based consensus mechanism (Lachesis) that improves scalability and rapid transaction confirmation.
• Sonic is EVM-compatible, allowing easy migration and development of Ethereum-based dApps.
• The network features innovative developer incentives through its Fee Monetisation (FeeM) program, rewarding developers up to 90% of transaction fees generated by their dApps.
• Sonic supports seamless interoperability with Ethereum via a secure native bridge, providing access to vast liquidity.
• It has a strong backing with $16 million raised from notable investors and a large, engaged community.
• The blockchain infrastructure is designed for a Web3 future, with features like native account abstraction and gas monetization.
• Sonic offers staking opportunities for token holders to secure the network and earn rewards.
• The rebranding from Fantom to Sonic aims to refresh the project’s image and technology, potentially attracting new users and developers.

Cons

• Despite claims of very high TPS, real-world average transaction speeds are currently much lower (around 6.92 TPS with a max recorded of 471 TPS).
• The S token has a large circulating supply, which may limit its price growth potential.
• Existing token burning mechanisms may not sufficiently control inflationary pressures.
• Sonic faces strong competition from other Layer-1 blockchains with similar goals and features.
• Market adoption and user growth remain challenges, especially convincing users and developers to embrace the rebrand and new direction.
• Price performance has been bearish in 2025, with downtrends and underperformance compared to other smart contract platforms.
• Regulatory uncertainties and evolving crypto regulations could impact Sonic’s future development and adoption.
• Transitioning from testnet to mainnet and achieving promised performance under real-world conditions is still a work in progress.

Founders and Key Figures

Sonic was co-founded by Andre Cronje, a well-known software developer famous for his work in decentralized finance (DeFi) projects like Yearn Finance. He is recognized as a co-founder and architect of Sonic Labs. Michael Kong is the CEO and founder of Sonic Labs, the company behind Sonic. Chris Zhu is also mentioned as CEO and founder of Sonic in some sources, indicating leadership roles in the project.

Additional Information

• Andre Cronje played a key advisory role in Sonic's development, especially in refining its multi-chain capabilities and DeFi infrastructure.
• Michael Kong has a background in blockchain technology and has led Sonic Labs through its evolution from Fantom to Sonic.
• Chris Zhu is noted as CEO and founder in some reports, highlighting his involvement in Sonic's leadership.

Thus, the main founders and leaders associated with Sonic are Andre Cronje and Michael Kong, with Chris Zhu also playing a founding or leadership role.

Investors in Sonic

Sonic raised $12 million in a Series A funding round. The lead investor was Bitkraft, with participation from Galaxy Interactive and Big Brain Holdings. Additionally, Sonic successfully raised $16 million from investors including OKX Ventures, Republic, Mirana Ventures, IVC, Galaxy Interactive, and BITKRAFT Ventures.

Shariah Compliance

Sonic is considered halal for Islamic investment according to expert Shariah analysis from Sharlife, a registered Shariah advisory firm. It has undergone comprehensive Islamic screening to ensure compliance with Islamic finance principles.

Halal Rating

Practical Islamic Finance rates Sonic as "Comfortable" from a halal perspective, indicating it meets criteria for positive impact and compliance with Islamic values.

Summary

Yes, Sonic is halal because it has been reviewed and approved by Islamic finance experts based on its structure and operations.