- SOL Strategies chosen by ARK to run Solana staking operations for its Digital Asset Fund
- SOL Strategies plans Nasdaq listing after 1-for-8 stock split and increased insider share buying
- The firm manages 3.59 million SOL across five validators, with 88% staked by third-party investors
ARK Invest, led by investor Cathie Wood, has selected SOL Strategies Inc. as its exclusive Solana staking provider for the ARK Digital Asset Revolutions Fund. SOL Strategies, a Canadian blockchain infrastructure company formerly known as Cypherpunk Holdings, will host ARK’s validator operations.
The ARK fund, initiated in 2020, typically invests in 10-12 digital assets over a four- to five-year cycle. SOL Strategies operates five validators managing approximately CAD 888 million (US$647.2 million) in staked Solana assets.
According to the company, over 5,700 wallets now stake through its infrastructure, with just 12% originating from its treasury and the remaining 88% from external investors. The company’s infrastructure is combined with BitGo, a leading institutional custody platform, which improves the secure and compliant validator services.
Leah Wald, SOL Strategies CEO, said ARK’s move corroborates its institutional staking capabilities and market position.
Institutional Growth in Solana Staking and Blockchain Infrastructure
The collaboration highlights an increased institutional interest in staking as a yield strategy on blockchain networks. The Solana staking operates on a two- to three-day epoch cycle. Stakers are paid in SOL at the end of each epoch.
The process, however, can be risky. Investor losses can be incurred by staked tokens being slashed due to validators’ misbehavior or their going offline. Notably, the amount of SOL staked in the network exceeds 403 million, which is equivalent to nearly $73.5 billion, according to Solana Compass.
Although SOL Strategies’ net loss was $3.5 million in Q2 2025, the rise in staking and validator revenue was high. In March 2025, the company acquired three validators, including Laine, and gained control of Stakewiz.com, a validator analytics platform.
In addition to its expansion, the company also announced a $500 million convertible note facility with ATW Partners to acquire and stake additional SOL tokens. SOL Strategies also launched PENGU Validator in April in partnership with Pudgy Penguins, offering annual returns of 7% to 11%.
ARK Invest’s Move Amid Crypto Yield Demand
Ark Invest’s shift is part of a trend among asset managers seeking yield-generating crypto investments along with capital gains. The company has invested in staking ETFs like 3iQ Solana and Ethereum products and it also remains active in Bitcoin ETFs and crypto-linked equities.
Regulatory clarity in the U.S. is encouraging family offices, hedge funds, and institutional investors to pursue regulated products that offer compliant exposure to assets like Solana.
Institutional interest in Solana has also been rising. Companies like DeFi Development Corp. and Upexi have shifted parts of their treasuries into Solana.
Also Read | Crypto Treasury Stocks Fuel ETH Unstaking Surge, Says Cathie Wood
SOL Strategies Files to List on Nasdaq
The ARK partnership comes as SOL Strategies prepares for a Nasdaq listing. The firm filed a Form 40-F registration with the SEC on June 19 and will consolidate its shares at a 1-for-8 ratio by early August to meet listing requirements. It currently trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange and will retain its foreign private issuer status in the U.S.
Also Read | Solana August Prediction: What Happens If It Breaks $200?
