Solana News Today: ARK Invest Partners with SOL Strategies for 3.6M SOL Staking to Institutionalize Crypto Staking Services

ARK Invest, the investment firm led by Cathie Wood, has announced a strategic partnership with SOL Strategies, a Canadian blockchain infrastructure company, to serve as its Solana staking provider. This collaboration marks a significant step in the institutionalization of crypto staking services, as the ARK Digital Asset Revolutions Fund transitions its validator operations to SOL Strategies’ enterprise-grade infrastructure. The partnership, formalized by a press release from SOL Strategies—formerly Cypherpunk Holdings—highlights the growing demand for specialized staking solutions among asset managers seeking to generate yields from proof-of-stake blockchains without managing the technical complexities of validator operations [1].

The arrangement involves SOL Strategies operating ARK’s Solana validators through infrastructure integrated with BitGo, a leading institutional digital asset custody provider. This setup ensures secure custody of staking rewards while adhering to regulatory standards critical for investment vehicles like the ARK Digital Asset Revolutions Fund. Leah Wald, CEO of SOL Strategies, emphasized the partnership’s validation of the company’s institutional infrastructure, noting that ARK’s reputation in crypto and tech investing reinforces the credibility of its staking offerings [2].

ARK’s decision to outsource staking operations reflects a broader trend in the crypto sector. Asset managers increasingly partner with infrastructure specialists to mitigate operational risks while maintaining exposure to staking yields. The firm has previously signaled its interest in yield-generating assets, including supporting 3iQ’s Solana and Ethereum Staking ETFs. By integrating Solana staking into its fund architecture, ARK reinforces its strategy of leveraging blockchain innovation to diversify returns for investors [3].

SOL Strategies’ role in the partnership is bolstered by its recent expansion in the Solana ecosystem. The company acquired three Solana validators in March 2025, including the operator Laine, and integrated the validator analytics platform Stakewiz.com. Additionally, it launched the PENGU Validator with Pudgy Penguins, offering staking returns of 7–11% under current network conditions. These moves align with its goal of scaling Solana staking activities, supported by a $500 million convertible note facility secured in May 2025 [4].

The partnership also underscores Solana’s appeal to institutional investors. Cathie Wood has consistently highlighted Solana’s technical advantages, including its speed and low transaction costs, as key drivers of its adoption. During her remarks at Solana Accelerate in May 2025, Wood emphasized the blockchain’s alignment with ARK’s investment criteria: falling costs and accelerating adoption. With over 3.3 million SOL tokens staked across its validators, SOL Strategies now manages a significant portion of Solana’s network, contributing to its institutional legitimacy [5].

While staking yields offer attractive returns, risks such as validator slashing—penalties for downtime or misbehavior—remain a concern. Solana Compass reported over 403 million SOL staked on the network, valued at more than $73.5 billion, highlighting the scale of the ecosystem. For SOL Strategies, this partnership strengthens its market position, even as it navigates financial challenges. The company reported a $3.5 million loss in Q2 2025 but noted growth in staking and validation revenue. As of June 2, it held 420,000 SOL tokens, valued at $61 million [6].

Looking ahead, SOL Strategies is preparing for a Nasdaq listing under the ticker “STKE,” signaling its pivot toward broader institutional recognition. The company filed a Form 40-F registration with the SEC in July 2025 and announced a 1-for-8 share consolidation to meet listing requirements. This move, coupled with recent insider buying activity—such as Tony Guoga’s acquisition of 1.25 million shares—reinforces confidence in its long-term strategy.

The collaboration between ARK Invest and SOL Strategies exemplifies the maturation of staking-as-a-service models. By combining ARK’s visibility with SOL Strategies’ technical expertise, the partnership addresses a critical challenge in crypto staking: secure custody. As more asset managers adopt this approach, Solana’s ecosystem may further solidify its position as a leading blockchain for institutional-grade staking solutions.

Sources:

[1] Cryptonews (2025). ARK Invest Picks SOL Strategies for 3.6M SOL Staking. https://cryptonews.com

[2] CoinMarketCap (2025). ARK Invest Chooses SOL Strategies as Solana Staking Provider. https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6887dd9dfb9c334040026107/

[3] SolanaFloor (2025). Cathie Wood’s Remarks at Solana Accelerate. https://twitter.com/SolanaFloor

[4] Cryptonews (2025). SOL Strategies Acquires Validators and Launches PENGU Validator. https://cryptonews.com

[5] Solana Compass (2025). Staking Activity Report. https://solana.compass

[6] Cryptonews (2025). SOL Strategies’ Financial and Operational Updates. https://cryptonews.com