In a recent development that has the crypto community buzzing, Marco Santori, the former Chief Legal Officer of Kraken, has made bold claims about Solana, positioning it as a blockchain that fulfills promises Ethereum made nearly a decade ago. Santori’s remarks, made in a detailed X thread, coincide with notable Solana price movements that have analysts and traders alike contemplating the future trajectory of this digital asset.
Solmate’s Ambitious Launch in the UAE
Santori, who is now at the helm of Solmate, a new venture focused on Solana infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, is steering the company towards becoming a significant player in the digital asset space. Describing Solmate as a “digital asset treasury and crypto infrastructure company,” Santori highlights its alignment with the Solana Foundation and the financial backing from UAE investors. The involvement of Ark Invest as a rare DAT PIPE investor further underscores the ambitious scope of Solmate’s operations.
Santori envisions Solmate as a “capital accumulation machine,” leveraging the UAE’s status as a financial powerhouse to efficiently convert fiat into cryptocurrency. The Pulsar Group’s backing positions Solmate to outperform individual investors in raising and deploying capital. Key partnerships, like the one with RockawayX, ensure robust staking infrastructure, with plans to establish bare-metal validators in Abu Dhabi to enhance performance and reliability.
Solana vs. Ethereum: A Comparative Analysis
Santori is not shy about his enthusiasm for Solana, declaring it the “fastest, most used” blockchain that is outpacing its peers. His comments draw a stark comparison with Ethereum, suggesting that Solana is delivering on the technological promises that Ethereum made but has yet to fully realize. This bold assertion has sparked conversations about the potential of Solana to reshape the blockchain landscape, especially as it continues to gain traction among developers and users.
Market Analysts Weigh In on SOL’s Price Action
The discourse surrounding Solana isn’t limited to its technological capabilities; its recent price movements have also caught the eye of market analysts. Rekt Capital, a well-known figure in the crypto analysis space, notes that SOL has broken through a long-term downtrend. The critical point to watch is the $238 level, which has transitioned from major monthly resistance to a potential support level on the weekly chart. A successful retest of this level could pave the way for Solana to aim for new all-time highs.
Similarly, trader KALEO has presented the notion that “$1,000+ SOL isn’t a meme,” suggesting that four-figure price targets are within the realm of possibility, though he refrains from specifying a timeline. Such optimistic projections reflect a growing sentiment among traders that Solana’s price could see significant appreciation if current trends continue.
Technical Analysis: Where SOL Stands Now
CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis provides a deeper dive into SOL’s recent performance. Over a 24-hour window from September 17 to September 18, 2025, SOL saw a notable rise from $233.78 to $250.59, marking a 7.2% increase. This upward movement was characterized by heavy trading volumes, particularly around the $245 mark, indicating robust demand that managed to overpower sellers.
The analysis identifies key levels to watch, with $245 serving as a crucial support level. If SOL maintains this level and breaks through the $253 resistance, it could target the $255-$260 range. Conversely, a drop below $245 might lead to a test of the $238 pivot, a critical juncture that could influence SOL’s short-term direction.
The Road Ahead for Solana
Santori’s enthusiastic endorsement of Solana, combined with the promising technical indicators, paints an optimistic picture for the blockchain’s future. However, it’s important to recognize the risks and challenges inherent in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. While Solana’s speed and usage metrics are impressive, the blockchain space is fiercely competitive, and sustained success will require continuous innovation and strategic partnerships.
As Solana positions itself as a viable alternative to Ethereum, investors and enthusiasts will be closely watching how the ecosystem evolves. Santori’s commitment to Solana, marked by his “I’m all in on it” declaration, signals a strong belief in its potential. Whether Solana can indeed fulfill the promises that Ethereum set forth nearly a decade ago remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a formidable contender in the blockchain arena.
With Solmate’s launch in the UAE and the ongoing price action of SOL, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Solana can capitalize on its momentum and deliver on the high expectations set by its proponents.
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
