- Pudgy Penguins launched a Solana validator through SOL Strategies to expand its blockchain ecosystem.
- SOL Strategies acquired major validators and doubled its total SOL stake to boost infrastructure strength.
- Canary Capital filed for a new ETF holding Pudgy Penguins NFTs and tokens to attract more investors.
SOL Strategies has partnered with Pudgy Penguins to launch a dedicated Solana validator named PENGU. The collaboration, announced on February 26, 2025, strengthens Solana’s institutional-grade staking infrastructure. The validator is now live and supports both the Solana blockchain and Pudgy Penguins’ growing ecosystem.
Expansion of Institutional Infrastructure
SOL Strategies continues expanding its validator network across Solana. The company offers white-label infrastructure solutions under its validator program. This allows partners to contribute to network security and earn staking rewards. Pudgy Penguins joins this program as a Web3-native brand. The brand is known for its NFT collection and retail toy line in over 10,000 stores.
The validator offers secure, high-performance operations. Delegators using the Phantom wallet can stake SOL tokens directly. Returns currently range between 7% and 11%, based on network conditions.
Pudgy Penguins Enters Blockchain Infrastructure
This partnership signals more than brand visibility for Pudgy Penguins. The validator aligns with its efforts to engage in blockchain infrastructure development. The brand aims to support platforms that focus on scalability, simplicity, and user experience.
This move highlights the company’s shift from consumer products to blockchain engagement. It marks a step toward shaping infrastructure and not just creating content or collectibles.
Validator Growth Strategy Intensifies
In March 2025, SOL Strategies expanded its stake significantly. It acquired three top-performing Solana validators, including the well-regarded Laine validator and analytics site Stakewiz.com. These acquisitions totaled $24 million in value.
The additions have doubled the company’s total stake. SOL Strategies now manages over 3.35 million SOL, worth about $388 million at the time. The move increased its role within the Solana validator ecosystem.
Michael Hubbard, Laine’s founder, joined SOL Strategies as Chief Strategy Officer. He now leads the company’s infrastructure and partnership development. His technical leadership supports the firm’s strategic growth on Solana.
In March, SOL Strategies reported validator uptime at 99.955%. Delegators earned an average APY of 7.41%, exceeding the network’s average. These figures underline its reliability and appeal for institutional partnerships.
ETF Filing Adds Financial Layer
On March 20, Canary Capital filed for a U.S.-based ETF tied to Pudgy Penguins assets. The ETF would hold NFTs, the $PENGU token, and blockchain assets like SOL and ETH. If approved, it would become the first U.S. ETF to directly hold NFTs. The fund aims to offer diversified exposure to Pudgy Penguins’ digital assets.
These combined developments show that Pudgy Penguins is building beyond NFTs into infrastructure and financial instruments.
