Forward Industries Launches Solana Validator with $1.5B SOL Delegation - Major Blockchain Move

Forward Industries (FORD) has launched a validator node on the Solana blockchain, delegating its entire holdings of 6.8 million SOL tokens worth $1.5 billion. The validator operates on DoubleZero, a global network designed to enhance blockchain system performance, and allows investors to delegate stake to Forward at zero cost. Utilizing Jump Crypto's Firedancer client and integrated with Galaxy, both of which support Forward's Solana-focused treasury strategy, this validator is projected to rank among Solana's top 10 by stake. All 6.8 million tokens held by Forward have been delegated, with future validators planned to run exclusively on DoubleZero. This development follows Forward's recent $1.65 billion private investment round, establishing the largest Solana treasury among publicly traded companies, and a subsequent $4 billion at-the-market equity program for operational growth. Despite a 7% share drop on Tuesday, shares recovered over 4% to $24.67 in early Wednesday trading.