Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko endorsed an AI-driven approach to software development and shared significant financial achievements for the blockchain network this year.

AI as a “Force Multiplier” for Developers

Yakovenko explained that he has shifted away from hands-on programming, now relying on AI tools like Claude to handle coding tasks. This allows him to focus on high-level oversight while leveraging the technology’s power. He described AI-assisted coding as a “great force multiplier” for experts, enabling them to enhance productivity by automating complex programming work.

To maintain quality, Yakovenko stressed the importance of vigilant supervision. He monitors the AI’s output to identify when it’s “going off the rails” with logical deviations or errors. His comments highlight a broader trend in software engineering, where AI tools are increasingly supporting developers and accelerating project timelines, especially within complex ecosystems like Solana.

Solana’s Performance and Financial Expansion

Turning to the network’s performance, Yakovenko reported that the Solana blockchain generated $2.85 billion in annual revenue during 2025, with most of it sourced from cryptocurrency trading platforms. This figure underscores the platform’s significant operational scale.

He also noted a major step into regulated investment vehicles with the launch of Solana’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF). The fund, managed by Bitwise, recorded an impressive $70 million in inflows on its debut day.

Yakovenko credited Solana’s progress to the increasing integration of cryptocurrency into traditional finance. He observed that finance professionals grasp blockchain concepts quickly, as they are already familiar with the core principles of settlement processes and banking risks that parallel the technology’s functions.