Solana Founder Journey
Key steps for new builders to master the Solana ecosystem.
Prologue
What is a Solana Founder? It is someone who is driven to build innovative solutions on the Solana blockchain, generate significant revenue, and create massive value for society. Whether from a technical, business, or creative background, a Solana Founder must excel at:
1️⃣ Building a business that thrives.
2️⃣ Mastering Solana’s Unique Value Proposition—both its technical strengths and its ecosystem dynamics.
The 2️⃣ is where Superteam comes in. We don’t just introduce you to Solana’s powerful tech stack—we also guide you through its challenges, ecosystem, and branding strategies to help you build, grow, and sustain a successful venture.
I. Getting Started Builders
What is Blockchain and What Can You Build on It?
Blockchain is a transformative, decentralized technology that ensures secure, transparent, and immutable transaction records. It can potentially revolutionize various industries such as finance (DeFi), supply chain management, healthcare, real estate, identity management, and voting systems. Current trends include the integration of AI, NFTs, decentralized finance platforms, Real-world assets, etc. However, challenges such as scalability, energy consumption, and regulatory uncertainty persist, but these are continuously being addressed as the ecosystem evolves.
For an in-depth exploration of blockchain, refer to the Crypto Theses 2025: Messari Report.
What is Solana?
Solana is a high-performance blockchain that offers not only a decentralized database but also a computing platform, similar to services like Google Cloud or AWS, but with the added benefit of decentralization. Known for its speed and scalability, Solana can process 65,000 transactions per second (TPS), making it one of the fastest blockchains available. This makes it an ideal platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and cryptocurrency projects.
What Can Be Built on Solana?
Solana enables a wide range of projects—from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to gaming, healthcare, real estate, identity management, and beyond. If you're passionate about solving real-world challenges, Solana provides the infrastructure to bring your ideas to life.
Solana tech offers many unique business models (e.g, RWA Tokenization and the on-chain SaaS model) for you to build. Before diving into development, we recommend reviewing the State of Solana Ecosystem from the Messari Report.
We will have a series of workshops for newcomers and activities for you to level up. Follow the list of events:
Follow SuperteamVN’s Calendar: https://lu.ma/superteamvn?tag=beginner-friendly.
Join the group https://t.me/solanainvietnam
Follow X account: https://x.com/SuperteamVN
Well done! Keep going!
II. Solana Ecosystem 101 Builders
Where to Learn and Connect with Other Builders
The Vietnam Builders Ecosystem is a vibrant community where Vietnamese entrepreneurs can collaborate, share insights, and learn from each other. Central to this ecosystem is the Founders' Club, a network for builders to exchange knowledge, find mentors, and form strategic partnerships.
Key Actions:
Step 1: Reach out to https://t.me/faynguyen071 to join our entrepreneur group chat, where you not only learn about the Solana ecosystem through peers but also find partners and build. To get started, please share this info in the group:
Your name
Location
Project interests
Background and goals
Step 2: Based on your area of interest, you'll be placed in a specific working group; ie, AI, Infrastructure, Security, etc. Along your journey, we will help you engage with global founders (from Solana, Tensor, Helius, Squads, and more) to either find a strategic partnership, support, or even early investors.
Step 3: Follow the SuperteamVN channel on X SuperteamVN for updates and events. We regularly host build stations in HCMC, HN, and Danang every Saturday. Follow the calendar here: https://lu.ma/superteamvn
2. Defining Your Project
Step 1: Define the problem you want to solve. Consider the following resources for inspiration:
Real-world solutions: [Click here]
AI-focused projects: Sendai Ideas
Infrastructure projects: [Click here]
VC perspectives: Alliance Ideas
Additional ideas: Superteam Ideas
If you’re moving a project from another chain to Solana, connect with Solana developers or explore learning to build smart contracts. Reach out to https://t.me/khacvy for additional guidance.
Step 2: Engage with mentors and experts within the Shipyard to gather feedback and refine your project.
Step 3: Develop your MVP and pitch deck. Share them within your network (including Shipyard members and global founders) to get valuable feedback. Begin building your product in public to establish your reputation early. Besides, mastering basic business-building skills like Business Model Canvas is a great start.
For inspiration, check out past hackathon winners: Past Hackathon Winners.
III. Featured Solana Builders
As you build your product, it’s time to showcase your work through global hackathons and competitions to gain recognition and attract funding.
Step 1: Register for the Colosseum Global Hackathon: Colosseum.
Step 2: Prepare your MVP, pitch deck, GitHub, and ensure your X account is up-to-date.
Step 3: Market your project, engage with users, and present it to mentors and judges. We have 1-1 for you. Let’s ask our mentors for help
Step 4: Superteam will support your social media efforts and help promote your project in workshops.
Breakout Hackathon 2025 is coming. Please join this group for help. We will support you in all aspects from ideation - production, GTM to 1-1 mentoring here. https://t.me/breakout25vietnam
Learn the strategies to win: How to Win a Colosseum Hackathon.
Winning hackathons not only increases visibility but also provides an opportunity to raise funds and scale your project.
IV. Master Solana Builders
Once your team has demonstrated strong growth potential, it’s time to scale. This stage involves securing mentorship, funding, and forming strategic partnerships with Superteam support and endorsement.
Step 1: Continue building and refining your product based on feedback from experts and mentors. Ensure your pitch deck and metrics are updated.
Step 2: Apply to acceleration programs, such as:
AllianceDAO: Early-stage mentorship and funding for blockchain projects.
OrangeDAO: Community-driven grants and technical support.
Solana Foundation Grants: Funding for innovative Solana projects.
Ignition in Singapore: A dynamic accelerator for blockchain startups in SEA.
Other Solana Ventures/accelerator Programs: Tailored support and investment for scaling projects.
However, do not apply to this program without reaching out to us first. Superteam Vietnam got a direct communication channel to these programs: we know what they are looking for, and we know how to make you more desirable from the program perspective. Our job is to increase your success rate when applying to these accelerator programs.
Step 3: Participate in VC pitching events. Close deals to generate revenue and begin scaling your project, talking to mentors and superteam operators to get invitations.
Step 4: Establish partnerships with other projects within the Solana ecosystem to expand your reach.
Step 5: Support other early-stage projects, build relationships with VCs, and strengthen your network of founders and users.
Following this journey, you’ll position your project for success in the Solana ecosystem, gaining the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to thrive in the Solana space.
Conclusion: From Builder to Leader
Congratulations, you’ve followed the Solana Builder’s Journey and are now equipped to make a significant impact within the Solana ecosystem. With your product and reputation growing, it’s time to solidify your place as an industry leader. Keep building, iterating, and contributing to the community, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an influential figure in the Solana ecosystem.