Solana's Meteoric Rise: What it Means for Blockchain Recruitment

Over the last few years, Solana has shot to fame in the blockchain world, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a hot topic. Known for its incredibly fast transaction speeds, low fees, and innovative take on scalability, Solana has gained serious attention as one of the most promising Layer 1 blockchain platforms. But with great innovation comes great demand for skilled talent. As Solana grows, so too does the need for blockchain developers, architects, and experts proficient in its ecosystem.

This blog will examine Solana’s rise, exploring its technical advantages and impact on blockchain recruitment. We’ll also highlight the broader trend of Layer 1 blockchains, like Solana and Sui, disrupting Ethereum’s reliance on Layer 2 solutions. 

Solana's Rocket-Fuelled Growth in the Blockchain Space

When you hear the word "blockchain," chances are Ethereum comes to mind. While Ethereum has long been the dominant player, Solana has steadily gained ground and is now seen as one of the most significant contenders in the space. 

So, what sets the Solana platform apart, why is it so popular, and why are blockchain companies and developers flocking to it?

1. High Performance Meets Scalability

Solana’s claim to fame is its ability to process thousands of transactions per second (TPS) without sacrificing decentralisation. With its architecture designed to handle up to 65,000 TPS, Solana ensures that it can keep up with growing demand in real-time applications, making it the go-to blockchain for high-performance, speed-centric use cases. This scalability directly addresses one of the main issues facing older platforms like Ethereum, which struggles with congestion and high transaction costs during peak demand times.

Unlike Ethereum, which focuses on solving scalability with Layer 2 solutions, Solana’s Layer 1 architecture is engineered to scale directly at the base layer. This is a game-changer for developers and businesses, offering an alternative approach that reduces the need for additional layer-based solutions.

2. The Low-Cost Alternative

Anyone who has interacted with Ethereum knows that gas fees can become astronomical, particularly during high network congestion. The Solana platform, on the other hand, solves this problem by offering transaction costs that average just $0.00025. The incentive of affordability has opened the door for mass adoption, especially in decentralised finance (DeFi), gaming, and the NFT ecosystem, where every transaction counts.

The reduced cost is another big reason why Solana has gained significant traction within the Web3 space, making it an attractive option for startups, scale-ups, and established enterprises looking to build fast, low-cost, decentralised applications (dApps).

3. The Rise of Meme Coins on Solana

Solana has become a popular platform for meme coins thanks to its fast transaction speeds and low fees. This makes it a great choice for meme coin creators and traders, as buying, selling, and creating coins is more affordable compared to Ethereum's higher gas fees. Solana is native to many popular meme coins, with Bonk being a standout example.

The meme coin trend on Solana has gained significant traction, attracting new token launches and contributing to the platform's growing popularity. In fact, this surge in meme coins helped Solana’s native token (SOL) reach new all-time highs, especially with the recent launch of Trump-related meme coins.

Although meme coins are a big deal on Solana right now, the platform also continues to support a range of other applications, including NFTs and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.

4. Booming DeFi Space

Solana has quickly established itself as a hub for decentralised finance (DeFi) projects, including platforms like Serum, Raydium, and Solend. These projects benefit from Solana’s high throughput and minimal fees, offering decentralised exchanges, lending platforms, and yield farming opportunities with ease. EVM-based DeFi platforms are also looking to build cross-chain infrastructure to benefit from Solana’s efficiencies. As the DeFi space continues to grow, Solana’s performance and affordability make it an essential player for developers looking to innovate in this sector.

5. Resilience Amidst Setbacks

Despite facing challenges, including a turbulent 2022 with major industry shakeups, Solana has shown remarkable resilience and is bouncing back stronger than ever. With continued technological improvements, an expanding developer ecosystem, and strong community support, the Solana platform has proven its position as a blockchain worth watching.

Layer 1 vs. Layer 2: The Changing Blockchain Game

As you may know, the battle between Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions has been a big topic in the blockchain world. For years, Ethereum has been the gold standard for decentralised applications, but its reliance on Layer 2 scaling solutions, such as Optimistic Rollups and zk-Rollups, has raised questions about the long-term scalability of its architecture.

Solana uses its Layer 1 architecture to bypass the need for Layer 2 scaling entirely. By using a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH), Solana timestamps transactions to ensure quick validation, allowing it to achieve scalability at the base layer. Ultimately, this approach could change the way developers and businesses think about blockchain scalability.

However, while Solana’s Layer 1 approach is a promising solution, it’s important to note that both Layer 1 and Layer 2 technologies will likely coexist in the blockchain ecosystem. While the Solana platform offers a high-performance, cost-effective alternative, Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions will continue to be a key component in addressing scalability and other challenges in the Web3 space.

Let’s break it down: 

In blockchain, scalability is crucial for achieving mass adoption. The ongoing debate between Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) solutions has taken centre stage, with protocols like Ethereum Solana and emerging players such as Sui, Aptos, and Move driving innovation.

Layer 1 Innovations: Scaling from the Ground Up

Layer 1 blockchains, such as Solana, Sui, and Aptos, aim to tackle scalability directly at the core level. By using advanced technologies, these networks strive for high throughput, lower latency, and cost efficiency, all without relying on secondary layers.

Here’s how Solana enhances scalability:

Solana's Proof of History (PoH): As we previously mentioned, Solana uses PoH to timestamp transactions, creating a historical record that makes consensus simpler and faster. By eliminating the need for Layer 2 scaling, Solana has positioned itself as a serious contender to Ethereum. However, it’s worth noting that Solana’s hardware requirements for validators have sparked concerns about centralisation, as fewer participants can afford to join the network.

Sui and Aptos: These networks take a fresh approach with the Move programming language, originally developed at Meta, to build secure and highly scalable systems. Their standout feature? Parallel transaction execution, which reduces bottlenecks and boosts performance.

For use cases like gaming, the NFT ecosystem, and DeFi, where low fees and rapid transaction speeds are essential, these advancements in Layer 1 technology may diminish reliance on L2 solutions.

The Role of Layer 2: Adding Flexibility and Versatility

While Layer 1 blockchains aim to solve scalability challenges at their foundation, Ethereum has taken a different route, focusing on Layer 2 solutions to complement its base layer. These L2s handle transaction processing off-chain while retaining Ethereum's strong security.

Take a look below to discover how layer 2 platforms add elements of flexibility and versatility:

Optimistic Rollups (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism): By bundling multiple transactions off-chain before submitting them to Ethereum, Optimistic Roll-Ups help reduce gas fees and network congestion.

Zero-Knowledge Rollups (zk-Rollups): zk-Rollups takes things a step further by validating transactions with cryptographic proofs, ensuring both privacy and efficiency. They also offer faster finality compared to Optimistic Rollups, making them a rising favourite for many developers.

With Ethereum 2.0's ongoing upgrades and the anticipated introduction of updates such as sharding, these Layer 2 solutions remain a critical part of Ethereum’s scalability strategy.

Comparing Move, Solana, and EVM

Move offers some exciting differences when compared to Solana and EVM, especially in how blockchain programming is handled:

Move vs. Solana: Solana uses Rust, which is powerful but complex. Move, on the other hand, is built specifically for blockchain. Its focus on resource safety prevents accidental duplication or deletion of assets, making Move more developer-friendly for blockchain-specific use cases.

Move vs EVM: Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a core part of Ethereum. EVM is widely used but lacks built-in resource management. Developers often need workarounds to handle issues like double-spending. However, Move addresses these challenges directly, ensuring more secure and efficient smart contracts at the language level.

While EVM has a bigger ecosystem and Solana offers speed, Move stands out with its emphasis on safety and efficiency, offering a modern alternative for blockchain development.

Can Layer 1s Replace Layer 2s?

The big question: will improved Layer 1 blockchains like Sui and Solana make Layer 2 solutions obsolete?

Not quite. While advanced Layer 1s can address scalability for many applications, there are key reasons why L2s will continue to play an important role:

Diverse Use Cases: Not all projects require the same kind of scalability. Layer 2 solutions shine when it comes to delivering privacy, interoperability, or ultra-low transaction costs for specific needs.

Decentralisation Concerns: Achieving high throughput on Layer 1 requires trade-offs in decentralisation. Ethereum's reliance on Layer 2 scaling allows it to maintain its decentralised ethos while still addressing performance challenges.

The Future of Web3: As blockchain ecosystems expand, a hybrid approach combining efficient Layer 1 architectures with Layer 2 solutions could become the most effective way forward. 

Ultimately, 2025 could be the year of experimentation and breakthroughs. Will Solana finally emerge as the go-to Layer 1? Or will Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions cement its dominance? One thing is clear, the race is far from over, and both approaches are likely to coexist, driving the ecosystem toward a scalable, user-friendly future.

Hiring for Layer 1 and Layer 2 Expertise

As blockchain technology evolves, so too does the demand for talent. The rise of Solana and similar Layer 1 platforms is reshaping blockchain and Web3 recruitment needs across the industry. Companies are now looking for developers skilled not only in Layer 1 technologies like Solana but also in Layer 2 solutions like Ethereum.

This presents a unique challenge for blockchain recruiters and hiring managers. The skill set required to work with both Layer 1 and Layer 2 technologies is evolving, and businesses must adapt to these changes to build competitive teams.

To learn more about how to identify and assess a talented blockchain developer, discover our insightful guide - How to Assess Candidates for Your Blockchain Developer Jobs.

What Does This Mean for Blockchain Recruitment?

As businesses explore the potential of the Solana platform, Web3 companies are looking to hire developers, architects, and engineers with expertise in Solana’s technology stack. To build on Solana’s Layer 1 platform, knowledge of Rust, Solana’s primary programming language, and understanding the intricacies of its Proof of History consensus mechanism is essential.

However, businesses are increasingly seeking talent who can navigate multi-layer solutions, integrating both Layer 1 and Layer 2 technologies. Blockchain and Web3 recruitment is about finding individuals who can work across multiple platforms and integrate various technologies to solve scalability and performance challenges.

Key Challenges in Blockchain Recruitment

As Solana and other Layer 1 blockchains continue to make waves, businesses are facing several challenges in recruiting the right talent. These challenges include:

Scalability and Complexity: While Layer 1 blockchains like Solana promise scalability, the technical complexity of building on these platforms is significant. Developers need to have a deep understanding of the blockchain's underlying architecture and consensus mechanisms.

Cross-Platform Expertise: With both Ethereum and Solana playing significant roles in the blockchain ecosystem, businesses need talent with expertise in both Layer 1 and Layer 2 technologies. Blockchain recruiters must be equipped to find candidates who can manage this cross-platform environment.

Keeping Up with Technological Shifts: Blockchain technology is evolving rapidly, and businesses must be prepared to hire developers who can keep up with emerging trends and innovations. This means looking beyond the current skill set and focusing on the potential for continuous learning.

Best Practices for Blockchain Recruitment

To stay competitive in the blockchain space, businesses must prioritise hiring talent that can drive innovation and scalability. 

Here are some best practices for blockchain hiring in the age of advancing platforms:

Hire for Specialised Skills

Developers with expertise in Rust for Solana, Solidity for Ethereum, or tools like Cairo for zk-Rollups are in high demand. Specialised skills are critical whether building low-latency smart contracts on Solana or deploying efficient rollups on Ethereum. Businesses should use blockchain-specific job boards, tap into developer communities on GitHub, and explore platforms like Discord to connect with talent well-versed in these technologies.

Prioritise Cross-Platform Talent

Hiring developers capable of navigating both Layer 1 and Layer 2 technologies can future-proof your team. For example, projects that bridge Solana’s speed with Ethereum’s ecosystem often rely on a variety of interoperability tools. By specifying the need for experience in these tools in job postings, organisations can attract candidates who are adept at integrating multiple platforms for scalability and performance.

Tap Into Expanding Ecosystems

Both Solana and Ethereum boast vibrant ecosystems with active developer communities. Recruit talent who have contributed to impactful projects. Participating in events like Solana Hacker House or Ethereum-focused conferences or sponsoring open-source projects can help you engage directly with highly skilled professionals.

Build Strategic Partnerships with Blockchain Bootcamps

Collaborating with boot camps provides access to a steady pipeline of talent trained in essential skills. Businesses can enhance this partnership by sponsoring scholarships, offering tailored internships, or hosting hackathons to attract graduates skilled in both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions.

Offer Competitive Packages and Flexible Work Models

Attracting blockchain developers requires more than standard compensation. Offering competitive salaries, cryptocurrency bonuses, and equity options, alongside flexible remote work policies, can make a significant difference. Providing opportunities for continuous learning, such as funding advanced certifications in blockchain technologies, also helps appeal to candidates familiar with decentralised frameworks.

The Final Word on Solana and Blockchain Recruitment

Solana’s meteoric rise underscores how innovation reshapes technology and the demand for talent. Its unique architecture, low fees, and thriving ecosystem have set a new benchmark for scalability, affordability, and performance in blockchain. For businesses and developers, this presents a golden opportunity to use Solana’s strengths to create groundbreaking dApps, DeFi platforms, and the NFT ecosystem.

At the same time, the evolution of Layer 1 solutions like Solana and Layer 2 advancements such as Ethereum’s rollups highlights the need for versatile talent. Blockchain and Web3 recruitment efforts must focus on identifying professionals who can work with both technologies seamlessly.

As we look ahead to the future, we expect Layer 1 platforms to coexist with versatile Layer 2 solutions. For hiring managers and developers, staying ahead means embracing these shifts. Solana is leading the charge, and the opportunities it brings are just beginning to unfold.

Need Help Scaling with Solana?

Don’t wait. Now is the time to scale your Web3 ambitions. With Solana’s rise and the demand for Layer 1 expertise surging, having the right talent is more critical than ever. Missing out means watching competitors seize opportunities that could have been yours.

At Axiom, we specialise in blockchain recruitment, connecting businesses with developers skilled in Solana, Ethereum, and beyond. Whether you're building the next big thing in DeFi, the NFT ecosystem, or Web3, we’ll help you find the expertise to stay ahead.

Contact us today and secure the team you need to lead what’s next.