About the Company
The Solana Foundation is a non-profit based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to the adoption, decentralization, and security of the Solana network. Solana is a high performance blockchain that can deliver a fast and friendly user experience, without sacrificing security. The Solana Foundation is working to realize a world where individuals own their data, use permissionless networks, and transfer information and value freely around the world. We are looking for talented people who are willing to jump right in and use their expertise to help the ecosystem build.
What We Do
The Growth team at Solana Foundation builds strategic partnerships with enterprises, financial institutions, regulators, and Web3 communities globally. We work across payments, tokenization, DeFi, and Web2 integrations to accelerate adoption of Solana's high-performance blockchain.
The Opportunity & Scope
We are seeking a Head of Institutional Growth, Japan to lead our efforts in one of the world's most advanced markets for technology and finance. You will direct Solana Foundation's engagement strategy in Japan, developing deep relationships with senior stakeholders at mega banks, regulators, and large payment companies, while also supporting Web3 builders and enterprise partners. This role requires a self-motivated leader who can work closely with the Japan Superteam to accelerate Solana's growth in the region.
To be successful in this role
You will
- Define and execute Solana's BD strategy for Japan, aligned with global priorities.
- Build and maintain deep relationships with senior executives at mega banks, traditional finance institutions, regulators, and large payment companies.
- Support the Japan Superteam and ecosystem partners to build and scale impactful projects on Solana.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with global teams on tokenization, stablecoins, and institutional adoption initiatives.
- Represent the Solana Foundation externally at industry events, conferences, and regulatory forums in Japan.
You ideally have
- 7-12 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or strategy within fintech, enterprise, financial services, or blockchain.
- Proven ability to engage and influence senior leaders at financial institutions and regulators.
- Established executive-level network in Japan across finance, government, or technology sectors - or ability to build these quickly.
- Fluency in Japanese and business-level fluency in English.
- A strong understanding of blockchain, digital assets, and regulatory dynamics in Japan.
- Comfort driving initiatives independently while collaborating with global teams.
About Solana Foundation
Solana Foundation, established in 2020 in Zug to steward the Solana network, a high-throughput L1 known for low fees and sub-second finality, operates as a Swiss non-profit. Founded alongside contributors including Anatoly Yakovenko, the Foundation funds protocol R&D, validator programs, grants and education supporting a broad community of users and developers building DeFi, DePIN and consumer apps. Unlike a company, it is a non-profit that allocates resources via grants and ecosystem initiatives rather than custodying user funds. Backed by network adoption and ecosystem contributions, it coordinates upgrades including Firedancer. Headquartered in Zug with core teams in San Francisco, New York and remote globally, the Foundation guides governance and ecosystem growth. Expect a collaborative, developer-focused culture centered on decentralization, network reliability and expanding accessible, composable blockchain infrastructure for mainstream adoption today.