At Crossroads 2025, Kouga shares views on tokenomics, utility-driven airdrops, and Solana’s mission to power global Web3 infrastructure.
At Solana Crossroads 2025, Kouga of the Solana Foundation sat down with Airdrops.com to share his thoughts on token economics, airdrops, and how the Foundation is shaping the future of decentralized infrastructure. His frank insights pulled no punches—and offered a rare glimpse into the guiding mindset behind one of Web3’s most influential ecosystems.
For Kouga, the mission is clear: Solana should power the next wave of global decentralized apps. And while funding plays a role—he works in the grants division—it’s not just about handing out money. The Foundation focuses on giving early-stage builders the right guidance, connections, and strategic support to grow in a sustainable, long-term way.
A core part of Kouga’s role involves vetting projects, and tokenomics is a red flag in many cases. He cautions that most Web3 projects aren’t thinking beyond a 1-year roadmap, with “99% of tokenomics” failing to support true long-term growth. To get funding, builders must show that they understand how their token will function 5–10 years into the future—not just pump in the short term.
Kouga also offered a fresh perspective on airdrops, urging the industry to move past the basic “free tokens” model. He sees airdrops as a powerful, underutilized engagement tool—especially when used creatively. From NFT rewards and mystery drops to loyalty-based campaigns, the potential goes far beyond token distribution.
Looking ahead, Kouga emphasized that Solana’s greatest asset is consistency—delivering through bull and bear markets alike. He believes the Foundation must remain focused on scalability, onboarding, and staying ahead of rising ecosystems like Sui. But for now, he’s proud of the progress and momentum Solana has built—especially within its thriving, global community.
