Raoul Pal: The Journey Man

Why Solana Built a Smartphone (And Why it Might Work)

27 snips
Sep 4, 2025
Emmett Hollyer, the general manager of Solana Mobile, shares his vision for revolutionizing mobile tech with Solana's Seeker phone. He discusses how this crypto-native smartphone aims to enhance user experience by integrating self-custody and secure digital identities. Emmett highlights the need for a unified mobile platform in the fragmented crypto ecosystem and the potential of mobile technology to empower users globally. He also reflects on the challenges of hardware development while envisioning a future where Web3 apps can thrive seamlessly.
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INSIGHT

Platform Over App Store

  • Solana Mobile built a new mobile platform because Apple/Google business models conflict with crypto-native transactions.
  • They aim to be open, crypto-first, and remove intermediaries that take large fees.
INSIGHT

Small Hardware Base Drives Network Effects

  • Shipping dedicated devices concentrates a high-value, engaged user base that attracts builders.
  • A modest installed base can bootstrap network effects and developer interest quickly.
ANECDOTE

Saga Airdrops Paid For Devices

  • Saga buyers discovered airdrops made the device pay for itself and demand surged.
  • Emmett says that organic rewards and exclusives drove the initial sell-out.
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