The company is working with major Solana-based protocols to integrate its tokenized shares as collateral in lending systems.
Forward Industries, a Nasdaq-listed firm, has announced a groundbreaking plan to tokenize its stock on the Solana blockchain. This move positions the company as a leader in the growing integration of traditional equity with decentralized finance. Through a partnership with Superstate’s Opening Bell platform, Forward Industries plans to tokenize its $1.65 billion stock, a decision that is expected to transform how public companies interact with blockchain technology.
Under this agreement, shareholders will have the ability to convert their common stock into tokenized FORD shares. These tokenized shares will be available via Superstate’s Opening Bell platform, which launched in May 2025 as a regulated on-chain issuance tool. The initiative aims to enhance liquidity and provide near-instant settlement while enabling 24/7 trading for the company’s equity.
As part of its efforts to expand its use of Solana, Forward Industries plans to collaborate with major Solana-based protocols like Drift, Kamino, and Jupiter Lend. These partnerships will allow FORD tokenized shares to be used as collateral within decentralized lending systems. “This is a major step toward integrating traditional finance with decentralized infrastructure,” said Kyle Samani, chairman of Forward Industries.
The collaboration between Forward Industries and Superstate marks a significant moment in the blockchain industry. Forward Industries is taking an equity stake in Superstate to align interests and collaborate on further product development. The companies plan to explore new opportunities for tokenized equity in the future, further establishing Solana as a primary blockchain for public company listings.
Superstate’s Opening Bell platform offers the advantage of decentralized issuance and a seamless, regulatory-compliant environment for equity tokenization. This partnership is poised to set a new standard for how traditional companies issue and trade their stocks. Forward Industries’ commitment to using Solana’s blockchain underlines the growing acceptance of blockchain in mainstream finance.
Robert Leshner, CEO of Superstate, expressed optimism about the project. He said, “This is just the beginning of Solana becoming a hub for tokenized public equities.” With the launch of this tokenization initiative, Solana continues to gain traction as a top blockchain for decentralized finance and digital assets.
The tokenization announcement comes after Forward Industries secured a significant $1.65 billion investment. Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital led the private investment in public equity (PIPE) financing. This deal enabled the company to purchase 6.8 million SOL tokens, worth around $1.58 billion, further solidifying its commitment to Solana.
Forward Industries’ increased investment in Solana is part of its broader strategy to build a balance sheet anchored by Solana. The company’s move signals a wider trend among institutions looking to Solana as a stable and profitable asset. In addition, Forward has submitted plans for a $4 billion at-the-market equity program to raise further capital for acquisitions and operational growth.
