Raiku · 4 months ago
Lead, Validator & Staking Growth (Solana)
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level
3+ years expRaiku is focused on reengineering blockchain infrastructure to enhance transaction reliability within the Solana ecosystem. As the Lead of Validator & Staking Growth, you will drive the validator engagement strategy, build relationships with validators, and oversee the onboarding process to ensure successful adoption of Raiku's infrastructure.
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Responsibilities
Define and execute the validator onboarding and growth strategy, aligned with Raiku’s milestones
Build and manage the validator BD pipeline, driving clear metrics for adoption and engagement
Lead outreach and relationship-building efforts with top Solana validators
Build and maintain deep relationships with key validator operators, ensuring alignment with Raiku’s roadmap
Advocate for Raiku’s value proposition, communicating benefits to validators and the wider ecosystem
Drive a structured, repeatable onboarding process for validators that ensures long-term success and engagement. Partner closely with the engineering team to ensure technical alignment and smooth validator onboarding
Design and maintain onboarding guides, validator documentation, and FAQs in line with Raiku’s core components / concepts such as our Sidecar, Ackermann Node and Slot Marketplace
Proactively support validators through the integration process, including technical troubleshooting
Monitor validator adoption post-onboarding and implement feedback loops to improve their experience
Collaborate with strategy, BD, engineering and research teams to shape Raiku’s validator incentive model
Gather real-world validator insights on reward structures, market needs (e.g., MEV sharing, slot allocation), and upcoming SIMDs
Along with the engineering and research teams as well as external specialist service providers, help refine Raiku’s tokenomics, incentive alignment strategies, and validator performance frameworks
Advocate for validator needs during incentive model development and Raiku’s economic design process
Understand validator risk profiles (e.g., slashing, regulation, compliance) and help design engagement strategies that account for these factors
Advise validators on risk areas associated with new features like decoupled block-building and slot marketplace participation
Work closely with legal / compliance advisors to ensure validator-facing processes align with relevant regulations and de-risk the Raiku - Validator relationship
Represent Raiku at ecosystem events, validator forums, and technical workshops
Facilitate educational initiatives and create resources for validator partners
Act as the primary point of contact for validator stakeholders, addressing concerns and gathering feedback
Identify and prioritize validator segments based on stake, network influence, and strategic alignment
Track Solana validator landscape trends, policy changes (e.g., SIMDs), and emerging technologies
Provide insights to the product, engineering, and leadership teams to inform roadmap and strategy
Collaborate with marketing on ecosystem positioning, validator content, and success stories
Qualification
Required
3+ years of experience in blockchain infrastructure, validator operations, or business development roles at Solana native validators
Deep understanding of the Solana validator ecosystem, MEV dynamics, and network economics
Proven ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders across the validator and staking landscape
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
Startup mentality: ownership, autonomy, and execution in fast-paced environments
Preferred
Experience at a leading validator firm or blockchain infrastructure project
Existing network of validator partners across Solana and other chains
Familiarity with block-building, pre-confirmations, and slot marketplace concepts
Technical understanding of distributed systems, consensus protocols, and Solana architecture
Benefits
Token allocation
Performance-based bonuses
Budget for travel, ecosystem events, and home office setup
Company
Raiku
Raiku is a Web3 infrastructure startup focused on enhancing the Solana blockchain's reliability and predictability.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$13.5MKey Investors
Pantera Capital
2025-09-24Seed· $11.25M
2024-04-01Pre Seed· $2.25M
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