Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko stirred controversy this week after describing NFTs and memecoins as “digital slop,” igniting debate over the role of speculative assets in Web3 ecosystems.
The comment, made in response to a post by Base creator Jesse Pollak, dismissed the idea that such tokens have any inherent value—suggesting their popularity is more psychological than practical.
The statement landed poorly across crypto circles, especially within the Solana community, where memecoins are a major driver of growth. Critics quickly pointed out the contradiction between Yakovenko’s skepticism and Solana’s active promotion of meme-driven activity on its network. “You don’t get to profit off this wave and insult it at the same time,” wrote one frustrated developer.
While Yakovenko’s stance isn’t new—he’s made similar remarks in the past—it hits harder now given memecoins’ outsized impact on Solana’s ecosystem. Recent data from Syndica shows that over 60% of Solana’s dApp revenue in June came from meme-based projects, with names like Pump.fun and LetBonk battling for dominance in daily trading volume.
Despite the criticism, the numbers tell a different story. Solana generated $1.6 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, much of it tied to memecoin speculation. The disconnect between the platform’s economic engine and its leadership’s messaging is becoming harder to reconcile, especially as Solana’s native token continues to outperform the broader market.
Whether Solana’s team will embrace the very assets fueling its success—or continue distancing itself from them—remains an open question. For now, the chain is thriving on “digital slop,” even if its founder isn’t ready to admit it.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/solana-news-memecoins-under-fire-even-as-they-dominate-the-network/