Solana is a high-speed, decentralized blockchain known for its unique proof-of-history consensus mechanism, allowing it to handle up to 65,000 transactions per second. Founded by Anatoly Yakovenko in 2017, Solana raised significant funding and launched its mainnet beta in March 2020, supporting various blockchain applications including smart contracts and digital wallets. The platform emphasizes efficiency, scalability, and security in transaction processing, positioning itself as a competitive player in the evolving landscape of blockchain technology.