Forward Industries Appoints Ryan Navi as Chief Investment Officer

Key Terms

staking technical

Staking is the practice of locking up digital tokens to help run a blockchain network in return for rewards, similar to leaving money in a time deposit that pays interest while it’s unavailable. It matters to investors because staking can generate regular income and affect a token’s circulating supply and price, but it also ties up assets and can carry risks like lock-up periods, reduced liquidity, or technical and platform failures.

validator infrastructure technical

Validator infrastructure is the network of computers and systems that verify and confirm transactions or data within a digital system, such as a blockchain. It functions like a group of trusted judges who ensure everything is accurate and legitimate before it becomes part of the official record. For investors, this infrastructure is crucial because it underpins the security, reliability, and integrity of the digital environment they are investing in.

digital asset technical

A digital asset is a representation of value or rights that exists only in electronic form—like digital versions of cash, stocks, or collectibles kept in a virtual wallet. They are transferred and recorded using computer systems that make copying or tampering difficult, and can include currencies, tokenized shares, or unique digital items. Investors care because digital assets can offer new ways to diversify, trade and raise capital, but they also bring different risks around price swings, custody and regulation.

M&A financial

M&A, short for mergers and acquisitions, involves one company combining with or purchasing another company to grow, streamline operations, or gain competitive advantages. For investors, M&A activity can signal potential for increased value, new opportunities, or changes in market dynamics, making it an important factor to watch in the business landscape.

Former ParaFi Managing Director, KKR Principal to Lead Execution of Largest Solana Treasury Strategy

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Forward Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWDI) (the "Company" or “Forward”), the leading Solana treasury company, today announced that Ryan Navi has joined the Company as Chief Investment Officer, effective immediately. In this role, Mr. Navi will oversee the execution of Forward’s Solana treasury strategy, including sourcing and structuring opportunities across capital markets and leveraging the Company’s leading staking and validator infrastructure to increase SOL-per-share and drive long-term shareholder value.

Mr. Navi was most recently the Managing Director and Head of Venture of digital asset management firm ParaFi Capital, where he led the firm’s digital-asset investment activities across early and growth stage opportunities in core blockchain infrastructure and next-generation blockchain applications. Prior to ParaFi Capital, he spent six years at KKR as a Principal, investing up and down the capital structure, predominantly focused on liquid and distressed credit strategies. Mr. Navi began his career working in M&A investment banking at Citi.

“We are thrilled to welcome an investment executive of Ryan’s caliber to Forward,” said Kyle Samani, Chairman of Forward Industries. “I have come to know Ryan well over the years and have always admired his deep understanding of the Solana ecosystem, as well as his disciplined and rigorous investment approach. Ryan’s vision for both Solana and capital markets more broadly aligns with Forward’s mission to build the largest, most active and value-generative public markets Solana treasury company. We are highly confident that Ryan’s extensive experience and impressive track record will help Forward continue to grow, innovate, and deliver enduring value to shareholders.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the most exciting digital asset treasury company in the market,” said Mr. Navi. “Since launching its Solana treasury strategy, Forward has established itself at the center of Internet Capital Markets through a disciplined accumulation strategy, best-in-class validator operations, and an unwavering commitment to pursuing innovative yield opportunities. As Solana becomes an increasingly critical layer for global capital markets, I believe Forward’s leadership position within the ecosystem will compound over time and look forward to executing on the attractive opportunities ahead.”

About Forward Industries, Inc.

Forward Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWDI) is a global design company serving top tier medical and technology companies. For over 60 years the company has been successful in developing and producing a portfolio of outstanding products for some of the world’s leading companies and brands. In September 2025, Forward Industries initiated a Solana treasury strategy dedicated to acquiring SOL and increasing SOL-per-share through bespoke strategies and active management of the company’s treasury. The Company’s Solana treasury strategy is supported by industry leading investors and operating partners, including Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital.

For more information on the Company’s Solana treasury strategy, visit sol.forwardindustries.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201495689/en/

Media

Carissa Felger / Sam Cohen

Gasthalter & Co.

(212) 257-4170

Forward@gasthalter.com

Investor Relations Contact

Sean Mansouri, CFA / Aaron D’Souza

Elevate IR

(720) 330-2829

ir@forwardindustries.com

Source: Forward Industries, Inc.