Telegram is quietly executing one of the most ambitious crypto integrations ever attempted by a mainstream social platform. By weaving the TON blockchain and its native currency Toncoin into its ecosystem, from wallet functions to an on-chain ad platform, Telegram is testing whether blockchain can finally go mainstream through everyday messaging.<\/p>\n
The Open Platform (TOP), a developer of tools for the encrypted messaging platform Telegram\u2019s blockchain ecosystem, has just announced<\/a> that it has raised US$28.5 million in an early-stage funding round. The series A was led by Rabbit Capital with participation from investors like Pantera Capital.<\/p>\n
The Open platform primarily builds infrastructure and consumer-facing apps for The Open Network (TON)<\/a> – \u00a0a high-performance, decentralized blockchain founded by messaging giant Telegram in 2018. The blockchain is noted for its rapid transaction processing speed. While Toncoin and Telegram are separate entities, they remain closely connected.<\/p>\n
Despite its powerful strategic positioning, Toncoin has underperformed in the last 12 months – creating what many view as an undervalued buying opportunity. Source: Brave New Coin TON market data<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n
Though technically separate, TON and Telegram operate are deeply connected. Pavel Durov has become the backbone for Telegram\u2019s crypto features. Since March 2024, TON has been core to Telegram\u2019s ad revenue model. \u201cWe will sell ads and share revenue with channel owners in Toncoin. This will create a virtuous circle, in which content creators will be able to either cash out their Toncoins or reinvest them in promoting and upgrading their channels.\u201d He explained.<\/p>\n
With 1 billion monthly active users, Telegram\u2019s integrated non-custodial Wallet in Telegram lets users manage crypto directly in chats. The ad platform pays channels 50% of revenue in Toncoin, making crypto earnings a native part of user engagement.<\/p>\n
Telegram\u2019s structure offers a built-in monetization model:<\/p>\n
All transactions between the company and Telegram are automatic and through the native Telegram wallet built into Telegram Messenger, no banks, no middlemen. This setup gives creators high-precision tools to monetize their content seamlessly within Telegram.<\/p>\n