The popular messaging app Telegram is nearing financial independence and setting sights on a future initial public offering (IPO). In a recent Financial Times interview, founder Pavel Durov revealed that the company expects to profit next year and is open to going public.
With a user base exceeding 900 million, Telegram generates “hundreds of millions of dollars” through advertisements and subscriptions. Durov highlighted the company’s commitment to remaining independent as the driving force behind its monetisation strategy.
While Telegram has attracted significant investor interest, with valuations exceeding $30 billion, the company prioritises an IPO to make ownership more accessible. However, it remains open to smaller investments in exchange for a limited equity share.
Telegram’s two-year-old premium subscription service has already garnered over a million paid users. Additionally, the company offers ad solutions for large channels, with plans to launch revenue sharing with channel owners this month (March 2024). While current ad offerings are geographically restricted and require high minimum spends, Telegram intends to expand accessibility and cater to smaller advertisers globally this year.
Telegram is actively exploring blockchain technology through the TON Foundation. Initiatives include the December 2022 auction of premium usernames using TON Blockchain and the recent launch of a self-custodial crypto wallet (excluding the US).
Looking ahead, Telegram plans to introduce AI-powered chatbots to streamline business customer service. They also acknowledge the need for AI-powered solutions to address moderation challenges on the platform.
Telegram’s trajectory is clear: financial stability, potential public ownership, and continuous innovation to improve the user experience.
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