While Base targets crypto-curious users, TON’s potential TAM is even bigger, targeting the 900 million users on Telegram. Launched in 2023, Telegram quickly became a top-five Web2 social app by users globally and the dominant app in Russia, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. TON, The Open Network, was initially designed by founding members of the Telegram team to integrate blockchain into Telegram’s ecosystem. Given Telegram’s multi-country user base and unique geopolitical backdrop, a unified crypto payment rail could be highly beneficial. TON’s integration into Telegram includes seamless wallet creation, in-app purchases and fiat onboarding. Telegram has also made ad payments in TON, with 50% revenue sharing with creators.
