Pavel Durov & Telegram: A Web3 Launchpad Crypto Billionaire

1. From Social Media to Blockchain Ecosystem: A Web3 Journey

Pavel Durov – once hailed as the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia" – is no longer just a social media founder. After leaving Russia amid clashes with state authorities, Durov rebuilt his global tech status through Telegram, a secure messaging app that has now evolved into a key player in the Web3 landscape.

Under Durov’s leadership, Telegram is becoming the gateway for hundreds of millions of users into the crypto world, offering features like digital wallets, token payments, creator tipping, and NFT integration. It’s no longer just a messaging app – Telegram is shifting toward becoming a super app like WeChat, but powered by blockchain.

2. TON Blockchain: From Collapse to Revival

Telegram originally launched the Telegram Open Network (TON) and GRAM token in 2018, raising $1.7 billionthrough a private token sale. However, legal pressure from the U.S. SEC forced the project’s suspension. Despite this, the open-source community revived the project as The Open Network (TON), which now continues alongside Telegram.

With 900 million users as of 2024, Telegram is leveraging this massive user base to deploy crypto features. At Token2049 in Dubai, Telegram welcomed the launch of USDT (Tether) on TON, allowing seamless crypto usage within Telegram chats—as easy as sending a message.

3. A Revenue Ecosystem for Developers and Creators

Telegram is now more than a messaging platform—it’s becoming a blockchain-powered mini-app ecosystem. Durov has introduced a compelling revenue-sharing model:

•  - Developers keep 70% of in-app transaction revenue.

•  - Artists earn 95% from sticker and emoji sales.

In addition, Telegram will soon allow users to:

•  - Tip and donate directly to content creators.

•  - Create, buy, and sell NFTs within the app.

4. Finances and IPO Strategy

With just 50 full-time employees, Telegram operates lean yet effectively. Durov recently shared that the company is already making hundreds of millions of dollars and is projected to become profitable by 2025.

In March 2025, Telegram issued $330 million in bonds, maturing in 2026—the same year Durov plans to take Telegram public via IPO.

5. A Philosophy of Freedom: Vision Beyond Technology

Durov has repeatedly rejected acquisition offers for Telegram—even ones valuing the company at $30 billion. His reason is simple: "We want to stay independent."

He even tolerates scam crypto ads as a statement of free expression, reinforcing Telegram’s foundational principle: open communication without censorship.