• Pantera Capital has invested an undisclosed sum in The Open Network (TON).

• Telegram-Ton partnership creates opportunities for creative applications and monetization, defining the future of messaging and crypto.

Pantera Capital, a leading crypto-focused venture capital firm, has invested an undisclosed sum in The Open Network (TON). The decision underscores Pantera’s faith in TON’s potential, particularly in light of its integration with the widely popular Telegram messaging service. With a monthly user base of 900 million users and 36.7 downloads, TON sees itself as a top crypto player in this domain. 

According to Pantera, TON’s blockchain’s scalability and performance are some of the key attributes of its architecture, which are much better than those of the leading blockchains. Besides, TON’s wallet interface ensures simplicity without sacrificing utility, and this could act as a key component in driving users’ adoption.

The integration of Telegram with TON not only expands its user base but also allows the development of new applications within the messaging platform. Mini-apps developed by the TON platform, like StormTrade, help users interact with various trading activities directly through the Telegram interface. 

Monetization Opportunities Abound

Beyond functionality, the Telegram-Ton partnership offers promising monetization prospects. Features like ad revenue sharing and tradable customized usernames present novel revenue streams for both platforms. Such initiatives could incentivize further engagement while diversifying revenue sources.

The reunion of Telegram with TON marks a significant milestone, overcoming regulatory hurdles that stymied earlier attempts. Notably, TON was originally conceived to integrate with Telegram, a vision realized after the network’s relaunch by independent developers. This positions Telegram as a pioneer among major messaging platforms embracing Web3 technologies.

Pantera Capital’s decision to invest in TON aligns with its strategy of backing promising projects in the crypto space. With $5.2 billion in assets under management across four funds, Pantera’s foray into TON signifies confidence in its long-term viability. The firm’s recent announcement of a new $1 billion fund underscores its commitment to fostering innovation in the crypto ecosystem.

In contrast, other messaging platforms like Messenger and WeChat have faced challenges in integrating cryptocurrency functionalities. Messenger’s attempt to incorporate Meta’s Libra coin faltered due to regulatory hurdles, while WeChat’s utilization of the digital yuan remains confined in scope.

Before receiving funding from Pantera Capital, TON had announced its integration with stablecoin issuer Tether, expanding the offerings of USDT and XAUT stablecoins to the TON blockchain. Additionally, TON developers have committed $5 million in TON tokens to promote the adoption of innovative palm-scanning identity verification technology among users. These integration milestones, coupled with Pantera Capital’s investment, have propelled TON’s token price, which is currently trading at $5.39, marking a significant uptick of 12.45% in the last 24 hours.

Expansion Plans and Fundraising

In line with its investment activities, Pantera Capital is in the process of launching a new $1.25 billion fund focused on startup equity, early-stage tokens, liquid tokens, and other assets. The fund aims to seek limited partners willing to make an investment at least amount to $25 million with a minimum investment threshold of $1 million intended for qualified investors. Launched in 2003, Pantera Capital is one of the most renowned players in the crypto venture capital space, having funded over 180 crypto startups.