Introduction
The TON Foundation has emerged as a pivotal force in blockchain adoption, leveraging Telegram's massive user base to introduce cryptocurrency to mainstream audiences. This interview with Jack Booth, Marketing Director at TON Foundation, reveals key insights about their ecosystem growth, strategic partnerships, and regulatory approach.
Notcoin: The Viral Web3 Phenomenon
Key Facts:
- Independent community project (not TON-developed)
- Achieved 3500M users in 3 months
- 600K daily active users during mining phase
Exchange Listings Explained:
The simultaneous OKX/Binance listings resulted from Notcoin's unprecedented growth - outperforming Axie Infinity's peak by 1,750%. Booth attributes this to Telegram's platform effect enabling viral distribution, calling it "web3's most successful game launch."
Technical Challenges:
Telegram wallets experienced temporary claim functionality issues during launch, while Bybit faced downtime from overwhelming traffic.
TON Ecosystem Flagships
Fragment.com
- Telegram's username NFT marketplace
- $300M total trading volume
- Enables digital identity ownership (e.g., exclusive @crypto handle)
@Wallet
- Native Telegram payment solution
- Supports BTC/USDT/TON/Notcoin transfers
- Targets frictionless cross-border transactions
Notcoin Integration
Now enables task-based rewards for projects, sustaining engagement beyond initial mining phase.
Telegram's Ongoing Role
While no longer directly developing TON after SEC settlement, Telegram remains:
- Strategic partner (hosting Fragment/NFT stickers)
- Distribution channel (wallet menu integration)
- Growth driver (mini-app platform adoption)
Key distinction: TON Connect enables exclusive blockchain integrations within Telegram's ecosystem.
USDT Collaboration Insights
Origin Story:
Tether CTO Paolo Ardoino was introduced to TON at a restaurant meeting, recognizing Telegram's potential to reach unbanked populations.
Results:
- $275M circulating supply (275% above 1-year target)
- 75K holders in first month
Future goals focus on emerging market expansion through Telegram's distribution network.
Market Strategy & Regulation
Priority Regions:
- Asia/CIS (super-app literate markets)
- Eastern Europe (developer talent hubs)
Open League Program:
- $200M rewards pool
- 725% wallet growth
- 1038% DEX volume increase
Regulatory Caution:
Western markets face slower adoption due to compliance complexities.
Token Distribution
- 47% supply locked until 2027
- Telegram ad platform distributing 50% revenue share in TON
- Open League accelerating decentralization
2024 Milestones
- Open League launch (March)
- Wallet Telegram integration
- Blockchain ad platform announcement
- USDT integration (April)
- Upcoming NFT sticker rollout
FAQs
Q: Why hasn't Binance listed TON?
A: NDAs prevent disclosure of exchange communications.
Q: How does TON address developer inequity?
A: Open League rewards user growth over geographic location, with Asian hackersprint events upcoming.
Q: What makes Telegram integration unique?
A: 👉 TON Connect enables seamless in-app blockchain interactions unavailable to other platforms.
Conclusion
With 900M potential users through Telegram and strategic initiatives like Open League, TON positions itself as the primary gateway for mass crypto adoption. Their focus on practical utility through payments and advertising creates a compelling case for long-term ecosystem growth.