Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, proudly highlighted the remarkable achievements of the messaging platform. Boasting an impressive user base of 900 million monthly active users, Telegram has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most popular social networking applications, experiencing a significant surge from 500 million users at the beginning of 2021.
Monetization Success: “Hundreds of Millions of Dollars” in Revenue
Durov revealed that Telegram has successfully ventured into monetization, ushering in “hundreds of millions of dollars” in revenue through the introduction of advertising and premium subscription services. This financial success positions the platform on the cusp of profitable operations, with Durov hinting at the possibility of achieving this milestone as early as next year, under favorable conditions.
Valuation Soars: Offers Exceeding $30 Billion from Global Investors
In a surprising revelation, Durov disclosed that potential investors, including “global last-stage technology funds,” have expressed a keen interest in Telegram, offering a valuation exceeding a staggering $30 billion. Despite the tempting offers, Durov categorically stated his commitment to independence, dismissing the idea of selling the platform and expressing a preference for exploring an initial public offering (IPO) as a means of democratizing access to Telegram’s value.
IPO Plans: Exploring Options and Considering User Involvement
Telegram appears poised to seek a U.S. listing once it achieves profitability and market conditions align favorably. Durov remained tight-lipped about the specific timing or location of the IPO but hinted at exploring various options. Interestingly, he expressed a unique approach by considering the sale of shares to loyal users during the IPO, a strategy reminiscent of Reddit’s user-inclusive model.
Future Enhancements: Improved Moderation and AI Integration
Looking ahead, Durov outlined Telegram’s plans for 2024, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing moderation processes, particularly crucial as numerous elections unfold worldwide. Telegram aims to deploy advanced artificial intelligence mechanisms to address potential issues. However, Durov emphasized the importance of respecting users’ freedom of expression, stating that as long as they don’t cross red lines, monitoring their speech should not be necessary.
Telegram’s success story continues to unfold, with Durov steering the platform towards greater heights, balancing financial success with a commitment to user independence and inclusivity.
Source: Financial Times
