Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, proudly highlighted the remarkable achievements of the messaging platform. Telegram, already a household name in the social networking realm, has surged in popularity and financial success. According to Durov, the application has evolved into one of the world’s most favored social networking platforms, amassing a staggering 900 million monthly active users. This substantial growth is a remarkable leap from the 500 million users recorded at the start of 2021.
Monetization Milestone
Durov revealed that Telegram has ventured into profitable operations, with current revenues reaching “hundreds of millions of dollars.” This financial success comes on the heels of the platform’s strategic introduction of advertising and premium subscription services. Durov expressed optimism that Telegram could achieve profitability as early as this year, citing the impressive user base and robust monetization strategies.
Valuation Soars to $30 Billion, IPO on the Horizon
The visionary founder disclosed that potential investors, including “global last-stage technology funds,” have proposed a valuation exceeding $30 billion for Telegram. However, Durov emphatically asserted that selling the platform was not on the agenda. Instead, he hinted at the exploration of an initial public offering (IPO) to ensure Telegram’s continued independence.
“The main reason we started monetizing is that we wanted to remain independent,” Durov stated. “Overall, we see the value [of an IPO] as a means of democratizing access to Telegram’s value.”
U.S. Listing in the Cards, User Share Sales Considered
Sources close to the matter revealed that Telegram is likely to pursue a U.S. listing once profitability is secured, taking cues from the success stories of other tech giants. Although Durov refrained from commenting on the specific timing or location of the IPO, he confirmed that the company is actively exploring various options. In a unique move, Durov expressed interest in allowing loyal users to participate in the IPO by purchasing shares—a strategy reminiscent of Reddit’s approach.
Enhanced Moderation and AI Integration
Acknowledging the significance of responsible content moderation, Durov outlined Telegram’s plans to bolster its moderation processes in the wake of global elections. The platform aims to deploy advanced artificial intelligence mechanisms to address potential issues. However, Durov emphasized the importance of respecting user freedom, stating, “If they don’t cross red lines, I don’t think we should be monitoring how they speak out.”
As Telegram surges forward, these strategic moves position the messaging platform as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving landscape of social networking and technology. Investors and users alike eagerly await the unfolding chapters of Telegram’s success story.
Source: Financial Times