Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, proudly shared the staggering success and growth of the messaging platform. Boasting 900 million monthly active users, Telegram has evolved into one of the world’s most popular social networking applications, doubling its user base from the beginning of 2021.
Monetization Success and Revenue Surge
Durov revealed that Telegram’s revenue has skyrocketed into the realm of “hundreds of millions of dollars” after implementing advertising and premium subscription services. This financial success positions Telegram on the brink of entering profitable operations, with optimistic projections suggesting it might happen as early as next year, contingent upon favorable conditions.
“The main reason we started monetizing is that we wanted to remain independent,” Durov emphasized. The platform’s move towards financial independence is not only evident in its revenue generation but also in its strategic decision-making process, as hinted by Durov’s dismissal of a potential sale and exploration of an initial public offering (IPO).
Valuation Soars Beyond $30 Billion
Remarkably, Durov disclosed that potential investors, including “global last-stage technology funds,” have offered a valuation exceeding $30 billion for Telegram. Despite this enticing valuation, Durov asserted the company’s commitment to independence and hinted at the possibility of democratizing access to Telegram’s value through a future IPO.
Telegram’s IPO Aspirations and User Involvement
While Durov refrained from specifying the timing or location of a potential IPO, industry insiders suggest that Telegram might seek a U.S. listing when profitability is achieved and market conditions are favorable. Notably, Durov expressed interest in involving loyal users in the IPO, drawing inspiration from Reddit’s model of allowing users to purchase shares during its public offering.
Enhanced Moderation Processes and AI Integration
In light of the increasing importance of online communication during global elections, Durov revealed Telegram’s plans to bolster its moderation processes in the coming year. The company aims to deploy artificial intelligence mechanisms to address potential issues, emphasizing the need to balance free expression with responsible content monitoring.
“If they don’t cross red lines, I don’t think we should be monitoring how they speak out,” Durov asserted, highlighting a commitment to user freedom within certain boundaries.
As Telegram continues to evolve, exploring new frontiers in both financial independence and technological innovation, the messaging giant stands poised for a future marked by growth, financial success, and potential democratization through an IPO.
Source: Financial Times