Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, shared insights into the platform’s remarkable achievements. Telegram, he revealed, has burgeoned into one of the world’s most sought-after social networking applications. Durov disclosed that the app has achieved a staggering 900 million monthly active users, a substantial surge from the 500 million recorded at the start of 2021.
Monetization Success and Financial Projections
Crucial to Telegram’s success has been its adept foray into monetization. Durov proudly stated that the platform now rakes in “hundreds of millions of dollars” in revenue, attributing this financial upswing to the implementation of advertising and premium subscription services. Durov is optimistic about the future, predicting the company’s entry into profitable operations, possibly as early as the coming year.
Valuation and IPO Aspirations
Remarkably, potential investors, including “global last-stage technology funds,” have expressed a keen interest in Telegram, proposing a valuation that exceeds a staggering $30 billion. Despite these enticing offers, Durov emphatically ruled out selling the platform. Instead, he hinted at a potential future Initial Public Offering (IPO) as a means of maintaining independence.
“The main reason we started monetizing is that we wanted to remain independent,” Durov emphasized, adding that an IPO could democratize access to Telegram’s value.
Future IPO Plans and User Involvement
Sources close to the matter suggest that Telegram is likely to seek a U.S. listing once it achieves profitability and market conditions become favorable. Durov, however, remained tight-lipped about specific details regarding the IPO, stating that Telegram is exploring various options. He did express a willingness to involve loyal users in the IPO, a move reminiscent of Reddit’s approach.
Enhancing Moderation and Embracing AI
In response to the global political landscape, Durov shared plans to enhance Telegram’s moderation processes in the coming year. As elections unfold around the world, the platform aims to deploy artificial intelligence mechanisms to address potential issues. However, Durov was clear that as long as users don’t cross “red lines,” their expressions would not be closely monitored.
In summary, Telegram’s remarkable rise in popularity, coupled with its successful monetization strategies and ambitious IPO plans, positions the platform as a formidable force in the social networking landscape. As the company eyes profitability and explores potential listings, the journey ahead promises to be both exciting and transformative.
Source: Financial Times
https://www.ft.com/content/8d6ceb0d-4cdb-4165-bdfa-4b95b3e07b2a
