Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, proudly announced the remarkable success of the messaging platform, revealing that it has now burgeoned into one of the world’s most popular social networking applications. Durov unveiled that Telegram has soared to a staggering 900 million monthly active users, marking a significant leap from the 500 million recorded at the beginning of 2021.
Monetizing Milestones
Durov emphasized the platform’s financial achievements, asserting that Telegram now rakes in “hundreds of millions of dollars” in revenue. This fiscal milestone comes on the heels of the introduction of advertising and premium subscription services. Furthermore, Durov hinted at Telegram entering profitable operations as early as next year, underlining the potential for the milestone to be achieved even sooner if conditions prove favorable.
Sky-High Valuation and IPO Aspirations
Intriguingly, Durov disclosed that potential investors, including “global last-stage technology funds,” have proposed a valuation exceeding $30 billion for the company. However, he unequivocally dismissed any intentions of selling the platform, opting instead to explore the possibility of a future initial public offering (IPO). “The main reason we started monetizing is that we wanted to remain independent,” Durov emphasized, highlighting the perceived value of an IPO in democratizing access to Telegram’s worth.
U.S. Listing on the Horizon
Insiders familiar with the matter suggest that Telegram is likely to seek a U.S. listing when profitability is achieved, and market conditions are favorable. Durov refrained from divulging specific details about the timing or potential location of the IPO, merely stating that the company is actively exploring various options. He did, however, express the intention to follow in Reddit’s footsteps by considering the sale of shares to loyal users during the IPO.
Enhanced Moderation and AI Integration
Durov also shed light on Telegram’s plans to bolster its moderation processes in the coming year, particularly as numerous elections unfold worldwide. The platform intends to deploy artificial intelligence mechanisms to address potential issues while also pledging not to infringe on users’ freedom of expression unless they cross red lines. “If they don’t cross red lines, I don’t think we should be monitoring how they speak out,” Durov asserted.
As Telegram continues its meteoric rise, the tech world eagerly anticipates the unfolding narrative of a potential IPO, a valuation crossing the $30 billion threshold, and the platform’s commitment to preserving user independence and freedom of expression.