The Open Platform has officially joined the ranks of elite startups in the blockchain space, achieving a $1 billion valuation after closing its Series A funding round with $28.5 million in fresh capital. This milestone marks it as the first unicorn within Telegram’s rapidly expanding cryptocurrency ecosystem—affirming the growing momentum behind The Open Network (TON).
Backed by leading venture firm Ribbit Capital, The Open Platform (TOP) is accelerating its mission to bring crypto into the mainstream by building foundational tools and consumer-facing applications directly within the Telegram app. With over $70 million raised to date, the company is now setting its sights on international expansion, particularly in the United States and Europe.
A Strategic Bet on TON and Telegram Integration
At the heart of TOP’s success lies its deep integration with both TON and Telegram’s massive user base. As one of the earliest and most active developers in the TON ecosystem, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping how users interact with blockchain technology—without ever leaving their messaging app.
“We’ve built products that feel native to Telegram because they are native,” said Andrew Rogozov, CEO of The Open Platform. “Our combination of technical expertise, strategic capital, and intimate understanding of TON positions us as a leading force in this ecosystem.”
This synergy between platform and product is no accident. Telegram’s decision earlier this year to establish an exclusive partnership with TON—effectively banning other blockchain integrations—has created a unified environment where innovation can thrive without fragmentation.
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Key Products Powering Mainstream Adoption
The Open Platform has developed several cornerstone applications that are now widely used across the TON ecosystem:
- Wallet in Telegram: The first native crypto wallet embedded directly within Telegram, enabling seamless sending, receiving, and storing of digital assets.
- TON Connect: A protocol that allows third-party apps to securely link with Telegram accounts, simplifying onboarding for new users.
- Getgems: One of the largest NFT marketplaces on TON, supporting creators and collectors alike.
- STON.fi: A decentralized token swap protocol offering fast, low-cost trading for TON-based assets.
These tools aren’t just technical achievements—they’re bridges connecting millions of Telegram users to Web3. With over 900 million active users globally, Telegram offers an unprecedented distribution channel for crypto adoption.
“On the product side, we’re scaling consumer apps deeply embedded into Telegram—payments, games, creator tools—with localized adaptations for the U.S., EU, and Asia,” Rogozov explained.
Expanding Beyond Borders: U.S. and European Markets
With its new funding, TOP is preparing to expand operations into highly regulated markets like the United States and Europe. This move isn’t just about growth—it’s about building compliant infrastructure that aligns with local regulations while maintaining decentralization principles.
The expansion strategy rests on three pillars:
- Product Development: Localizing existing apps for new audiences, including language support, payment integrations, and region-specific features.
- Legal Compliance: Partnering with regional legal experts and institutions to ensure adherence to financial regulations such as AML/KYC standards.
- Infrastructure Support: Empowering local developers through grants, toolkits, and technical guidance to grow the TON ecosystem globally.
“This year, our immediate focus is expanding into the U.S. and Europe,” said Rogozov. “With our recent funding, we’re now positioned to enter new markets and operate in more jurisdictions.”
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Riding the Wave of Tap-to-Earn Mania
The surge in TON’s popularity over the past year can be traced back to the viral success of “tap-to-earn” games like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin. These lightweight, gamified experiences introduced millions of casual users to crypto rewards—all within Telegram.
While some viewed these trends as fleeting, they served a crucial purpose: onboarding non-crypto-native users at scale. And now, platforms like The Open Platform are capitalizing on that momentum by providing the infrastructure needed to convert temporary engagement into long-term usage.
“Games opened the door,” Rogozov noted. “Now we’re building the rooms people stay in.”
Building for Long-Term Engagement
Achieving unicorn status is a milestone—but for TOP, it’s just the beginning. The real test lies in driving sustained adoption.
“We want to see millions of users engaging with consumer apps built on TON, directly inside Telegram,” Rogozov said. “That’s our definition of success over the next 12 months.”
To make that vision a reality, TOP is investing heavily in user experience, security, and cross-border interoperability. The goal is to make interacting with blockchain technology as effortless as sending a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is The Open Platform?
A: The Open Platform (TOP) is a development firm building core tools and applications on The Open Network (TON), focused on integrating blockchain services directly into Telegram.
Q: Why is TOP considered a unicorn?
A: After raising $28.5 million in its Series A round at a $1 billion valuation, TOP became the first startup in Telegram’s crypto ecosystem to reach unicorn status.
Q: What products has TOP developed?
A: TOP has created Wallet in Telegram, TON Connect, Getgems NFT marketplace, and STON.fi—a decentralized exchange protocol.
Q: Is TON officially part of Telegram?
A: While TON was originally conceived by Telegram’s founders, it operates as an independent blockchain. However, Telegram has since formed an exclusive partnership with TON, integrating it natively into the app.
Q: How does TOP plan to expand internationally?
A: Through localized product adaptations, legal compliance efforts, and infrastructure support for regional developers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Q: Can anyone build on TON?
A: Yes. TON is an open-source blockchain platform that welcomes developers worldwide. The Open Platform also supports builders through grants and technical resources.
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Final Thoughts: A Unified Ecosystem with Real Potential
The rise of The Open Platform reflects a broader shift in how blockchain technology reaches everyday users. Rather than relying solely on crypto enthusiasts, companies are now leveraging familiar platforms—like messaging apps—to lower barriers to entry.
With Telegram’s exclusive backing of TON and TOP’s proven track record of delivering user-friendly tools, the stage is set for mass adoption. The next wave of crypto users may not even realize they’re using blockchain—they’ll just be tapping, playing, paying, and creating inside an app they already love.
As Rogozov put it: “The future of crypto isn’t separate from our daily lives—it’s embedded within them.”
Core Keywords: The Open Platform, Telegram crypto ecosystem, TON blockchain, billion-dollar unicorn, Wallet in Telegram, Getgems NFT marketplace, STON.fi, crypto adoption