Is Telegram A Hidden Crypto Player? Digital Asset Holdings Now At $400M

As a seasoned financial analyst with over two decades of experience under my belt, I find myself intrigued by the unique blend of traditional messaging and cutting-edge cryptocurrency that Telegram represents. The company’s 2023 financial report is a veritable treasure trove of insights into the dynamics of this fascinating intersection.


As an analyst, I find myself shedding light on Telegram, a messaging platform established by Pavel Durov, which has recently been under intense scrutiny. The focus stems from the arrest of its founder in France, accused of neglecting to manage illegal content within the platform. Furthermore, the company’s substantial engagement in the cryptocurrency market has piqued interest. Delving into their financial disclosures, we discover that the value of their digital asset holdings now surpasses their cash reserves, amounting to a staggering $400 million.

Telegram Crypto Holdings Overview

In a look at the company’s 2023 financial statement, audited by PwC Dubai, it’s clear that the firm’s income from cryptocurrency transactions significantly boosted their overall profits. Despite incurring an operating loss of $108 million, the business managed to bring in a total revenue of $342.5 million the previous year. Remarkably, more than 40% of this earnings stemmed from crypto-related operations, encompassing its digital wallet services and sales of collectibles.

“The ‘integrated wallet’ – a new venture by Telegram – has played a crucial role in boosting their income. This digital tool enables users to save, transfer, receive, and exchange cryptocurrencies. The company earns money by incorporating this wallet into their social media platform and offering uninterrupted access. Transactions are handled using Toncoin, the native token associated with their blockchain project, The Open Network (TON).”

Beyond its digital wallet, the company is also deeply engaged in the sale of collectibles such as usernames and virtual phone numbers. They even accept Toncoin as a payment method. These transactions are logged at fair market value, with any profits or losses from digital assets being reflected in the company’s financial reports.

2023 financial records show that Telegram’s digital assets, particularly Toncoin, play a major role in its financial structure. With an estimated worth of approximately $400 million, these assets surpass the company’s liquid cash and cash equivalents as per a Financial Times article. This large investment highlights Telegram’s strong involvement within the cryptocurrency market.

Toncoin Sale In 2024

It’s worth noting that Telegram’s financial report reveals their clever handling of Toncoin investments. Instead of holding onto the coins during the recent price drop, they chose to sell a significant amount, approximately $243.5 million. This decision could have minimized potential losses due to Toncoin’s volatility.

Furthermore, this forward-thinking strategy implies that the company isn’t merely an observer in the cryptocurrency market, but is actively shaping its involvement to maintain financial security. At the same time, Durov’s detention and the subsequent examination of the firm’s activities have sparked more debates about the company’s position within the crypto sphere.

Durov’s personally owned company has managed to secure more than $2.3 billion through the sale of convertible bonds to notable investors. This group encompasses sovereign wealth funds and tech-centric investment firms. However, the company’s significant annual expenses, totalling over $450 million, have sparked doubts about its estimated value, which Durov previously set at over $30 billion.

As a researcher delving into the financial aspects of this company, I find that their documents offer an unambiguous depiction of their dedication to safeguarding user privacy, all while maintaining a presence in the crypto realm. It’s fascinating to note that their income derived from cryptocurrency activities, coupled with substantial digital asset holdings, positions them as a significant, albeit less visible, force within the crypto industry. The recent announcement by Durov in France has sparked optimism among the community.

Read More

2024-08-30 21:24