Blockchain technology has long been praised for its potential but criticized for its complexity. The Open Network (TON), originally developed by Telegram, is now on a mission to change that narrative. Under the leadership of its new CEO, Max Crown, TON is leveraging its integration with Telegram to make blockchain accessible, practical, and invisible to everyday users.
In an exclusive interview, Crown shared his vision for TON’s future, its strategic advantages, and how the ecosystem is poised to attract the next billion users to Web3—without them even realizing it.
Leadership and Vision for TON
Max Crown, who took on the role of CEO at the TON Foundation in April, brings years of experience in fintech and regulatory environments. His appointment signals a strategic shift toward real-world adoption and global scalability.
When asked about what drew him to TON, Crown emphasized its unique potential:
“What attracted me was TON’s real ability to bring the next billion users into crypto—not in theory, but in practice. Unlike many blockchain platforms that focus solely on technical prowess, TON is built for everyday use through its deep integration with Telegram.”
Crown’s long-term vision is clear: he wants people to use blockchain every day without knowing it. Whether sending money, accessing digital services, or playing games, he believes these interactions should feel natural and seamless. TON aims to become the underlying infrastructure for the next generation of internet applications—secure, decentralized, and accessible to all.
One of the biggest challenges he identified is balancing the decentralized, open-source nature of TON’s developer community with the more centralized, fast-paced operational style of Telegram. However, Crown sees this as an opportunity to improve coordination mechanisms and enhance tools like TON Connect for a smoother developer and user experience.
TON and Telegram: A Powerful Combination
At the heart of TON’s strategy is its symbiotic relationship with Telegram. With over a billion monthly active users, Telegram offers TON an unprecedented distribution channel and user base.
Crown couldn’t hide his enthusiasm:
“The scale is incredible. Very few projects get to build on an infrastructure that’s natively integrated into a billion-user application. Telegram gives TON instant reach, which completely changes the game.”
He envisions a future where Telegram evolves into a “super app”—a single platform where users can manage finances, trade assets, play games, book services, and tip creators without ever leaving the app. This integrated experience, Crown believes, is closer to reality than many realize.
Key milestones for the near future include expanding the Mini Apps ecosystem, increasing developer incentives, improving TON Connect, and introducing new workchains for better scalability. The team is also preparing for a significant push into the U.S. market.
Differentiation and Strategic Focus
When asked how TON differs from other layer-1 blockchains, Crown was quick to highlight its unique approach:
“TON isn’t just competing to be the best blockchain for crypto-native users. We’re building it for everyday users globally. While most blockchains focus on capturing the existing Web3 audience, we’re creating a new one by embedding blockchain directly into an app people already use.”
This focus on accessibility and mass adoption shapes TON’s three core strategic priorities: scaling, simplifying, and supporting. The foundation is working on expanding infrastructure to match rapid growth, simplifying onboarding through TON Connect and Telegram Wallet, and enhancing developer support through grants, documentation, and ecosystem programs.
The results speak for themselves—TON has grown from 4 million to over 40 million users in the past year, largely driven by the success of Mini Apps. The challenge now is to turn this excitement into sustained engagement by deepening Telegram integration, introducing real-world use cases, and maintaining a fast pace of innovation—both in technology and user experience.
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The Mini App Revolution and Toncoin Integration
The rise of Telegram Mini Apps has been a game-changer for TON. Crown noted that the most important lesson from this phenomenon is that distribution trumps complexity:
“Mini Apps showed us that when developers can reach millions of users directly—and those users don’t need to overcome technical barriers—adoption happens incredibly fast.”
This has allowed TON-based applications to grow much faster than traditional Web3 apps.
Central to this growth is the deepening integration of Toncoin within Telegram. As users can earn, spend, and trade Toncoin as easily as any other digital currency—all within a trusted application—barriers to entry disappear. Whether tipping creators or paying for services, Toncoin is becoming part of daily interactions rather than a standalone financial tool.
Regulatory Approach and Future Compliance
Crown’s background in fintech and regulatory affairs positions him well to navigate TON’s global expansion. His approach is proactive rather than reactive:
“The mindset I carried from MoonPay still applies—don’t wait for regulation to catch up, lead the way. That means maintaining transparency, supporting compliance tools, and keeping open communication with regulators.”
He particularly noted the increasingly crypto-friendly stance of the new U.S. administration and confirmed that TON is preparing to operate within any emerging regulatory framework.
Message to Developers and the Community
Crown had a clear message for two key groups: developers and speculators.
To developers, he said: “Keep building. You are the core force of this ecosystem. We will support you with better tools, improved documentation, and broader distribution through Telegram.”
To those focused on token trading, he advised: “Have fun, but remember—we’re building something meant to last.”
In closing, Crown highlighted what he believes is often overlooked about TON:
“We’re not just building a blockchain. We’re building the infrastructure for the next phase of the internet—decentralized, user-owned, and accessible to everyone. And we’re doing it without asking people to change how they use apps today. No learning curve, no adaptation, no complex processes. We’re making crypto that actually works. That’s the beauty of TON.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TON?
TON, or The Open Network, is a blockchain platform originally developed by Telegram. It aims to integrate blockchain technology seamlessly into everyday applications, particularly through its deep connection with Telegram.
How is TON different from other blockchains?
Unlike most blockchains that target existing crypto users, TON focuses on mass adoption through its integration with Telegram. This provides instant access to a huge user base and simplifies the user experience dramatically.
What are Telegram Mini Apps?
Telegram Mini Apps are lightweight applications that run directly within the Telegram interface. They allow users to access services, play games, and perform transactions without leaving the app, creating a seamless user experience.
How is Toncoin used within Telegram?
Toncoin is used for transactions within Telegram, including payments for services, tipping creators, and in-app purchases. Its deep integration makes it easy for users to earn, spend, and trade without technical barriers.
Is TON compliant with global regulations?
Under Crown's leadership, TON takes a proactive approach to compliance. The foundation maintains transparency, develops compliance tools, and engages with regulators globally, particularly in preparation for U.S. expansion.
What is TON's long-term goal?
TON aims to become the underlying infrastructure for the next generation of internet applications—making blockchain technology invisible, accessible, and practical for everyday use by billions of people.