Pantera Capital, a leading crypto-focused venture capital firm, has made a strategic investment in The Open Network (TON), signaling its confidence in the blockchain’s potential to mainstream cryptocurrency usage. With over $5 billion in assets under management and a history of pioneering moves in the crypto space since its first U.S.-based cryptocurrency fund in 2013, Pantera’s decision to back TON is noteworthy.
The investment comes at a time when TON, originally developed by the messaging giant Telegram and now maintained by an open-source community, is gaining traction. The platform recently introduced features allowing Telegram’s vast user base of over 900 million monthly active users to engage with crypto more seamlessly. For instance, Telegram channel owners can now monetize their platforms through ad revenue sharing paid in Toncoin (TON), the native token of the TON blockchain.
Pantera Capital believes that TON’s integration with Telegram provides a unique leverage unmatched in the blockchain world. «We believe TON has the capacity to introduce crypto to the masses because it is used extensively within the Telegram network,» noted a Pantera representative. This integration has enabled features like Tether (USDT) stablecoin payments within the platform, further enhancing its usability and appeal.
The firm’s enthusiasm is also due to the technical underpinnings of TON, which allow for low transaction fees—about $0.10 per transaction, significantly lower than other platforms. This cost-efficiency combined with built-in features such as on-ramps and off-ramps including bank transfers and exchanges, positions TON as an attractive blockchain for widespread adoption.
As part of its broader investment strategy, Pantera is not only focusing on TON but also raising a new $1.25 billion fund to continue its support for innovative crypto startups and technologies. With a robust portfolio and an aggressive investment stance, Pantera Capital is set to continue its significant influence on the crypto landscape.
By aligning itself with TON, Pantera is betting on a future where cryptocurrency becomes a part of everyday online interactions, facilitated by platforms like Telegram that bridge the gap between traditional internet usage and blockchain technology’s promise.
