TON
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
TON firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TON
- Legal name
- The Open Network (TON)
- Website
- https://ton.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TON industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Layer 1 Blockchain Platform
- NAICS
- Securities and Commodity Exchanges (523210)
- SIC
- Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Infrastructure & Project Finance Tokenization (FSADAEAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Payment Orchestration, Routing & Smart Transaction Management (Crypto) (FSADAIAJ), Trade Finance & Supply Chain Tokenization (invoices, bills of lading, provenance) (FSAPAIAK), Wallet Infrastructure (SDKs, Wallet-as-a-Service) (FSADACAD)
Keywords
Where TON is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Markets served
TON business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Transaction Fees: Native on-chain transaction fees paid in Toncoin/GRAM; near-zero at approximately $0.0005 average per transaction, designed for high-throughput micro-transactions rather than as a primary revenue source.
- Ecosystem Token Appreciation / Token-based Economy: Value accrual to TON ecosystem participants via the Toncoin/GRAM token; ecosystem partners, validators, and mini-app developers benefit from token-based incentives, grants, and validator rewards (e.g., Animoca Brands became TON's largest validator).
- Cocoon AI Compute Payments: GPU owners on the Cocoon decentralized AI network earn Toncoin for providing AI inference compute, with developers specifying model architectures, request volumes and token sizes for encrypted processing.
- Advertising Platform Access: Mirana Ventures gained exclusive access to Telegram's advertising platform as part of its long-term partnership to develop the Web3 SuperApp, representing a future advertising revenue pathway.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Average on-chain transaction fee |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
TON product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TON operates a Layer-1 blockchain offering sub-second (0.6 sec) finality and near-zero transaction fees (~$0.0005), with native distribution into Telegram's 1B+ user base. On top of the chain, TON provides a modular developer toolset (Tolk language, Acton CLI, AppKit, WalletKit, TON Pay, AgentKit, Agentic Wallets, TON Connect) for building crypto mini-apps, wallets, DeFi, stablecoin payments, and AI agents within Telegram. The platform monetizes through on-chain transaction fees, ecosystem token appreciation, AI compute payments via Cocoon, and advertising access via its Telegram SuperApp partnership.
Product overview
TON operates as a unified Layer 1 blockchain platform with a modular architecture built around a core high-performance chain (sub-second finality, near-zero fees, native access to 1B+ Telegram users) and a comprehensive developer toolset. The native asset GRAM (formerly Toncoin) powers the network, while the developer-facing stack centers on Acton (CLI for Tolk smart contracts), Tolk (statically typed VM language), AppKit (Mini App/dApp SDK), WalletKit (wallet SDK), and TON Pay (payments SDK). TON Connect serves as the underlying wallet connection protocol. AI-focused modules include AgentKit (MCP server exposing the chain to LLM agents) and Agentic Wallets (self-custody wallets for autonomous AI agents). Ecosystem extensions include the Telegram Web3 SuperApp, TON Sites in-app browser, and Cocoon (decentralized AI compute network). Investments, ventures (TON Ventures, TON Accelerator), and partnerships with major exchanges (Bitget, Gate.io, KuCoin, OKX, Bybit) and AI integrators (BytePlus via OristaPay) round out the ecosystem.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Gram (GRAM): Native token of the TON blockchain, formerly known as Toncoin or TON. The token ticker is GRAM.
- The Open Platform
Products and services
- TON Blockchain (The Open Network) Layer-1 blockchain offering sub-second (0.6 sec) finality, near-zero average fees (~$0.0005), and native access to 1B+ Telegram users. Designed for scalable transaction processing, crypto mini-applications, and stablecoin payments.
- GRAM (native token) Native Telegram-native currency of the TON blockchain for users, mini-apps, and channels. Renamed from Toncoin/TON to GRAM via community vote in June 2026. Market cap $4.17B, ranked #21 on CoinMarketCap at time of capture.
- TON Connect (v3) wallet-connection protocol Wallet connection protocol enabling one-call TON Connect wallet connection across Mini Apps and dApps. Supports connect, sign-data, transactions, and v3 features including Sign Message, Structured Items, and Embedded Requests, plus gasless flows.
- WalletKit SDK for custodial and non-custodial wallets supporting Gram, Jettons (including USD₮) and NFTs, with multi-wallet management, pluggable signers, gasless flows, and cross-platform support (Web, iOS, Android, browser extensions).
- AppKit Open-source SDK for integrating TON into Mini Apps and dApps. Provides primitives and React components for assets and protocols — typed transaction builder, hooks for Gram/Jettons/NFTs, TON DNS resolve, drop-in swap quotes, and TON Connect wallet connections.
- TON Pay (Beta) Payments SDK (Beta) for accepting TON payments in web apps, Mini Apps, and bots via direct-to-wallet, no-custody, no-intermediary settlement. Provides drop-in React checkout components, hosted payment-state API with reference ID and memo, on-ramp flows, and one-time charges via TON Connect.
- AgentKit (MCP server) TON's entry point for machines. Exposes the chain to LLM agents via the Model Context Protocol (over stdio, HTTP or serverless) with skills packaging reusable agent instructions. Supports balance queries, jetton listings, transaction history, TON DNS, single-intent transfers of Gram/Jettons/NFTs, DEX swap quotes, and agentic wallet key creation/rotation.
- Agentic Wallets Self-custody wallets purpose-built for autonomous AI agents on TON. Users delegate a budget and can revoke access or withdraw any time without touching main wallet credentials. Features split keys (operator/agent and owner/user), on-chain access revocation, and operator key rotation without redeployment.
- Acton all-in-one CLI All-in-one CLI toolchain for TON smart contracts built around Tolk. Provides scaffolding, native tests (mutation, coverage, fork, fuzz, gas profiling), automatic TypeScript wrapper generation, debugger with call-stack/variable inspection, and func2tolk migration. Designed for both humans and AI agents.
- Tolk programming language Statically typed programming language for the TON Virtual Machine. Compiles to gas-optimized bytecode with first-class IDE support across JetBrains, VS Code, Cursor, and Zed.
- Cocoon decentralized AI compute network Decentralized AI compute network built on TON for private AI inference tasks, paying GPU owners in Toncoin. Developers can specify model architectures (e.g., DeepSeek, Qwen), daily request volumes, and token sizes for encrypted processing. Telegram serves as the network's first client.
- Telegram Web3 SuperApp Accessible application announced by TON Foundation, funded by an $8 million Mirana Ventures investment, designed to facilitate blockchain adoption via Telegram with a reward system for channel owners.
- TON Sites (Telegram in-app browser) Telegram in-app browser for decentralized TON Sites, bringing Web3 access to 950M Telegram users.
Quantifiable outcome
- 0.6 second finality — fastest among major L1 blockchains (May 2026)
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use TON
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
TON technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration22 records
AI capability12 records
Feature11 records
TON partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major and minor.
- TelegramflagshipTelegram announced it will take over TON from the TON Foundation, with founder/CEO Pavel Durov making the announcement; TON is positioned as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram's portfolio of applications.
- TON Tech / The Open PlatformflagshipTON Tech is the infrastructure arm of The Open Platform, which develops Telegram's official Crypto Wallet and reached a $1B valuation after a $28.5M raise led by Ribbit Capital. Launched Agentic Wallets on TON blockchain.
- RD Technologies (OristaPay) and BytePlusmajorOristaPay partnered with TON Foundation and BytePlus to launch the first AI payment gateway within the Telegram ecosystem, enabling AI Agents to process USDT payments directly through chat interfaces.
- SCRYPTmajorTON partnered with SCRYPT to provide institutional access to stablecoins, opening TON to institutional financial services clients.
- Cyberscope Web3 SecuritymajorCyberscope Web3 Security (subsidiary of TAC InfoSec Ltd.) joined the TON ecosystem to expand Web3 security services including smart contract audits, protocol risk assessments, and developer support, with recurring threat monitoring revenue.
- Symbiosis FinancemajorSymbiosis Finance partnered with TON to integrate cross-chain liquidity infrastructure, enabling native multi-chain swaps on TON for seamless asset exchanges across blockchains.
- xStocks (Kraken-backed)majorKraken-backed xStocks launched within the Telegram app on TON blockchain, enabling users to buy, hold, and transfer tokenized US stocks and ETFs through TON.
- Curve FinancemajorTON Foundation partnered with Curve Finance to launch a stable swap on TON blockchain, boosting stablecoin trading.
- TADAmajorTADA partnered with TON Foundation to launch a Web3-enabled ride-hailing app, bringing blockchain payments to ride-hailing in Southeast Asia.
- OKX WalletmajorOKX Wallet now supports TON on its DEX aggregator, expanding access for OKX's global user base.
- Pyth NetworkmajorTON collaborated with Pyth Network to enhance real-time data feeds for gaming and DeFi applications on TON.
- InjectivemajorTON blockchain integration with Injective unlocks new Web3 possibilities via cross-chain capabilities.
- HashKey and CatizenmajorHashKey and Catizen joined forces in TON ecosystem expansion, combining HashKey's infrastructure with Catizen's gaming platform on TON.
- Cocos StudiominorTON and Cocos Studio teamed up to transform Web3 gaming, integrating Cocos's game engine with the TON ecosystem.
- TON AcceleratormajorTON Accelerator launched a $2.5M TON:Acc incubator program to enable adoption of Toncoin Chain via Telegram Mini Apps, including incubation programs for crypto startups on TON.
- Gamee (Animoca Brands division)minorWeb3 gaming firm Gamee (a division of Animoca Brands) received investment from TON Ventures to enhance its Telegram Mini App ecosystem and integrate TON-based digital assets.
- Gala GamesmajorTON and Telegram partnered with Gala Games to revolutionize Web3 onboarding, bringing Gala's gaming ecosystem into the Telegram user base.
- Trust WalletmajorTrust Wallet announced a partnership with the TON ecosystem to support Toncoin and TON-based assets within its wallet.
- Mercuryo ProminorTonkeeper partnered with Mercuryo Pro to support crypto purchases over €50K for TON users via fiat on-ramp.
- CapverseminorCapverse expanded into the TON ecosystem, exploring new opportunities in Web3 gaming.
- MocaverseminorMocaverse partnered with TON blockchain to propel Web3 adoption, leveraging Mocaverse's IP and community.
- ElympicsminorElympics and TON Foundation collaborated to tap Telegram's massive user base for Web3 gaming experiences.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
TON competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Linea: Consensys-incubated Ethereum L2 zkEVM. Comparable to TON as a consumer-scale chain pursuing distribution into mainstream apps (e.g., MetaMask, social platforms) for stablecoin and DeFi use cases.
- Render Network: Decentralized GPU compute network paying providers in tokens for AI and rendering workloads. Comparable to TON's Cocoon network as a crypto-incentivized decentralized AI compute marketplace.
Broad incumbents
- Base: Coinbase-incubated Ethereum L2 with the largest Western on-chain consumer app ecosystem. Comparable to TON as a low-fee, consumer-focused chain leveraging a major platform's distribution (Coinbase app) for mass-market crypto onboarding.
- BNB Chain: Binance-affiliated Layer-1 with the largest exchange-backed user base. Comparable to TON as a high-throughput, low-fee chain pursuing consumer crypto adoption and stablecoin/payments volume.
Direct peers
- Near Protocol: Layer-1 blockchain emphasizing account abstraction, sharding, and consumer-friendly onboarding. Comparable to TON as a non-EVM L1 focused on mainstream user adoption and AI-agent integrations.
- Polygon (POL): Ethereum scaling ecosystem with a Layer-1 PoS chain plus zkEVM and PoS sidechains. Comparable to TON as a high-throughput, low-fee platform targeting consumer onboarding and enterprise adoption.
- Solana: High-throughput Layer-1 blockchain optimized for consumer applications, micropayments, and DeFi. Comparable to TON as a non-Ethereum L1 competing on speed, fees, and developer tooling for mass-market crypto use cases.
- Sui: Layer-1 blockchain with sub-second finality (1.5s) and parallel execution, often benchmarked alongside TON. Comparable as a Move-based, consumer-focused L1 targeting gaming and high-throughput apps.
- Aptos: Move-based Layer-1 with parallel execution and sub-second finality. Comparable to TON as a high-performance L1 pursuing gaming, payments, and AI-driven application workloads.
- Avalanche: Layer-1 blockchain with sub-second finality (1.0s) and an app-chain architecture. Comparable to TON on finality benchmarks and as an EVM-compatible alternative for high-performance consumer and DeFi applications.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TON social profiles
Digital presenceTON financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TON leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
TON subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
TON funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds10 records
Investors16 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TON M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TON
What does TON do?
TON operates a Layer-1 blockchain offering sub-second (0.6 sec) finality and near-zero transaction fees (~$0.0005), with native distribution into Telegram's 1B+ user base. On top of the chain, TON provides a modular developer toolset (Tolk language, Acton CLI, AppKit, WalletKit, TON Pay, AgentKit, Agentic Wallets, TON Connect) for building crypto mini-apps, wallets, DeFi, stablecoin payments, and AI agents within Telegram. The platform monetizes through on-chain transaction fees, ecosystem token appreciation, AI compute payments via Cocoon, and advertising access via its Telegram SuperApp partnership.
Is TON a public or private company?
TON is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was TON founded?
TON was founded in 2018. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is TON based?
TON is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does TON make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Transaction Fees are the primary driver. The others are ecosystem Token Appreciation / Token-based Economy, cocoon AI Compute Payments and advertising Platform Access.
Who are TON's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Linea and Render Network. Broad incumbents are Base and BNB Chain. Direct peers are Near Protocol, Polygon (POL), Solana, Sui, Aptos and Avalanche.
Does TON have an API?
Yes. TON offers a comprehensive set of SDKs and APIs through its toolset. AgentKit exposes the chain to LLM agents via the Model Context Protocol (MCP server over stdio, HTTP or serverless), supporting balance queries, jetton listings, transaction history, TON DNS lookups, and single-intent transfers of Gram, Jettons and NFTs. WalletKit and AppKit provide full TON Connect API (connect, sign-data, transactions) plus reads/transfers for Gram, Jettons (incl. USDT) and NFTs. TON Pay provides a hosted payment-state API with reference ID and memo for reconciliation, plus status tracking via SDK polling or webhooks. NPM packages include @ton/appkit, @ton/appkit-react, @ton/walletkit, @ton-pay/api, @ton-pay/ui-react, and @ton/mcp. Developer documentation is at docs.ton.org.
What industry is TON in?
TON's product category is Layer 1 Blockchain Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSADAEAF, Infrastructure & Project Finance Tokenization, with a secondary code of FSADAIAJ, Payment Orchestration, Routing & Smart Transaction Management (Crypto). Its NAICS code is 523210 and its SIC code is 6200.