TLDR
- TON Strategy manages a $558M treasury focused on long-term token accumulation.
- Telegram’s 800M users offer TON a unique distribution advantage for crypto.
- TON mini-apps simplify user experience compared to traditional dApps.
- Staking and risk control are central to TON’s crypto market strategy.
Telegram’s connection to the crypto world is gaining traction, and TON Strategy is at the center of this growth. In Episode 43 of The Crypto Beat, Manuel Stotz, Co-Executive Chairman of TON Strategy, outlined how TON is building a treasury-backed strategy designed for long-term growth. With $558 million in its treasury company, the firm is looking to strengthen its position while managing risks in a volatile market.
Leveraging Telegram’s Scale for Crypto Adoption
During the episode, Manuel Stotz explained how TON benefits from Telegram’s vast user base. Telegram, which has over 800 million users globally, provides a strong entry point for blockchain services. By integrating directly into Telegram’s infrastructure, TON hopes to make crypto use more accessible.
Stotz believes this built-in distribution channel can help drive mainstream adoption. He said, “We think Telegram is the best way to reach the next billion crypto users.” The team is focused on building tools and services within the app to encourage easier onboarding, especially for non-technical users.
The approach allows TON to reach users where they already spend time. Rather than directing users to external wallets or websites, TON’s tools operate inside the Telegram ecosystem. This streamlines user experience and reduces the learning curve for new crypto users.
TON Strategy’s Treasury Model and Long-Term Focus
One of the core topics in the interview was the $558 million treasury managed by TON Strategy. According to Stotz, the treasury is structured to support the ecosystem over time and is designed to accumulate TON tokens rather than trade actively. The company’s goal is to build a stable reserve that can help support project development through different market conditions.
Stotz detailed how the treasury is designed with strict risk controls. He mentioned that the firm does not take on excessive leverage and avoids speculative behavior. The treasury includes a mix of liquid assets and staked TON, helping to balance returns with security.
“We are building a balance sheet that can survive crypto cycles,” Stotz stated. The treasury also helps provide liquidity when needed and serves as a backstop during periods of high market stress.
Managing Drawdowns and Market Volatility
The conversation also touched on crypto market volatility and how TON Strategy prepares for extreme drawdowns. Stotz acknowledged that 80% corrections are not uncommon in the space, and the firm has designed its capital management approach accordingly.
To handle such situations, TON Strategy maintains a conservative position during bull markets. It avoids overextending itself and keeps reserves to manage long-term operations. This helps reduce the need for reactionary moves during down cycles.
Stotz said, “We expect volatility, and we plan for it.” He explained that risk controls are built into their strategy from the start, including how they deploy capital and how they stake assets.
Mini-Apps, dApps, and User Experience
The user experience of mini-apps inside Telegram was another key topic. Compared to traditional decentralized apps (dApps), Telegram mini-apps offer a smoother and more familiar interface for users. Stotz emphasized the importance of keeping things simple to improve adoption.
He explained that most users do not want to manage private keys or interact with complex wallets. By using Telegram as a base, mini-apps can offer familiar login methods and faster access. This lowers barriers for casual users and helps developers build applications that are easier to use.
Stotz also discussed how stablecoins could be integrated into games and cross-border payments. These use cases could make crypto more practical for everyday users and developers alike.
