The TON Foundation, a blockchain initiative linked to Telegram, is gearing up for significant expansion into the United States, according to a Jan. 14 statement.
The strategic shift follows strong performance in 2024 and aligns with a brighter crypto outlook under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The move marks a pivotal moment for TON, a project that faced intense regulatory scrutiny in 2020 when the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) blocked Telegram’s crypto fundraising efforts. That legal battle led to a settlement and reshaped the project, culminating in the launch of the TON Foundation in Switzerland in 2023.
Since then, the blockchain network has gained popularity, mainly through its integration with Telegram’s messaging app, and has become a major player in web3 gaming.
Manuel Stotz, recently appointed president and board member of the foundation, will lead this U.S.-focused growth strategy. Stotz brings extensive experience having led Kingsway Capital, an investment firm supporting blockchain innovators in emerging markets.
New era
The TON Foundation explained that changing regulations in the United States offer new opportunities for blockchain technology.
Notably, several industry players are optimistic about the new government’s pro-crypto stance, which includes plans for a national Bitcoin reserve and blockchain-driven economic reforms.
President-elect Trump has also shown his commitment to moving the industry forward by appointing influential figures, such as Paul Atkins and David Sacks, to key positions. These developments are expected to drive innovation in the field of blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Stotz believes these developments could mark a defining moment for the TON Foundation and the broader crypto ecosystem. He sees the US as a crucial market for accelerating blockchain adoption on a global scale.
He stated:
“TON is uniquely positioned to lead the blockchain revolution. I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to accelerate this mission – especially in the dynamic and innovative U.S. market.”
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