The TON Foundation, a blockchain initiative connected to Telegram, is set to make a significant push into the United States, as per a statement released on Jan. 14. This strategic move comes on the heels of a successful 2024 performance and is in line with a more favorable crypto landscape expected under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The decision to expand into the US market marks a crucial moment for TON, a project that encountered regulatory hurdles in 2020 when the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) intervened in Telegram’s crypto fundraising activities. Following a legal battle and subsequent settlement, the TON Foundation was established in Switzerland in 2023.
Since then, the blockchain network has made strides, particularly with its integration into Telegram’s messaging platform, and has become a prominent player in the web3 gaming space.
Manuel Stotz, who has recently taken on the role of the foundation’s president and board member, will spearhead the growth strategy in the US market. Stotz brings a wealth of experience, having steered Kingsway Capital, an investment firm that supports blockchain ventures in emerging markets.
In the midst of a shifting regulatory landscape in the US, the TON Foundation sees a window of opportunity for blockchain technology. Industry insiders are optimistic about the incoming administration’s pro-crypto stance, which includes proposals for a national Bitcoin reserve and the implementation of blockchain-powered economic reforms.
President-elect Trump’s appointments of influential figures like Paul Atkins and David Sacks to key positions signal a commitment to advancing the blockchain sector and fostering innovation in blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Stotz is optimistic about the potential impact of these developments on the TON Foundation and the wider crypto ecosystem. He envisions the US market as a pivotal space for driving blockchain adoption on a global scale.
In his own words, Stotz stated, “TON is uniquely positioned to spearhead the blockchain revolution. I am eager to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to accelerate this mission, particularly in the dynamic and innovative US market.”
The TON Foundation’s preparation for expansion into the US market amid a pro-crypto Trump administration underscores its commitment to advancing blockchain technology and fostering innovation. This move is poised to position TON as a key player in the evolving blockchain landscape.