Blockchain's path to mass adoption has found its most realistic answer in TON+Telegram. In this exclusive interview, TON Foundation's newly appointed CEO Max Crown shares the project's blueprint for Web3 adoption and its integration strategy with Telegram's super ecosystem.
1. Leadership Vision and Journey
Q: What motivated you to join TON, and what excites you most about this role?
"What drew me to TON is its real potential to onboard the next billion users into crypto—not theoretically, but practically. Having worked in fintech and regulatory spaces, I've observed that most blockchain platforms aren't user-friendly for mainstream audiences. TON changes this through its Telegram integration, making blockchain part of daily life. Leading this transformative shift excites me most."
Q: What's TON's long-term vision under your leadership?
"Simple: make blockchain usage invisible in people's daily activities—whether transferring value, accessing digital services, or gaming. We aim to position TON as the foundational infrastructure for next-gen internet applications: secure, decentralized, and universally accessible."
2. Product Ecosystem and Strategy
Q: What's most exciting about TON/Telegram's present and future?
"Scale. Rarely do you get to build on infrastructure natively integrated with a billion-user app. Telegram gives TON instant reach, revolutionizing adoption. I'm particularly thrilled about seamless blockchain interactions—from Mini Apps to Toncoin payments—lowering barriers for non-crypto natives."
Q: How do you envision the "super app" evolution of Telegram + TON?
"Imagine managing finances, trading assets, and accessing decentralized services—all within Telegram. Booking services, tipping creators, gaming, and peer-to-peer transfers could happen in a single chat thread. We're closer to this reality than many realize."
Key Upcoming Milestones:
- Expanding Mini Apps ecosystem
- Enhancing developer incentives
- Improving TON Connect UX
- Launching new workchains for scalability
- Preparing for major U.S. advancements
3. Regulatory Approach and Community
On Global Compliance:
"Proactivity is key—maintain transparency, develop compliance tools, and engage regulators openly. With the U.S.'s friendlier crypto stance, we're aligning with emerging frameworks."
Message to Developers and Traders:
"Builders: you're this ecosystem's backbone—expect better tools and broader distribution. Traders: enjoy the ride, but remember—we're building for longevity."
FAQ: Addressing Key Questions
Q: How does TON differ from other Layer 1 blockchains?
TON uniquely serves mainstream users by embedding blockchain in Telegram—focusing on distribution and UX rather than just Web3 natives.
Q: What sustains Mini-App momentum?
Deepening Telegram integrations, real-world use cases, and relentless UX innovation convert initial hype into lasting engagement.
Q: What's often overlooked about TON?
"We're building internet infrastructure for a decentralized era—without requiring users to change habits. Truly usable crypto is TON's essence."