Ton Foundation X AMA session with BeInCrypto

In an exclusive AMA session with BeInCrypto, we had the pleasure of hosting Ryan Dennis, Brand Director of the Tone Foundation, on the fascinating world of Web3 and its integration into Telegram.

The discussion revolved around Ton's global goal of leveraging Telegram's large user base to make cryptocurrency accessible to everyone, the revolutionary Wallet feature on Telegram and the enormous potential of Ton's blockchain technology.

The interview featured the convergence of Web2 and Web3, with Ryan presenting the foundation's goal of blockchain accessibility and simplicity and promising a time when digital ownership will be as easy as texting.

Join us as we explore Telegram's journey to create the Web3 ecosystem, put crypto in every pocket, and define the way we think about digital transactions and ownership.

An interview with Ryan Dennis from the Ton Foundation

BIC: We are getting ready for our AMA session with the Ton Foundation!

Today we welcome Brand Director – Ryan Dennis 🙌 at the Tone Foundation.

I have some questions for Ryan. After that, he will answer 5 questions from our previously selected members.

Okay, Ryan, let's start with this point: we're chatting on Telegram right now. And your entire Web3 ecosystem is built into the Messenger app. Does that mean we at BeEncrypto are actually on your territory…we are your guests and not the other way around? 😂 Strange feeling. Anyway, let me start by asking you to tell us some general information about your collaboration with Telegram and the development of your ecosystem.

Ryan: Hi everyone, thanks for having me. To be with you today is a milestone in my career.

To bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 and bring digital ownership to over 800 million users, we have integrated with Telegram by providing blockchain infrastructure.

Our approach involves designing and building easy-to-use Web3 solutions on the Telegram Mini App platform. Specifically, Wallet in Telegram, now rolling out to all Telegram users globally in Telegram's native settings menu. Think about it… that's a lot of blockchain wallets.

My personal opinion is that this integration with Telegram makes crypto as easy as texting and makes it a ton unique in the blockchain space.

BIC: What is your global mission as a Web3 project?

Ryan: Keep it simple: crypto in every pocket. Ton Blockchain is one of the most scalable blockchains in the world, meaning it is uniquely positioned to accelerate the adoption of the technology. The Ton Foundation is one of several companies supporting the development of Ton and Ton-based protocols. That's why our mission at Telegram is to build the Web3 ecosystem and put it in everyone's pocket.

We want to simplify the complexity of Web3 and introduce Telegram's user base of 800 million users to the true ownership that comes with digital assets. This is about accessibility. Blockchain is for everyone, everywhere, not just for the technical arts.

We are here to make blockchain accessible to the common man. Our similarity to Telegram and its scalable architecture means that we are the only blockchain that can achieve this.

BIC: And what methods are you willing to use to achieve this goal?

Ryan: The short answer here is what you're seeing right now: Telegram.

We have Technology, Projects and Telegram as our platform and launch pad. We just have to keep doing what we're doing. If you need proof of this, check out the Web3 Mini Apps in Telegram, built on the success of NotCoin, a successful Web3 game that attracted 20 million users in just 26 days. I mean many users.

And we can achieve this because our technical base is strong. Certic Tone has proven world-leading transaction speed, powered by a next-generation scalable architecture. 100,000 transactions per second. And if we want to be realistic about achieving this goal, the transaction fee of tons of blockchain is very low. This is what they want to serve hundreds of millions of people with a well-developed ecosystem that is growing in all aspects of Web3- from DeFi to GameFi to NFTs.

BIC: Ryan, tell us about Ton's latest projects released on Telegram.

Ryan: My favorite thing in the world right now, after my wife and kids, of course, is hitting a probably stupid little button over and over again. In case you haven't heard of it, NoteCoin, the super viral clicker coin-mining game, works like a Telegram mini app. Last time I checked, 4.1 million players had joined within a week of its official launch, and it currently has 25 million users. This makes it one of the most popular web3 games in history and the world right now.

More than anything else, the success serves as the clearest proof of Ton's approach to mass adoption, where I'm talking about simplicity, accessibility and community engagement as key factors for digital product success. Also, I'm obsessed with marketing and public relations, but that wasn't necessary here either. Notcoin's growth happened organically without announcements, based on Telegram's user engagement and easy accessibility. Word of mouth is still alive, after all.

Notcoin's popularity is simple, but what matters is its impact. It serves as a gateway to the Toon ecosystem within Telegram. I am not hyperbolic when I say that Notcoin could be the biggest web2-to-web3 onboarding event in crypto history after the highly anticipated token distribution. Follow it.

BIC: I want to be honest… I became obsessed with this game.

Ryan: I wonder if you're not worried, my friend. It's very easy!

BIC: After checking out the Telegram wallet, I tried it out – one of the most interesting ton-based features in Telegram is the crypto @Wallet. It is the perfect onboarding tool for users to learn about crypto on a platform they are familiar with. Why are so many people using @wallet and why people who are not familiar with crypto can start using @wallet?

The first reason you should start using Ryan @Wallet is because it's the only wallet in crypto that's as simple as text messaging. Wallet's primary use case, among their more than 7 million users, is peer-to-peer payments.

Go ahead and type @wallet in your Telegram browser

It's as simple as that. Compare that with other Web3 wallets and tell me which one is the best fit for our future industry. Users can buy crypto, store it in @Wallet and then send it to family and friends around the world for free.

Let's face it: Crypto has been hard to use since day one. But not anymore. Many people know about crypto, but their experience of trying cryptos has failed due to its complexity. @Wallet can help them find their first assets in a very direct way – quickly send a text message to their friends.

The system behind @wallet is incredibly user-friendly, facilitating seamless transactions across borders like Telegram, which is especially useful in regions prone to inflation or those without access to regular banking services.

We have noticed that some merchants are drawn to Wallet for arbitrage opportunities in the P2P market. However you want to use it, @Wallet acts as a gateway to a TON of other dApps in the ecosystem, eliminating the need for additional authentication services. Everything @wallet does is easily accessible via Telegram – and our mission is to give this power to 500 million people by 2028.

BIC: And what is the difference between Wallet and TON Space?

Ryan: Wallet is a Telegram native security service that allows users to store cryptocurrencies such as Toncoin.

For those who don't know, a wallet works in a similar way to a bank, it manages the user's money through a third party. Users can deposit and withdraw assets without dealing with complex crypto elements such as seed phrases. Yet, @Wallet simplifies the use of crypto by providing a fully-fledged P2P platform and strong user support.

Meanwhile, TonSpace is a non-custodial service. With a non-custodial wallet, users can directly manage their own assets. TonSpace allows users to take full control of their Toncoins, their collection, and their Jettones.

TonSpace users hold their assets directly in Telegram based on what you might call ‘Web3's original principles', but with additional features. Rather than relying solely on genealogical backups, services like email backup ensure that we're consistent with these ideals while prioritizing accessibility.

BIC: And how do our community members start using @Wallet?

Ryan: Go to your search bar and type ‘@wallet'. Simplicity is a prominent feature of the TonWeb3 ecosystem in Telegram.

Anyone, subject to local jurisdiction rules, only needs a regular Telegram account to access the Wallet and anything else in the TON ecosystem. No additional requirements are required; It's all conveniently and instantly available in Telegram, making it a one-stop solution. I am posting a recurring theme here…

BIC: I have a difficult question for you…

Telegram has 800 million viewers worldwide. And if anyone wants to create an app in Telegram, it builds on Tons. Your collaboration with Telegram looks like an attempt to create a super app like WeChat. But it is known that the Chinese government has full access to users' data (due to regulation). The technical requirement that the projects be done on a tonnage basis may seem like an attempt to build a ‘monopoly'.

So my next question is: How can Ton and Telegram ensure the privacy of user data?

Ryan: That's a great question and it's worth asking. As part of Ton Foundation, I can't speak about Telegram specifically, we are just a partner, not a company.

However, anyone familiar with Telegram's history knows that it has always stood for data privacy, despite being heavily monitored. Importantly, TON like blockchain, projects built on TON can take advantage of the security benefits and transparency that the technology brings.

BIC: OK, if my phone dies or my SIM card is stolen, will I forever lose access to my Telegram wallet and tons? 🤔

Ryan: This is where the importance of fragments comes in. Rubble is Telegram's new platform where Telegram usernames, phone numbers, and profiles can be used to buy Toncoin-based NFTs.

So don't worry. These accounts are not linked to any SIM card. This ensures constant access to Telegram and Tone regardless of the status of your SIM card. Additionally, Telegram-based products such as Wallet or TON Space offer options such as email backup. These backups allow you to restore your wallet account in case of any problem with your SIM card or Telegram account.

BIC: Can you delve into the technical architecture of the Ton Block Chain? What are its unique features and how do they compare to other blockchains?

Ryan: Okay, you want to get technical!

I've worked with several industry-leading Layer-1s in my career, but without a doubt, there's no comparison: Tone Architecture is the next generation. It has a unique dynamic sharding system capable of processing millions of transactions per second, easily surpassing Ethereum and Solana. No shots fired – I respect both of their creations, as great art and great music.

But tone isn't just about volume or amplification. Certic has done a ton of speed test live streaming audits, and now we're officially the fastest blockchain in the world, processing 104,715 transactions per second – not only more than any other blockchain, but more than Visa and MasterCard combined. Look at yourself

BIC: Do you plan to further expand the use of Ton and run apps outside of the Telegram ecosystem?

Ryan: Of course, Ton was originally and still is envisioned as a blockchain, a blockchain designed to serve as the base layer of a new decentralized internet. Instead of trying to attract users with gimmicks and advertising, Ton strategically partnered with Telegram, a platform used by most crypto-advertisers.

No blockchain has yet reached mass adoption, so we refuse to follow in their footsteps. We have been at different levels in a way that no one can compete with.

BIC: 🔥🔥🔥

Ryan: By leveraging Telegram's massive user base, tons of projects can be easily seen by crypto-natives and mainstream audiences alike.

BIC: How is Ton Foundation approaching regulatory compliance in various jurisdictions?

Ryan: We are a small part of the Open Network. True to Ton's soul and spirit is our core opening value. Therefore, we prioritize open communication about our operations and relationships, which is why when we partner with Telegram, you'll hear Ton as a separate entity.

Most tonnage-based protocols geographically (or geographically restrict) their products to ensure compliance with regulations around the world. For example, @Wallet is not rolling out in the Telegram settings menu for US users. As a native of New York City, I love America, but geofencing the US is not a huge loss, considering that our primary audience reflects Telegram's user base, which mostly resides outside the US.

BIC: And what are your strategies for driving the mainstream adoption of Ton and the ecosystem?

Ryan: Our plan is simple. Literally. Our strategy is to focus on simplicity, simplicity and simplicity.

Consider the challenges of walleting Tronlink or Metamask for new users. To them, having a migraine is like doing your taxes, which is time-consuming and painful. Our approach with Telegram Mini Apps is a complete game changer. We talk about this every day. Everything we do must be simple and accessible to an active and engaged audience. Our vision of using Telegram Mini Apps to build the Web3 ecosystem at Telegram is a recipe for success.

BIC: Okay, now let's talk about your upcoming projects for 2024 😏

Ryan: Future projects are ahead, and I don't want to spoil and reveal too much! However, I will give you a suggestion because I like you. I personally believe 2024 will be our vacation.

We're making some big plays and disrupting some big players as we try to strengthen our integration with Telegram and better understand the Telegram-based Web3 experience – we can't share many of the details at this point. But stay tuned because new things are happening every day.

For example, just today, Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that Telegram will share ad revenue with users starting in March. Channel owners receive 50% of advertising revenue, payments are settled on the TON blockchain. This is really happening. We really do this. And we are doing it all for the benefit of humanity and the future of blockchain.

BIC: Cool! Ryan, it's time for questions from our community.

Interesting question from @BonitaLozano:

What is the selection process and criteria for the 12 projects included in the TON Accelerator Program in Asia and what areas of focus does the 10-week curriculum cover for these projects?

Ryan: Ah! Great question @bonitalozano! And congratulations that your question was selected!

The Ton Foundation accelerator team is optimistic. Optimism about the amazing mini-apps. Also about games with innovations on Telegram's newest and most critical features.

The selection process was very rigorous and challenging for everyone involved, but in the end we supported developers who are using all the latest technologies from blockchain to AI. Putting their ideas into products integrated with Web3 will result in features that truly serve the human community as a whole.

The Ton Acceleration Program in Asia selects projects based on several key areas, focusing on early-stage projects in the DeFi, social, gaming and marketplace segments such as e-commerce platforms.

Also critical to our selection are proven team experience, product readiness (requires at least MVP performance on Ton), clear value proposition, and deep understanding and alignment with the Ton ecosystem. In our 10-week curriculum, we delve deep into areas critical to the success of a pre-stage project.

The program culminates in the preparation for the Demo Day, which provides a platform for projects to showcase their progress, first at the Ton Bootcamp and Future3 Ecosystem in Singapore on March 13th with Du Yu, GM of Wanxiang Blockchain, followed by another demo day in Hong Kong at the Future3 Festival.

As you say, I'm excited. We have worked very hard on this because early stage products will be the corporations that can save us in the future.

BIC: @AikoLovely5 asks:

Regarding the Notcoin game, what goals are there to ensure that the millions of users who join this year do so? Do you plan to create some interactions with other blockchains to attract more users? Did you expect so much success in such a short time?

Ryan: I could talk about NotCoin all day @aikolovely5! Thanks for the question and congratulations on your question being selected!!

Well, the first thing to say is that the Notcoin team has always said that the project is probably nothing. I'm sure there is some plan, but I can't speak to the Open Builders team's plans.

Having said that, I am confident that the success of this notcoin will lead to one of the biggest events in crypto history. When the token mint happens, I expect it to be a big deal. We may be witnessing the start of an entirely new approach to launching products on the blockchain.

As for the expected success, well, at TON, we've always known something special about these Telegram mini apps. While not everyone can predict that Notcoin will hit more than 25 million, we can all realize that before one of these Ton-Telegram projects makes such a big impact. Not by chance.

BIC: 3D – @hauzf:

What makes Ton different from other blockchains, and how does it stand out in terms of functionality and user experience? Can you provide insights into Ton's unique features compared to other blockchain platforms?

Ryan: Congratulations on getting your questions selected!! Thank you so much for the great question. it's good.

We've touched on this topic before, but I'd like to emphasize how our partnership with Telegram sets TON apart from other blockchains – indeed, it will set us apart from all other blockchains in meaningful ways today and in the future.

No other blockchain has this level of collaboration with giants like Meta, Apple or Google – Ton is in a league of its own here. Telegram is twice as big as Twitter/X.

I'll skip the technical jargon, but it's important to mention that Ton's infrastructure is strong enough to support the mass adoption of blockchain technology. Faster, more affordable, and more accessible than other blockchains, Telegram is now available.

And Ton is bringing all the Web3 innovations that I'm sure all of you listening here today will be incredibly familiar with in a truly accessible way for Web2 users for the first time.

While we pride ourselves on being the fastest chain around the clock with the lowest transaction costs – our unique feature is our focus on a truly intuitive and accessible user experience. Tons in Telegram, crypto is easier than texting, and more fun!

BIC: @hana12875:

Ton has the potential to redefine payment infrastructure. Can you discuss how the speed and scale of Ton can streamline financial transactions, reduce costs and promote financial inclusion, particularly in remittances and e-commerce?

Ryan: Thanks for the question @hana12875 and congratulations!!!

By 2024, blockchain payments must be fast and scalable to provide value to any financial environment. I talked about this a while back, I'm happy to translate it again. The TON blockchain can be distributed dynamically based on the network load. If the transaction volume is too high, it will split into two “shardchains”.

If one of the halves is later overloaded, it is also divided in half, and so on. This is how we broke the record for blockchain transaction speed of over 100,000 transactions per second, verified by a third-party analytics firm called Certike.

Wallet in Telegram is currently the ton leading product in this sphere. As I mentioned earlier, many users use it extensively for peer-to-peer trading and sending.

It offers free transfers between Telegram contacts and an auto-stop option via tonespace with a robust on- and off-ramp system. We have all the infrastructure ready for more than 800 million Telegram users.

BTW, tons of user-to-user transactions are expanding as well. We are actively developing our e-commerce capabilities. The Wallet Pay program, for example, allows vendors to sell goods in crypto directly within Telegram, a segment that is becoming increasingly popular in the ton.

BIC: @ Engm4 asks:

The Ton Society seems like a community of active passionate people. What are some of the long-term goals that the Ton Society is working towards? And how does someone like me who is interested in getting involved get started and contribute to the community?

Ryan: @engm4: Excellent question, my friend!

Ton Society is its own on-chain social network that brings together Ton fans from all over the ecosystem.

You could say that the new initiative Toon Society works as an infrastructure for Open League, designed to reward the community for using good Toon projects. It's very easy to go to the Tone Society website and create your profile, and TS is also regularly hosting in-person meetings worldwide in various regions.

Here it is btw:

TS is open to everyone who is passionate about crypto, regardless of skill level. It unlocks tons of unique access, opportunities and benefits. There are many different community forums for specific countries and languages. Name a region, we're probably there or we want you to build it with us. These regional hubs are independent groups that aim to strengthen partnerships and support local fans.

The ultimate long-term goals of Ton Society are to provide decentralized digital identities for all and act as the DAO as Ton's wider social infrastructure.

More to come…

BIC: Very good! Thank you so much for your time today!

Ryan: It's my pleasure! I truly love BeInCrypto and have been a fan of yours for years. What an amazing community you have here.

Final Thoughts: Ton Effects on the Web 3

Summing up our conversation with Ryan Dennis of the Ton Foundation, it's clear that Ton is a forward-thinking company with big plans to change the way we interact with digital assets.

With the help of Telegram, Tons is slowing down the adoption rate of Web3, which means users will have an easier, more accessible, and most importantly, fun time using blockchain.

Projects like Notecoin Game and Telegram Wallet highlight Ton's innovative approach to accessibility, ease of use, and community engagement.

Ton's journey is clearly one to watch closely as we look forward to the impressive developments Ryan has predicted for 2024. The future of digital ownership and financial transactions is in the hands of talent, and their commitment to making it as easy as sending a text message can be. Blockchain Leaps to Mainstream Acceptance.