TAC Mainnet Launch: Opening the Door to a Billion Telegram Users for Decentralized Finance

Recently, the TON Application Chain (TAC) officially launched its Mainnet, aimed at allowing Ethereum-compatible Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications to operate within the vast user ecosystem of Telegram.

With the activation of the TAC Mainnet, Ethereum DeFi protocols such as Curve, Morpho, and Euler can now be used on the chain via Telegram. The TAC token ($TAC) surged shortly after the launch on the Mainnet, with an increase of over 50%, reaching a high of $0.0248, before retreating to around $0.026.

Technical Path: Building EVM-Compatible Bridges

TAC is a Layer 1 blockchain based on CosmosEVM, with the core design concept of providing a "TON-specific cross-chain layer" aimed at connecting Ethereum DApps and developers with over 1 billion monthly active users on Telegram. This technical approach addresses the incompatibility of the TON blockchain with EVM, allowing EVM-based DApps to connect to Telegram's exclusive blockchain infrastructure through TAC.

The TAC ecosystem is supported by multiple infrastructure partners, and this collaboration will provide TAC with cross-chain messaging and oracle data stream services, ensuring the smooth operation and data accuracy of DeFi applications in the Telegram environment.

Currently, several well-known Ethereum DeFi protocols have landed on Telegram through TAC, providing users with decentralized trading and lending services.

Distribution Strategy: Leverage Telegram's Large User Base

In the DeFi field, distribution channels are regarded as a key factor for success. The strategic core of TAC lies in gaining access to the TON ecosystem and reaching Telegram's vast user base through TON. It is claimed that users can use DeFi applications with "one click" to conduct transactions or engage in yield farming.

A partner at a certain laboratory stated that the launch of TAC's Mainnet is "an important step to bring DeFi into the mainstream," aiming to provide "real utility" for over a billion users.

Telegram's ambitions are clearly not limited to this. Earlier this year, this social giant reached an agreement with the TON Foundation, requiring all blockchain mini-programs to be developed based on TON. It then launched a digital asset tokenization plan, with the founder mentioning the deep integration of social and finance, and stating that every chat window should become a financial gateway.

Compared to other Layer 1 projects, TAC has a unique advantage: it does not need to cultivate user habits from scratch, but rather stands directly on the shoulders of the giant Telegram.

TON Ecosystem: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

However, whether the capital's enthusiasm can be transformed into substantial ecological prosperity still requires the market to provide an answer. Looking back at 2024, the TON ecosystem experienced significant fluctuations. In the first half of the year, the TVL once broke through 760 million USD, but suffered a sharp decline in August, currently standing at less than 150 million USD.

TAC is currently facing three challenges:

1. How to attract quality DApp developers to continue building in the overall sluggish TON ecosystem.
2. Break through the dilemma of "getting applause but not sales" and truly activate the participation of Telegram's billion-level users.
3. Responding to the regulatory environment, especially the relevant regulations concerning on-chain activities.

Getting a large chat user base to quickly adapt to and use Decentralized Finance applications is a complex process. How far this experiment connecting two major ecosystems can go remains to be seen over time. The integration of Decentralized Finance and social media is undoubtedly full of opportunities, but it also comes with many challenges. The development trajectory of TAC will provide valuable experience and insights for the entire industry.