Telegram has raised a total of $3.2 billion across multiple funding rounds, with financing primarily structured as debt and convertible bonds. The platform has evolved into one of the most widely used global messaging applications, serving hundreds of millions of users with a focus on speed, security, and privacy.
What is Telegram and What Does It Do?
Telegram, founded in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, is a cloud-based messaging platform headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Known for its emphasis on speed and encryption, Telegram enables users to exchange messages, media, and files securely, making it a leading alternative to traditional messaging apps for both individuals and communities worldwide.
How Much Funding Has Telegram Raised?
- Initial Coin Offering (ICO)
- Amount Raised: $1.7 billion
- Date: March 2018
- Motivation: To fund development of the Telegram Open Network (TON) and expand platform capabilities.
- Bond Sale
- Amount Raised: $210 million
- Date: July 2023
- Motivation: To support operations and strengthen financial stability.
- Bond Sale
- Amount Raised: $330 million
- Date: March 2024
- Motivation: To provide fresh capital for platform growth and operational expenses.
- Convertible Bond
- Amount Raised: $1.7 billion
- Date: May 2025
- Motivation: To refinance existing debt (~$955 million) and raise new capital (~$745 million) for global expansion.
Total Funding Raised: $3.9 billion
Latest Funding Date: May 2025
Key Investors
- Pavel Durov
- Details: Co-founder and CEO of Telegram; founder of VKontakte.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, social media, secure communication platforms.
- Notable Investments: Telegram, VKontakte.
- Mubadala
- Details: Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, Infrastructure, and Healthcare.
- Notable Investments: Uber, AMD, Tesla.
- Manta Ray Ventures
- Details: Venture capital firm investing in technology startups.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, innovation, early-stage ventures.
- ARK Fund
- Details: Investment firm focusing on disruptive technologies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, blockchain, fintech.
- Dalma Capital
- Details: Global investment firm with a focus on emerging markets.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, finance, and emerging markets.
- Oyster Ventures
- Details: Venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, software, early-stage ventures.
- Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners
- Details: Investment firm based in Abu Dhabi.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, infrastructure, and financial services.
Where is Telegram’s Headquarters?
Telegram’s headquarters is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, operating with a global distributed workforce. The company runs a lean international structure, with teams spread across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
What’s Next for Telegram?
Telegram’s $1.7 billion convertible bond issuance in May 2025 underscores its commitment to achieving long-term financial stability and preparing for an IPO. The company reported $1.4 billion in revenue and $540 million in profit for 2024, marking a significant turnaround from the losses incurred in the previous year.
For 2025, Telegram projects $2 billion in revenue and $720 million in profit, driven by growth in paid subscriptions and partnerships such as its $300 million content distribution deal with xAI, Elon Musk’s AI venture.
Get Investor & Funding Insights with TexAu
TexAu helps sales and business teams uncover detailed fundraising information on companies like Telegram. Track funding rounds, discover top investors, and gain actionable insights to strengthen your prospecting and business strategy.
Get started for free on TexAu and turn data into smarter, faster business decisions today.
