Ethereum DeFi Integrates with TON and Telegram via Tac Mainnet Launch

Ethereum DeFi Bridges to TON and Telegram with Tac Mainnet Launch

Telegram is advancing its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings by integrating Ethereum-based applications through the launch of Tac’s mainnet, a third-party blockchain designed to connect Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) applications with The Open Network (TON). Announced on Tuesday, Tac aims to embed EVM decentralized applications (DApps) directly into the TON and Telegram ecosystems, allowing Telegram’s extensive user base to access a variety of DeFi protocols—including Curve, Morpho, and Euler—without leaving the messaging platform.

Tac co-founder Pavel Altukhov explained that the network enables Telegram users to interact seamlessly with EVM DApps within the messenger interface. For developers, Tac provides a streamlined solution to deploy EVM applications on TON without the need to rewrite existing code, thereby granting access to Telegram’s audience of over a billion users.

Tac’s Role and Significance in the Blockchain Ecosystem

First introduced in July 2024, Tac functions as a fully EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain that bridges Ethereum DApps to the TON and Telegram environments. According to co-founder Marco Monaco, Tac is built atop TON and issues its own jetton token, a custom crypto asset native to the TON blockchain that operates similarly to Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens. This collaboration with other TON projects is intended to generate additional value within the TON ecosystem.

Telegram’s strategic decision in early 2025 to exclusively support TON for its Mini App ecosystem compelled developers to adapt EVM applications for the TON Virtual Machine (TVM) to maintain platform compatibility. Tac simplifies this transition by allowing EVM developers to integrate their applications with Telegram and TON effortlessly, eliminating the need for extensive code modifications.

Independent Development, Funding, and Market Context

Although Tac serves as a critical bridge between TON and Telegram, it is developed independently from both entities. Since its public debut, Tac has secured $11.5 million in funding through seed and strategic investment rounds, including a recent $5 million injection led by Web3 venture capital firm Hack VC.

Telegram’s exclusive TON strategy for Mini Apps has generated debate within the crypto community, with some critics questioning the platform’s commitment to decentralization. However, Steve Yun, a member of the TON Foundation board, has defended the approach, emphasizing its advantages in terms of security and scalability.

The launch of Tac’s mainnet occurs amid a highly competitive and rapidly evolving blockchain landscape. While the integration promises improved interoperability and a more seamless user experience, it also faces challenges related to scalability, regulatory oversight, and competition from other blockchain platforms. Recent advancements such as the Maxwell upgrade on Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and the introduction of the XRPL EVM Sidechain highlight an industry-wide focus on enhancing transaction speeds and smart contract functionality.

Market responses to Tac’s launch are expected to be cautiously optimistic, as competitors may accelerate their own platform enhancements to protect or grow their market positions. Tac’s mainnet launch represents a notable development in bridging Ethereum DeFi with TON and Telegram, though its long-term success will depend on how effectively it addresses technical, regulatory, and competitive challenges in the coming months.