Ethereum DeFi Connects to TON and Telegram with Tac Mainnet Launch
Telegram is taking a significant step towards embracing decentralized finance (DeFi) on Ethereum with the mainnet launch of Tac, a layer-1 network designed to connect EVM DApps to The Open Network (TON) and Telegram ecosystems.
Tac's mission is to bridge the gap between the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and TON/Telegram ecosystems, allowing users to interact with a range of DeFi protocols such as Curve, Morpho, Euler, and more directly within the Telegram messenger. For developers, Tac provides an easy way to deploy EVM DApps on TON without rewriting code from scratch, unlocking access to Telegram's massive user base of over 1 billion.
Tac is a full EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain that connects Ethereum DApps to the TON and Telegram ecosystems. Its development was announced publicly in July 2024, with a total of $11.5 million raised across its seed and strategic rounds in late 2024 and early 2025.
What is Tac?
Tac is designed to act as a full EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain connecting Ethereum DApps to the TON and Telegram ecosystems. It features its own jetton TON token, which is a custom crypto asset issued on the TON blockchain and built using smart contracts similar to how ERC-20 tokens operate on Ethereum.
Tac works with other projects within the TON ecosystem to "accrue value to TON." Unlike TON's native cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON), jettons are custom crypto assets that can be used across various projects and industries.
Why Does Telegram Need Tac?
Telegram has been under scrutiny for its recent decision to cease support for all blockchains other than TON for its Mini App ecosystem in early 2025. This move forced developers to adapt their EVM apps for the TON Virtual Machine (TVM) to access Telegram.
However, with Tac's mainnet launch, users can now interact with EVM DApps directly within the Telegram messenger, offering a seamless and secure experience. This move marks a significant step towards embracing DeFi on Ethereum within the Telegram ecosystem.
Separate Team Behind Tac
Despite being designed to connect EVM dApps to TON and Telegram ecosystems, the Tac network is being developed by a separate team from both TON and Telegram. This ensures that Tac remains an independent entity with its own vision and goals.
A spokesperson for Tac told Cointelegraph that the network's development is separate from TON and Telegram, allowing it to pursue its mission without external influence.
Web3 Venture Capital Firm Hack VC Leads $5 Million Strategic Round
The latest $5 million strategic round led by Web3 venture capital firm Hack VC has further solidified Tac's position as a key player in the DeFi space. The firm also participated in the previous $6.5 million seed round last November.
Conclusion
Tac's mainnet launch marks an exciting milestone for the Ethereum DeFi ecosystem, offering users a seamless and secure way to interact with EVM DApps within the Telegram messenger. With its unique features and custom crypto assets, Tac is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of DeFi on Ethereum.