The founder of the social networking site Telegram, Pavel Durov, announced in an interview with the Financial Times that the number of active users has reached 900 million. He also expressed optimism that the company will become profitable either this year or next year. Durov revealed that Telegram has already generated “hundreds of millions of dollars” through advertising and premium subscriptions in the past two years.

In terms of valuation, potential investors have estimated the company to be worth over $30 billion. However, Durov did not comment on the possibility of an initial public offering. Despite being headquartered in Dubai with a small team of around 50 employees, Telegram has become a significant platform for independent journalism and communication in crisis zones. The company aims to focus on the American market once profitability is achieved and market conditions are met.

Critics remain skeptical about Telegram’s future due to uncertainties regarding business operations, political factors, and regulatory issues. However, Durov strongly denied allegations of connections or influence on the platform. As the company considers various options for expansion, there is anticipation for further developments in the near future.