What is TAC Protocol (TAC)

TAC Protocol: Bridging Ethereum and TON to Empower the Telegram Ecosystem

In the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology, the TAC Protocol emerges as a pivotal infrastructure designed to connect the Ethereum ecosystem with Telegram's vast user base via The Open Network (TON). This innovative protocol aims to facilitate seamless interactions between decentralized applications (dApps) and the Telegram community, which boasts over a billion users. By combining a comprehensive cross-chain bridge and a robust Layer 1 blockchain, TAC enhances user accessibility while maintaining a high level of security.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the TAC Protocol and its native token, $TAC, exploring its functionality, foundational technology, investment landscape, and future outlook.

1. Introduction to TAC Protocol and the $TAC Token

Overview and Mission

TAC Protocol is strategically designed to serve as a bridge between Ethereum's decentralized landscape and the massive Telegram user base. It enables developers to deploy Ethereum-compatible dApps on the TAC EVM chain, ensuring that users can interact seamlessly with these applications within the Telegram app. The primary mission of TAC Protocol is to streamline access to decentralized finance (DeFi) and other blockchain services, simplifying the user experience for non-technical users and expanding the reach of Ethereum's capabilities through TON's massive audience.

The Role of $TAC in the Ecosystem

The native token, $TAC, plays an essential role within the ecosystem as the exclusive medium for gas fees on the TAC EVM layer. It will also serve as a staking token that incentivizes network participation and governance. With its multifaceted utility, $TAC aims to foster engagement and loyalty among users as they interact with the growing array of dApps integrated within the Telegram platform.

2. Foundational Technology: How TAC Works

The TON-Adapter: Bridging TON and EVM

At the core of TAC Protocol lies the TON-Adapter, which serves as a conduit between the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and the TON blockchain. This cutting-edge technology allows dApps built on the Ethereum network to interact natively within the Telegram environment, creating a seamless experience for users accessing decentralized applications. It translates transactions from the TON blockchain into formats compatible with the EVM, enabling cross-chain operations without requiring users to navigate complex networks.

Proxy Apps and Cross-Chain Communication

TAC employs a unique feature called Proxy Apps, which are smart contracts designed to facilitate interactions between TON users and Ethereum dApps. Whenever a user initiates a transaction on TON within the Telegram app, it is relayed through these Proxy Apps to the TAC EVM Layer. This mechanism ensures that users can execute transactions and interact with dApps directly from their TON wallets, significantly streamlining the user experience and reducing barriers to entry for non-crypto enthusiasts.

Security Architecture and Consensus Mechanism

To ensure the security and integrity of the TAC Protocol, a decentralized consensus mechanism known as Tendermint Core has been implemented. This Delegated Proof-of-Stake model not only protects the network from potential threats but also allows token holders to actively participate in securing the network while earning staking rewards of 8-10% annually. Furthermore, TAC's unique design includes slashing penalties for sequencers who provide inaccurate data, incentivizing honest participation within the network.

The TAC EVM Layer

Built on the robust Cosmos SDK foundation, the TAC EVM Layer is optimized to accommodate upgrades such as Ethereum's Cancun hard fork. This compatibility facilitates the direct deployment of Solidity contracts into the TAC ecosystem, enabling developers to bring their Ethereum-based projects to a more extensive audience without code modification.

3. The Team and Investors Behind TAC

Founding Team

TAC Protocol was co-founded by Pavel Altukhov, who serves as the CEO, and Marco Monaco, the Growth Lead. Altukhov's vision for a user-centric, integrated DeFi experience within Telegram sets the direction for TAC's development, while Monaco leads initiatives to attract developers and grow the ecosystem.

Investor Ecosystem and Funding Rounds

TAC has garnered substantial financial backing, raising a total of $11.5 million across two key funding rounds. The seed round, completed in November 2024, successfully raised $6.5 million, supported by notable investors including Hack VC and Symbolic Capital, as well as various decentralized entities. Subsequently, a strategic round in June 2025 raised an additional $5 million, again led by Hack VC. This substantial financial support reflects a strong belief in TAC's potential to transform the crypto landscape by harnessing Telegram's user base.

4. Timeline of Key Developments

Conception and Early Development (2024)

TAC Protocol's inception laid the groundwork for its ambitious goal of connecting Ethereum with Telegram. Initial developments aimed at integrating key features necessary for a successful deployment within the TON environment began shortly after the project's conception.

Testnet Launch and Seed Funding (November 2024)

In November 2024, TAC Protocol completed its $6.5 million seed funding round and launched its testnet during the renowned DevCon 2024 event. This milestone marked the beginning of TAC's potential scalability within Telegram, allowing users to experience the functionality of Proxy Apps.

Strategic Funding and Mainnet Preparation (June 2025)

The protocol continued to grow, culminating in a strategic funding round that raised $5 million in June 2025, further establishing investor confidence in TAC’s vision and potential.

Mainnet Launch and Token Release (July 2025)

TAC's mainnet officially went live on July 15, 2025, alongside the much-anticipated launch of its native token, $TAC. This pivotal development positioned TAC as a formidable player in the blockchain space, facilitating access to decentralized applications and services for Telegram users.

5. Use Cases and Ecosystem Growth

Enabling Ethereum dApps on Telegram

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the TAC Protocol is its ability to enable Ethereum dApps to operate seamlessly within the Telegram app. By leveraging Proxy Apps, developers can build applications that respond directly to the needs of Telegram users, showcasing the flexibility and power of blockchain technology in real-world applications.

DeFi on TAC: Liquidity and Yield Opportunities

With over $800 million in Total Value Locked (TVL) at launch, TAC establishes itself as a robust platform for decentralized finance. The extensive liquidity secured through strategic partnerships ensures that users have access to diverse yield-generating opportunities, promoting the ecosystem's sustainable growth.

Consumer Applications and Mass Adoption

The user-friendly design of TAC Protocol positions it as a gateway for mass adoption of decentralized technologies. By simplifying the onboarding process and reducing the need for crypto-specific knowledge, TAC seeks to introduce millions of Telegram users to blockchain applications, encouraging a broader acceptance of decentralized systems.

6. Tokenomics and Governance

Utility of the $TAC Token

The $TAC token serves multiple roles within the TAC ecosystem, including its usage as a gas fee for transaction confirmations and as a medium for staking within the network. This multifaceted tokenomics model incentivizes various forms of participation, whether through usage or governance.

Staking and Delegated Proof-of-Stake

Stakeholders can participate in the governance of TAC by delegating their tokens, thus influencing decisions related to protocol upgrades or treasury spending. This approach to governance empowers the community and fosters long-term engagement with the protocol.

Governance Model

TAC operates under a stakeholder-based governance model, where voting rights are proportional to the amounts staked. This structure encourages active participation and ensures that the interests of token holders are aligned with the long-term success of the protocol.

7. Future Outlook and Strategic Vision

Upcoming Developments

The TAC Protocol is well-positioned for continuous evolution, with several promising developments on the horizon. Future integrations, such as Bitcoin Staking via Babylon Network, will serve to bolster security and utility within the ecosystem.

The Role of Babylon Bitcoin Staking

By introducing Bitcoin staking, TAC aims to enhance its consensus mechanism further. This anticipated development will provide users with additional security while maintaining transactional efficiency across its layered architecture.

Expanding the TON Ecosystem

As TAC establishes itself in the market, the protocol anticipates further collaboration and expansion within the TON ecosystem. Initiatives to support developers in creating Mini Apps and consumer-facing applications will encourage growth and establish TAC as a cornerstone of future digital interactions.

Conclusion

The TAC Protocol represents a significant advancement in bridging decentralized applications with mainstream users, facilitated through Telegram. Its innovative technology and design, underscored by a commitment to security and user experience, situate TAC as a formidable contributor to the evolution of Web3. With an extensive roadmap ahead, TAC Protocol is poised to redefine how users interact with blockchain technology in their daily lives, paving the way for mass adoption and untapped opportunities in decentralized finance.