Telegram, one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, is now worth around $30 billion. But what’s surprising is that this company runs with only about 30 employees. This success shows how a small team with strong focus and smart strategies can build something huge.
Why Telegram Doesn’t Need a Big Team
Telegram is known for keeping things simple. The company doesn’t even have a Human Resources department. Most of the team members are engineers, and each of them works independently. This means they make fast decisions, work efficiently, and avoid wasting time on office politics or long meetings.
Telegram’s Secret: Strong Focus on Privacy
Since its launch in 2013 by Pavel Durov, Telegram has focused on one thing — user privacy. The app offers features like secret chats, self-destructing messages, and strong encryption. These features helped Telegram stand out from other apps, especially for people who care about data protection.
How Telegram Hires Without Interviews
Unlike traditional companies, it doesn’t follow the usual hiring process. It finds talent through coding contests and online challenges. If someone proves their skills, they get hired — no interviews, no resumes. Also, everyone works remotely, from different countries, which helps cover all time zones and reduce office costs.
Making Money Without Ads
Telegram has promised to stay free from traditional advertisements. To earn money, it started offering premium subscriptions and using crypto tools. In 2023, it made about $342 million in revenue without affecting the user experience. It’s one of the few platforms that earns without spamming users with ads.
Legal Problems and Challenges Ahead
Even though it is successful, it’s not free from problems. The company has faced legal action, especially in France, for not properly handling harmful content on the platform. Also, experts are still unsure if it can continue making money while staying true to its values.
What the Future Holds for Telegram
It’s journey shows how big things can be achieved with a small and smart team. But the road ahead isn’t easy. The company needs to deal with government rules, improve safety on its platform, and keep finding new ways to make money. If it manages to do that, its value could grow even more.
