Hipo at Token2049 Dubai: Conversations, Concerns, and Commitments to the TON Ecosystem

Introduction

Token2049 Dubai is one of the largest gatherings in the blockchain space, bringing together builders, investors, and visionaries shaping the future of crypto. For us at Hipo, this event was a valuable opportunity to connect, reflect, and explore the path ahead — especially within the TON ecosystem.

Our Goals at Token2049

Our participation had two main goals:

1. Engage with Key Investors: We held constructive discussions with prominent investors, updating them on Hipo’s traction, sharing our vision, and discussing our ongoing OTC fundraising round. We explained how all capital raised will flow into the on-chain Hipo Fund, governed via DAO voting and dedicated to sustainable ecosystem growth.
2. Reconnect with TON Builders: It was also a great chance to remeet fellow builders in the TON ecosystem. We listened, exchanged thoughts, and reflected together on the state of TON today — a conversation that proved as valuable as any pitch.

Observations from the Event

One thing that stood out this year was the absence of major TON players like Telegram and TON Foundation from the main stage.

Unlike last year, their presence was limited mostly to side events. Our interpretation is that they’re likely preserving resources for higher-priority goals. We respect that strategy and hope it serves the long-term health of TON.

Concerns from TON Builders

However, a repeated sentiment we heard from TON builders was concerning: a drop in motivation and optimism.

Many expressed a sense of disconnect, especially regarding decision-making by TON’s biggest players. These concerns were not isolated — they formed a shared pattern across teams.

We understand where this is coming from. And as members of the ecosystem who deeply believe in TON’s potential, we feel responsible to amplify these voices.

Our Perspective

We believe TON can become a leading force in DeFi and real-world user adoption. But for that to happen, ecosystem-wide collaboration and self-reflection are essential.

A key misconception we see is the belief that Telegram’s massive user base automatically translates into a TON community. This assumption risks ignoring the actual work and strategy needed to build a healthy, engaged community from the ground up.

Community-building requires infrastructure, support, and open access — especially for new builders. Many teams feel there’s too much centralization, and that the current ecosystem favors exclusive partnerships.

While these deals may seem beneficial short-term, they can stifle innovation and create barriers to fair competition.

We believe platforms — especially wallets and validators — should avoid exclusivity and focus on enabling a free, competitive market. This will encourage real value creation and ensure that the best ideas rise to the top.

Our Commitment

At Hipo, we chose TON because we believe in its future. And because of that belief, we also feel a duty to speak up when things need to change.

We’re not here to complain — we’re here to collaborate. We want TON to reach its full potential, and that requires a shared effort to identify blind spots and fix them together.