Telegram inks $300M deal with xAI to integrate Grok chatbot for over 1B users.
Telegram to earn 50% from xAI subscriptions via platform rollout.
Toncoin jumps 20% after partnership news; hits $3.67 monthly high.
Telegram has entered a major strategic partnership with Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence firm xAI, securing a $300 million deal for the integration of the Grok AI chatbot. Announced by Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on May 28, the agreement aims to deploy Grok across Telegram's platform, making it accessible to over a billion users.
The deal comprises a one-year contract that includes a mix of cash and equity, along with a revenue-sharing arrangement from subscriptions.
Grok to Launch Within Telegram Ecosystem
The collaboration will enable users to access Grok directly through Telegram’s search bar. Features set to roll out include threaded conversations, smart text editing, group chat moderation, and chat summaries. Telegram users will also benefit from inbox agents and document digests, as part of the broader integration.
According to Durov’s statement on X, Telegram will receive 50% of the revenue generated from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform. The initial focus is on bringing these features to all Telegram apps starting this summer. This partnership marks a significant step forward in Telegram’s AI roadmap and is expected to reshape user interactions within the messaging app.
TON Market Surges Amid Telegram Announcements
The announcement coincided with a notable market response. Toncoin (TON), the cryptocurrency linked to the Telegram-backed TON Foundation, surged over 20% shortly after the news broke. According to CoinGecko data, TON climbed to a monthly high of $3.67, supported by a 243% increase in 24-hour trading volume.
The TON Foundation has recently appointed Nikola Plecas who used to work at Visa as its new vice president of payments. The messaging platform Telegram secured $1.15 billion through a bond issuance that was supported by investors including BlackRock and Mubadala which strengthened faith in their long-term development plans.
Telegram had earlier selected Toncoin as the exclusive cryptocurrency for app-based services, a move that further solidifies its relationship with the TON Foundation.
Strategic Move Expands xAI’s Reach
The partnership gives xAI immediate access to Telegram’s massive global user base. Grok was previously integrated into Musk’s social media platform X, following xAI’s $6 billion funding round. The Telegram rollout represents an important extension of Grok’s availability and signals the chatbot’s transition into wider use.
Telegram’s alliance with xAI places the messenger at the forefront of the AI-powered messaging space. It enhances the app’s utility while positioning Grok as a competitive force among leading AI chat tools. The deal’s structure ensures mutual benefit and long-term value creation, reinforcing Telegram’s ambitions in the AI landscape.
