In a strategic move to expand its artificial intelligence footprint, Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, has entered into a $300 million agreement with messaging platform Telegram to integrate its Grok chatbot across Telegram’s extensive user base of over one billion users.
Deal Overview
Announced on May 28, 2025, the one-year partnership entails xAI paying Telegram $300 million in a combination of cash and equity. Additionally, Telegram will receive 50% of any subscription sales generated through the app.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This summer, Telegram users will gain access to the best AI technology on the market.”
Grok’s Integration into Telegram
Grok, xAI’s advanced AI chatbot, will be accessible via Telegram’s search bar and is set to offer a suite of features designed to enhance user experience. These features include:
- Threaded chats
- Smart text editing
- Chat summaries
- Document digests
- Inbox agents
- Group chat moderation
The integration aims to provide Telegram users with a more interactive and intelligent messaging experience.
Strategic Implications for xAI and Telegram
This partnership marks a significant expansion for xAI, allowing it to tap into Telegram’s vast user base and enhance its AI model training with diverse data inputs. As high-quality data becomes increasingly scarce, such collaborations are vital for AI companies to refine and improve their models.
For Telegram, the deal not only brings advanced AI capabilities to its platform but also aligns with its broader strategy of integrating innovative technologies to enhance user engagement. The company has been exploring opportunities in AI, highlighting this collaboration as a step toward becoming a leading platform for conversational AI.
Financial Context and Future Outlook
Telegram’s financial performance has seen a significant uptick, with the company reporting a $540 million profit in 2024, a stark contrast to a $173 million loss in 2023. Revenues surged to $1.4 billion, driven by an increase in paying users, advertising, premium subscriptions, and partnerships related to its Ton blockchain and Toncoin cryptocurrency.
The collaboration with xAI is expected to further bolster Telegram’s revenue streams and solidify its position in the AI and messaging sectors. As both companies continue to innovate and expand their offerings, users can anticipate a more integrated and intelligent communication experience.
