Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced today that Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI has committed US $300 million—in a combination of cash and equity—to embed its chatbot Grok into the messaging platform for a one-year trial period.
Grok will be deeply integrated into Telegram, accessible via search bar, pinned in chats, and available for tasks like message drafting, chat summarization, document review, sticker creation, community moderation, and business support. Telegram will also receive 50% of any subscription income generated from xAI products purchased through its platform.
While Durov described the agreement as finalized in principle, Elon Musk later clarified that no official contract has yet been signed. Nevertheless, both parties appear aligned and are moving ahead pending formalities.
With over 1 billion monthly users, Telegram offers Grok unprecedented exposure—potentially fueling adoption and feeding AI training data through user interaction.
The injection of $300 million plus recurring subscription share dramatically strengthens Telegram’s financial position. The startup reportedly generated $540 million in profit on $1.4 billion in revenue in 2024.
Telegram’s move mirrors strategies from rivals—Meta AI in WhatsApp and Instagram—placing it firmly in the evolving AI-driven messaging space.
Telegram asserts user privacy will be safeguarded: xAI will only access data users explicitly share with Grok, via direct interaction.
Still, experts and privacy advocates caution that integrating AI so deeply in private and group chats could blur sensitive boundaries, increasing scrutiny over data usage and moderation decisions .
Telegram plans a summer rollout, bringing Grok—and its snarky, witty personality—to a broad user base. As momentum builds, the alliance could evolve into a longer-term partnership. For now, both xAI and Telegram are optimistic, with Durov remarking: “Together, we win!”
This $300 million infusion from xAI marks Telegram’s bold leap into AI-powered messaging. Merging world-class chatbot tech with massive user reach, the partnership promises to redefine everyday communication while offering a lucrative financial boost. Finalizing details and navigating user trust will be pivotal as Telegram and Musk chart the future of AI-enhanced chat.
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