Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced the partnership via social media, confirming that the encrypted messaging service will distribute Grok, xAI’s artificial intelligence chatbot, across its global user base. The agreement—set to last one year—will see Telegram receive $300 million in a mix of cash and equity, as well as 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold within the Telegram ecosystem.
“Together, we win!” Durov declared, positioning the partnership as a major milestone for the platform.
The move comes amid rising competition in the AI-integrated messaging space. Meta recently introduced its own AI assistant into WhatsApp, drawing criticism from users concerned about privacy and AI overreach. With Grok, Telegram joins the race, albeit with its own baggage.
For Musk, this deal is another chapter in his relentless pursuit of AI dominance. After co-founding OpenAI and later clashing with its leadership, Musk founded xAI to rival major players in the space. His tech empire spans brain-interface firm Neuralink, aerospace giant SpaceX, and now, AI-driven content on X—the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which he acquired earlier this year.
Musk’s increasing involvement in U.S. politics, including backing former President Donald Trump, has stirred controversy and allegedly contributed to declining sales at Tesla, his flagship electric vehicle company.
