Telegram Just Secured $300M from Elon Musk’s xAI: Is This The Birth of a Web3 Superapp?

Telegram’s bold move to embed xAI’s Grok chatbot and a $300M cash injection is redefining its identity—from a privacy-first messenger to a profitable Web3 superapp. With the TON ecosystem surging 16% and over a billion users in play, Telegram is signaling its ambition to lead the new era of decentralized digital platforms.

• Telegram inks $300M+ equity and revenue-sharing deal with Elon Musk’s xAI, making it the exclusive home for Grok.
• TON ecosystem jumps 16%, driven by rising trust in Telegram’s Web3 vision and growing user base.
• Telegram reports its first-ever profit and raises $1.5B via bonds, hinting at an IPO before 2030.

Telegram has taken a massive leap forward in becoming the cornerstone of a new digital economy. With a $300 million deal that includes both equity and 50% subscription revenue from Grok, Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot, the messaging giant is turning its attention toward monetization—and Web3 dominance. The move puts Telegram ahead of rivals like WhatsApp and Snapchat in integrating AI into social and messaging ecosystems.

The immediate aftermath? A 22% jump in the TON ecosystem token, demonstrating the market’s bullish view on Telegram’s role among next-generation web3 companies.This milestone is not just a moment of technological integration. It represents the shift of Telegram into a Web3 superapp—blending AI, blockchain, and decentralized services into one user-friendly platform.

In addition to the xAI partnership, Telegram reported a surprising $540 million profit on $1.4 billion in 2024 revenue. With over 15 million paying users and organic growth of 2.5 million new users per day, the company projects $2 billion in revenue and $700 million in profit by 2025.

A $1.5 billion bond raise—led by institutional players like BlackRock, Citadel, and Mubadala—reflects the growing confidence in Telegram’s business model. These bonds carry a 9% yield and a sweetener tied to a possible IPO, anticipated before 2030.

This financial momentum marks a turning point for Telegram, transitioning it from a platform once dependent on donations and debt into a high-growth player attracting serious crypto invest.

Despite its forward momentum, Telegram’s growth narrative faces turbulence. Founder and CEO Pavel Durov is currently under judicial supervision in France following a 2024 indictment on 12 preliminary charges, including failure to cooperate with child safety investigations. He has been barred from traveling to the U.S., complicating plans to meet with potential investors.

FAQs

What is the TON ecosystem and why is it gaining traction?
The TON ecosystem is the blockchain infrastructure powering Telegram’s Web3 ambitions. With deep integration into Telegram’s interface and growing adoption, it supports smart contracts, token transfers, and dApps—all contributing to its rising value.

How is Telegram different from other web3 companies now?
Unlike most web3 companies, Telegram combines an existing user base of over a billion with a built-in blockchain (TON) and now exclusive AI integration. This fusion makes it uniquely positioned to become a true superapp.

What does the xAI deal mean for crypto investment?
The $300M xAI deal confirms Telegram’s pivot to sustainable monetization and positions the platform as a serious contender for crypto investment portfolios, especially with its expanding user engagement.

How is blockchain development being used in Telegram’s platform?
Through ongoing blockchain development, Telegram enables decentralized applications, encrypted payments, and governance models via the TON ecosystem, making it a full-stack Web3 platform.