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Elon Musk and Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, have struck a groundbreaking deal worth $300 million. The agreement will see xAI’s Grok chatbot being integrated into Telegram’s platform, reaching its massive user base of 1 billion. This collaboration signifies a growing partnership between the two visionary billionaires.
Under the terms of the one-year deal, Telegram will receive $300 million in cash and equity from xAI. Additionally, half of the revenue generated from xAI subscriptions sold through the messaging app will go to Telegram. While Musk initially stated that a deal had not been officially signed, Durov confirmed that they had reached an agreement in principle.
The tech moguls recently met in Paris to discuss the deal, showcasing their blossoming “bromance”. Both Musk and Durov share a common interest in promoting free expression and opposing government censorship, which has strengthened their bond.
This partnership marks xAI’s foray into new social media territory beyond Musk’s X platform. Following their recent collaboration with Microsoft on the Azure cloud computing platform, xAI is expanding its reach and influence in the tech industry. xAI acquired X for $45 billion earlier this year, with Telegram now holding a stake in the company as part of their agreement.
The integration of Musk’s chatbot into the Telegram app will provide xAI with access to new audiences and valuable data, as major social media players like Meta continue to invest heavily in AI technology. Despite facing legal challenges, including Durov’s detention by French authorities, Telegram has experienced rapid growth. The company reported revenues of $1.4 billion in 2024, up from $343 million the previous year, marking its first annual profit of $540 million.
Durov’s outspoken views on free speech have landed him in hot water with authorities, but he remains steadfast in his beliefs. He has publicly criticized French attempts to influence elections in Romania and has refused requests to censor content on the Telegram platform.
Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech, has also faced scrutiny for his selective approach to challenging censorship. Despite the controversies surrounding them, the partnership between xAI and Telegram signifies a new chapter in the tech industry’s evolution.
As the collaboration between Musk and Durov continues to unfold, the tech world eagerly awaits the impact of their innovative alliance. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking partnership.
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