Quick Summary
- Telegram is raising $1.5 billion in bonds from BlackRock, Citadel, and Mubadala.
- The bonds offer a 9% yield and will help repurchase 2021 bond debts.
- Despite facing legal issues in France, CEO Pavel Durov continues Telegram’s growth trajectory.
- Telegram Premium now has 15M+ paid subscribers, doubling in just one year.
- Telegram has announced a 1-year partnership with Elon Musk’s xAI to integrate Grok AI into its app.
- The deal includes a $300 million cash & equity investment and a revenue-sharing model.
- Durov hinted at a major announcement in June during a visit to Dubai.
Telegram to Raise $1.5 Billion in Bond Issue
In a bold financial move, Telegram is planning to raise $1.5 billion through a bond issuance, drawing participation from investment giants like BlackRock, Citadel, and Mubadala. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, these five-year bonds will yield 9% returns to investors and will help Telegram repurchase debts from its 2021 bond round.
Despite its CEO Pavel Durov currently facing legal scrutiny in France due to Telegram’s moderation challenges, investor confidence remains high. Durov has been prohibited from leaving the country, but this hasn’t derailed the platform’s momentum or growth.
CEO Pavel Durov’s Take on Telegram’s Growth
Sharing a confident outlook on the platform’s performance, Pavel Durov posted on X:
“Telegram Premium now has over 15 million paid subscribers. The number has doubled in just one year.”
This growth underscores Telegram’s continued user engagement and monetization success.
Telegram x xAI: Grok AI Coming to the App
In a move that’s creating ripples in both the tech and crypto industries, Telegram has announced a 1-year partnership with Elon Musk’s xAI. As part of this collaboration:
- Grok AI will be integrated into the Telegram app, making advanced AI tools available to its billions of users.
- Telegram will receive a $300 million investment in a mix of cash and equity from xAI.
- A 50% revenue share model will ensure Telegram benefits directly from Grok AI subscriptions on the platform.
This development positions Telegram as a serious player in the growing AI-integrated messaging space.
What’s Next? Durov Teases More Announcements
In a cryptic post, Durov shared:
“Traveling to Dubai in June. Good news ahead.”
With legal issues in the backdrop, his statement has sparked curiosity about future updates or potentially strategic announcements.
The Bigger Picture: Telegram’s Path Forward
- Investor Trust: Backing from firms like BlackRock signals institutional trust.
- AI Integration: With Grok AI, Telegram strengthens its position as an intelligent messaging platform.
- Revenue Growth: Subscription services and AI revenue sharing could significantly boost monetization.
Telegram’s dual strategy of financial strengthening and technological innovation is a masterstroke that could redefine the way messaging apps evolve in 2025 and beyond.