Telegram Attracts Billions, Plots Future IPO and AI Revenue with xAI

Telegram has successfully raised $1.7 billion in a bond offering that drew overwhelming investor interest, exceeding initial targets and signaling strong confidence in the platform’s growth trajectory.

The bond, which closed on May 28, features a 9% annual yield and marks another major financial milestone for the messaging app widely embraced by the crypto community.

A significant portion of the proceeds—nearly $1 billion—will be used to settle outstanding debt from a prior bond issuance maturing in 2026. The remainder, approximately $745 million, will fuel operational expenses and strategic initiatives, as Telegram continues expanding its global footprint.

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Co-founder Pavel Durov highlighted the investor enthusiasm in a post, revealing the offering had to be upsized due to demand. Backers reportedly include institutional heavyweights such as BlackRock and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala. Investors are also being offered the opportunity to buy Telegram shares at a 20% discount in the event of a future IPO.

Beyond the bond sale, Telegram is also exploring deeper AI integrations. A potential deal is in the works with Elon Musk’s xAI—creator of Grok—that would embed the chatbot within Telegram’s platform for one year. The partnership, if finalized, could bring in $300 million and grant Telegram a 50% cut of xAI subscription revenue generated through the app. While Musk has disputed the finalization of the deal, Telegram says the terms are still being ironed out.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.