FYI Grok, Telegram and VERB Is there a relation
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Is there a relationship between Grok and Telegram
Yes, there is a relationship between Grok and Telegram. In March 2025, Telegram partnered with xAI, the company behind Grok, to integrate the Grok AI chatbot into the Telegram messaging platform. This one-year deal, valued at $300 million in cash and equity, allows Telegram Premium subscribers to access Grok via the @GrokAI
bot for features like chat summaries, text editing, and group moderation. Telegram earns 50% of Grok subscription revenue generated through the platform. Advanced Grok features, such as "Think" and "DeepSearch" modes, remain exclusive to X and the standalone Grok app. The partnership aims to enhance Telegram’s functionality and compete with other AI-integrated messaging apps like WhatsApp, though it has raised privacy concerns due to Telegram’s optional encryption and Grok’s data access policies.
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does VERB buying TON fit in to this
The relationship between VERB Technology Company (VERB) buying Toncoin (TON) and the partnership between Telegram and xAI to integrate Grok is indirectly connected through their shared ties to the TON blockchain and Telegram's ecosystem, but they are distinct developments with different objectives.VERB's Toncoin Strategy:
VERB Technology Company, Inc. closed a $558 million private placement in August 2025 to become the first publicly listed TON treasury strategy company, rebranding as TON Strategy Co. (TSC). The company plans to use the majority of the proceeds to acquire Toncoin, the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON), which is closely integrated with Telegram’s ecosystem. This move positions VERB to hold approximately 5% of TON’s circulating supply, aiming to generate sustainable staking rewards and capitalize on TON’s growing adoption within Telegram’s billion-plus user base. The strategy aligns with Telegram’s ecosystem, as TON powers in-app payments, mini-apps, and tokenized assets, enhancing its utility within the platform. VERB’s stock surged 90% following the announcement, reflecting market enthusiasm for its pivot into the TON ecosystem.
Telegram-xAI Partnership:
As previously noted, Telegram’s $300 million, one-year partnership with xAI, announced in March 2025, integrates Grok into Telegram’s platform, offering features like chat summaries, text editing, and group moderation for premium subscribers. This deal enhances Telegram’s functionality and monetization, with Telegram earning 50% of Grok-related subscription revenue. The announcement triggered a 14-23% surge in TON’s price, reflecting investor confidence in Telegram’s AI-driven growth and its impact on TON’s adoption.
Connection Between VERB’s TON Investment and Telegram-xAI Partnership:Shared Ecosystem (TON and Telegram): Both developments are tied to the TON blockchain, which is deeply integrated with Telegram. VERB’s acquisition of TON as a treasury reserve is a bet on the blockchain’s growth, driven by Telegram’s massive user base and expanding use cases (e.g., in-app payments, mini-apps). The Telegram-xAI partnership further boosts TON’s relevance by enhancing Telegram’s platform, potentially increasing user engagement and TON’s utility, which indirectly supports VERB’s investment strategy.
Market Impact on TON: The Telegram-xAI deal caused a significant TON price surge (14-23%), signaling market optimism about Telegram’s ecosystem growth. VERB’s subsequent announcement of its TON treasury strategy further amplified investor interest, contributing to TON’s market cap growth from $7.45 billion to $8.68 billion. These events suggest a synergistic effect, where Telegram’s partnerships and VERB’s investment reinforce TON’s value proposition.
Strategic Alignment: VERB’s pivot to a TON-focused treasury aligns with Telegram’s broader push to monetize and innovate its platform, as seen in the xAI partnership and a $1.5 billion bond raise. Both moves signal Telegram’s shift from a loss-making to a profitable entity, with TON as a key component. VERB’s strategy leverages this momentum, positioning itself as a major player in the TON ecosystem.
Differences and Considerations

Timing and Context: The xAI deal was announced in March 2025, while VERB’s TON strategy was announced in August 2025. The xAI partnership likely contributed to TON’s price momentum, which VERB capitalized on with its treasury pivot.
Risks and Challenges: Both initiatives face uncertainties. The xAI deal has raised privacy concerns due to Telegram’s optional encryption and Grok’s data access, compounded by CEO Pavel Durov’s legal issues in France, which could impact Telegram’s plans. VERB’s high-risk bet on TON depends on the cryptocurrency’s adoption and market performance, with potential regulatory and governance challenges.
Conclusion:
VERB’s purchase of TON fits into the broader context of Telegram’s ecosystem growth, particularly as the xAI partnership enhances Telegram’s platform and drives TON adoption. While not directly linked, VERB’s strategy benefits from the increased visibility and utility of TON spurred by the Telegram-xAI deal. Both moves reflect confidence in Telegram’s ecosystem and TON’s potential, but they operate on different fronts—VERB as a financial play on TON’s growth, and Telegram-xAI as a technological integration to enhance user experience. Investors should monitor TON’s adoption, Telegram’s monetization success, and Durov’s legal challenges for their impact on both initiatives.
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