Telegram – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Sat, 30 Aug 2025 07:33:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Telegram – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 dYdX to Launch Telegram Trading in Major 2025 Roadmap Push https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dydx-to-launch-telegram-trading-in-major-2025-roadmap-push/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dydx-to-launch-telegram-trading-in-major-2025-roadmap-push/#respond Sat, 30 Aug 2025 07:33:51 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dydx-to-launch-telegram-trading-in-major-2025-roadmap-push/

dYdX
DYDX


$0.6191

, a decentralized exchange (DEX), is preparing a new set of features for the year ahead, including the launch of Telegram-based trading in September.

The updated roadmap lays out several upcoming changes aimed at improving performance and expanding user access.

One of the key additions is the option to trade directly through Telegram, which the platform said could help attract more retail users by simplifying the trading process.

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Other updates focus on making the platform faster and more flexible. One such change is the introduction of “designated proposers”, a feature that assigns certain validators to process transactions more quickly.

To improve the trading experience, dYdX is also introducing new types of orders. These include scale orders, which allow users to set multiple price targets across a range, and TWAP (time-weighted average price) orders, which break large trades into smaller pieces to be executed over time.

To reward participants who help bring activity to the platform, dYdX plans to launch a partner fee share program. This will give liquidity providers and other contributors the chance to earn up to half of the protocol’s trading fees. The goal is to encourage more involvement from users who drive volume and liquidity.

The roadmap also includes features designed to improve ease of use. For example, new social login options will allow users to sign in without needing to remember wallet details. A planned integration with Osmosis will allow direct swaps between USDC
USDC


$0.9980

and DYDX tokens.

On August 27, Webull rolled out cryptocurrency trading in Australia. What did the exchange say about it? Read the full story.


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Doodles to Launch First Telegram Game ‘Kyle’s Journey’ on TON Blockchain https://earlybirdsinvest.com/doodles-to-launch-first-telegram-game-kyles-journey-on-ton-blockchain/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/doodles-to-launch-first-telegram-game-kyles-journey-on-ton-blockchain/#respond Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:03:35 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/doodles-to-launch-first-telegram-game-kyles-journey-on-ton-blockchain/

Doodles has rolled out Doodles UP! – Kyle’s Journey, its first competitive blockchain game, now live inside Telegram. Powered by the TON Blockchain, the title is instantly accessible to more than a billion users, combining fast-paced competition with the chance to earn rare digital rewards.

Key Takeaways

  • Kyle’s Journey is Doodles’ first game and first release on TON Blockchain.

  • The title launches August 13, 2025, directly inside Telegram.

  • Players can compete in real time, climb leaderboards, and unlock rare in-game items.

  • Doodles NFTs are trading at 0.91 ETH, down 6.8% in 24 hours.

  • The launch reflects a wider trend of NFT brands expanding into interactive gaming.

Inside ‘Doodles UP! – Kyle’s Journey’

In Doodles UP! – Kyle’s Journey, players follow Kyle as he escapes into a surreal portal world, catching bugs—his favorite snack—for points.

The gameplay blends casual fun with competitive elements, allowing players to face each other in real-time matches, track their positions on global leaderboards, and earn in-game currency to unlock rare, collectible items.

Early access players who join the waitlist will receive a rare loot box and bonus rewards. Although Doodles has never produced a game before, the project has integrated Elympics’ multiplayer infrastructure to support fair, real-time play across devices.

Why Launch on Telegram via TON Blockchain?

Choosing Telegram is a calculated move. The platform passed one billion monthly active users in March 2025, giving Doodles an immediate path to a vast global audience. TON Blockchain is built directly into Telegram, enabling users to store and send cryptocurrency, process payments, and interact with games and mini-apps without leaving their chats.

This setup removes many of the barriers that have slowed blockchain gaming in the past. Players don’t need to create separate wallets or handle complex onboarding. Games run within Telegram, with wallet creation and transactions handled in the background.

Telegram’s track record in Web3 gaming is already strong. Hamster Kombat, a tap-to-earn mini-game, attracted more than 300 million players, while Notcoin reached millions through similar viral gameplay. Launching Kyle’s Journey on TON puts Doodles in front of one of the most active audiences in the blockchain space.

Source: Doodles UP! – Kyle’s Journey

Doodles’ Shift from NFTs to Gaming

Doodles began in 2021 as an Ethereum NFT collection recognized for its vibrant, playful art. Over the years, it has expanded into a wider entertainment brand. In May 2025, it launched the DOOD token on Solana to add utility for holders and connect with future projects such as Doodles 2.

The launch briefly pushed NFT sales up 97 percent, according to Cointelegraph, before market volatility saw the project’s market cap drop from over $100 million to around $54 million, a shift that Blockworks described as common in token rollouts.

The move into gaming signals Doodles’ intent to reach beyond NFT collectors. By releasing a game that is instantly accessible through a familiar platform like Telegram, the brand is positioning itself to engage both crypto-native users and casual mobile gamers.

Market Snapshot for Doodles NFTs

Current figures show a challenging market backdrop. As of this week, Doodles NFTs have a floor price of 0.91 ETH, or about $4,325.76, reflecting a 6.8 percent drop over the past 24 hours. Trading volume is 43.50 ETH, down 34.2 percent in the same period, with 46 sales—a decline of 19.3 percent.

The collection’s market capitalization is 9,128 ETH, with 4,303 unique owners representing roughly 43 percent of the supply. From its all-time high of 23.95 ETH in May 2022, the floor price has fallen by around 96 percent. In this context, Kyle’s Journey could be an attempt to re-energize existing holders while drawing in new players.

NFT Brands Moving into Gaming

Doodles’ expansion reflects a broader shift in the NFT sector. Projects like Azuki have introduced immersive environments such as “Hilumia,” and Yuga Labs is continuing work on the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s Otherside metaverse.

Interactive experiences can widen a project’s reach, provide real in-game uses for NFTs, and create ongoing engagement loops. For Doodles, launching on Telegram offers the chance to merge its recognizable visual identity with a gaming experience that could reach millions of new users.

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Telegram brings Crypto to US users via Ton Wallet https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-brings-crypto-to-us-users-via-ton-wallet/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-brings-crypto-to-us-users-via-ton-wallet/#respond Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:05:55 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-brings-crypto-to-us-users-via-ton-wallet/

Telegram has launched a ton wallet for US users. The wallet, developed by the open platform, is now available to all 87 million US users and is built directly into the Telegram app. This marks the first time that US users can access a fully independent crypto wallet within a mainstream messaging platform.

Access your wallet without leaving the app

Users can now send and receive Crypto via telegram chat. Everything happens within the same interface people It is already used to talk to friends and join the community. There are no additional apps to download or complicated signups to deal with. Wallets are part of the chat experience and are designed to be fast and accessible without confusing how people are already using Telegram.

Telegram Crypto Wallet
Source: ShutterStock

Telegram refrained from revealing its US wallet due to previous legal concerns. The team behind the launch I said Recent regulatory developments have been given to them more Confidence to move forward. The US has a large user base Already appropriateThe team saw the opportunity I’ll bring it Wallets to new markets under clearer conditions.

Recovery system designed for regular users

Instead of requiring users to write down or memorize long seed phrases, the wallet uses a two-part recovery method. Some parts connect to the user’s telegram account. The other is tied to their emails. This system Decreased chance Users are locked out and help avoid One of the most common problems with Crypto.

Discovered: 20+ Next Cryptocurrency Exploding in 2025

Features go beyond simple forwarding

The wallet includes tools for exchanging tokens and purchasing encryption with a debit card. It also connects to Telegram’s Mini App system, allowing users to access blockchain-based services without leaving the app. These features are designed to make Crypto feel like a built-in part of the chat experience, rather than a separate product.

Toncoin responds to launch

Toncoin, the network’s native token, saw an increase in trading activity since deployment. That price rose shortly after the announcement, with profits continuing through the following week. Analysts have linked this to increased user engagement and renewed interest in the TON ecosystem.

Discover: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025

The extension is based on previous global releases

Telegram first made its wallet available outside the US in 2023. By 2024, over 100 million users around the world had been energized. The US release is the latest step in its expansion. Telegram is gradually adding financial tools to its platform, combining social messaging, digital payments and blockchain access.

What does this mean for the use of cryptography?

Bringing your independent wallet into a familiar app reduces the effort required to use crypto. People don’t need to learn new tools or manage multiple accounts to try simple features Like Sending or using staking services for Stablecoins. Telegram’s approach makes casual encryption more common, with the ability to accommodate users already in their presence.

Discover: 20+ Next Cryptographs to Explode in 2025

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Key takeout

  • Telegram launched its built-in Ton Crypto wallet for all users in the US, reaching 87 million people with direct in-app access.

  • Telegram has fully integrated your wallet into chat, allowing users to easily send, receive and manage Crypto without switching apps.

  • The new split key recovery system removes the need for seed phrases and is mounted on more mainstream users with less friction.

  • Users can purchase tokens, exchange and stakes directly from their wallets, as well as access Web3 services via Telegram’s Mini App Ecosystem.

  • Toncoin rose in prices after the US rollout, showing positive market responses and increased ecological involvement.

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    Snoop Dogg’s NFT Telegram Gifts Sell Out in Under 30 Minutes https://earlybirdsinvest.com/snoop-doggs-nft-telegram-gifts-sell-out-in-under-30-minutes/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/snoop-doggs-nft-telegram-gifts-sell-out-in-under-30-minutes/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 01:55:53 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/snoop-doggs-nft-telegram-gifts-sell-out-in-under-30-minutes/

    On July 9, Snoop Dogg launched a set of non-fungible token (NFT) Telegram Gifts that sold out in under 30 minutes.

    Telegram founder Pavel Durov confirmed in a post on X that nearly 996,000 NFTs were purchased, which generated around $12 million.

    The NFT Telegram Gifts, built on the TON
    TON


    $2.96

    blockchain, are animated images that reflect “Snoop’s iconic style”.

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    Buyers could choose from designs like vintage cars, bags of merchandise, dogs, and cannabis-related items. These can be added to a Telegram profile or converted into the platform’s Stars currency.

    Snoop Dogg also released a song called “Gifts” alongside a video that displayed all the NFT designs.

    According to an X user known as @ZenithTON, who works on NFTs at TON, Telegram first launched these digital items in January, with a collection called “Plush Pepe”. Still, they noted in a post on X that Snoop Dogg’s release might help shift the conversation around NFTs.

    Zenith stated that “this could be the start of a new NFT narrative”, although they admitted that it “technically could not mean anything”. They also noted that it is possible that other brands and Web3 projects could launch their own Telegram Gifts in the future.

    Recently, a rare “Diamond Hands” NFT from the TRUMP meme coin dinner sold for 99.9 SOL
    SOL


    $162.31

    , or about $16,000. How? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


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    Spekter Agency Raises $5M, Now Live on Telegram https://earlybirdsinvest.com/spekter-agency-raises-5m-now-live-on-telegram/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/spekter-agency-raises-5m-now-live-on-telegram/#respond Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:22:33 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/spekter-agency-raises-5m-now-live-on-telegram/

    Web3 action roguelite game Spekter Agency has announced a $5M pre-seed raise – coinciding with the Open Beta launch of the title on Telegram.

    Led by a16z Speedrun, the $5M raised will go towards scaling and distribution of the title, as well as help fund the development of the team’s next game – which is already in production.

    The game is now free to play on Telegram, with progress – such as stage clears, gear obtained, Sparks earned and more – now being tied to your account and carried forward as you play.

    Key Insights

    • Spekter Agency has entered Open Beta on Telegram, alongside announcing a $5M raise led by a16z Speedrun
    • These funds will go towards the scaling and distribution of the title, including releases on other platforms
    • Some of the funds will be allocated towards the next title from Spekter Games, which is already in production
    • In-game progress – such as stage clears, gear obtained and Sparks earned – is now carried forward
    • Spekter Games aim to create titles that “appeal to traditional gamers while keeping Web3 elements passive and seamless”
    Spekter Agency - Telegram
    Source: Spekter Agency

    What is Spekter Agency?

    Spekter Agency is a survival-based action roguelite title, built with on-chain features, and available on Telegram.

    Developed by Spekter Games, players control a character that faces swarms of incoming enemies across stage-after-stage, acquiring new abilities, skills and more to make it as far as possible. Evolving your skills is key, with ever-more powerful waves of enemies to face, and fearsome boss monsters to overcome.

    Through gameplay – and indeed when you’re not playing too – players earn the in-game currency Sparks, used both to power your character and as the key indicator for future rewards.

    Spekter Agency - Gameplay Screenshots
    Source: Spekter Agency

    What’s new in Spekter Agency?

    The Open Beta release of Spekter Agency has brought a number of core gameplay updates:

    • Agent Progression: introducing Account Levels that unlock passive abilities
    • Spark Core 2.0: earn more Sparks daily by progressing through the game
    • Spark Link 2.0: earn bonus Sparks when your friends clear stages
    • New Stages: fight your way up to Stage 50
    • New Systems: new items, inventory changes, stage rewards and the ability to exchange Diamonds for Gold

    To celebrate the launch of the Open Beta, all players will receive 2,500 Sparks the next time they enter the game.

    “We’re building games that people love for the gameplay, not just the rewards,” said Taehoon Kim, CEO and founder of Spekter Games. “Web3 incentives can supercharge retention and virality, but they should never get in the way of the fun.

    “By keeping these systems passive and behind the scenes, we’re showing that it’s possible to bring Web3-enhanced games to the mainstream without compromising gameplay.”

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    Dark market activity on Telegram persists despite $27B Huione ban – Elliptic https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dark-market-activity-on-telegram-persists-despite-27b-huione-ban-elliptic/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dark-market-activity-on-telegram-persists-despite-27b-huione-ban-elliptic/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:09:33 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dark-market-activity-on-telegram-persists-despite-27b-huione-ban-elliptic/

    Telegram-based dark markets rapidly filled the gap left by Huione Guarantee after the $27 billion marketplace disappeared on May 13, according to a June 23 Elliptic report.

    Elliptic noted that Telegram banned thousands of Huione Guarantee channels and usernames once researchers traced billions of USDT-denominated sales to pig-butchering scams. However, data shows that merchants immediately moved to Tudou Guarantee, a rival in which Huione owns a 30% stake.

    On-chain data recorded incoming USDT at Huione falling to near zero after the ban, while Tudou’s user count more than doubled, with inflows matching Huione’s pre-shutdown volumes.

    Guarantee markets operate in Chinese on Telegram and settle exclusively in USDT. Vendors supply stolen data, money laundering pathways, and other services essential to large-scale online fraud. 

    The escrow model lets buyers and sellers resolve disputes without exposing real identities, and Tether’s dollar peg eliminates local currency volatility.

    Distinct payment rail from Huione Pay

    Observers sometimes confuse Huione Guarantee with Huione Pay, a Cambodia-based payment firm still processing large USDT volumes. 

    Elliptic separated the two through wallet analysis and noted that Huione Pay’s traffic remained high even after FinCEN labeled the parent Huione Group “a financial institution of primary money laundering concern” and proposed cutting its US access.

    Elliptic tracked more than 30 active Guarantee markets and warned about fake venues that target inexperienced criminals. 

    Tudou led the post-shutdown surge, but smaller competitors also gained users as merchants duplicated listings across platforms.

    Ecosystem adapts to channel bans

    The closure of the Huione Guarantee sent temporary shock waves through a network of hundreds of thousands of scammers, intermediaries, and brokers across Southeast Asia and China. 

    Elliptic’s data showed no enduring decline in overall Guarantee-market volume one month later, indicating that liquidity migrated swiftly to replacement channels.

    The report concluded that coordinated, sustained, removals will be required to disrupt an ecosystem built on Telegram escrow and USDT settlements. 

    Huione Guarantee’s downfall disrupted one node, but the broader dark market structure continues to expand within the messaging app.

    Mentioned in this article
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    Pixels and Sleepagotchi Brings $PIXEL Staking to Telegram https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:24:10 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/

    Popular web3 farming game Pixels is bringing its token staking system to Telegram-based game Sleepagotchi.

    Launching on June 8, the integration will allow users to stake the $PIXEL token via the official Pixels staking platform and access new features within Sleepagotchi LITE.

    Sleepagotchi LITE currently operates on Telegram, LINE, and web browsers, and the integration of $PIXEL brings new in-game functionality for its players.

    Pixels and Sleepagotchi Brings $PIXEL Staking to Telegram
    Source: Sleepagotchi

    What is Sleepagotchi?

    Sleepagotchi is a game designed to encourage structured routines, particularly around sleep.

    The LITE version, currently available, does not include sleep tracking features but allows users to collect digital character cards, complete missions, join teams, and gather in-game resources. Points earned through gameplay will reportedly carry over to the full version of the app, which is scheduled for release in 2025 on iOS and Android.

    The LITE version is accessible without requiring mobile downloads, operating through Telegram, LINE, and web browsers. Gameplay involves opening gacha-style packs to unlock characters, assigning them to missions, and upgrading team performance.

    Pixels and Sleepagotchi Brings $PIXEL Staking to Telegram
    Source: Sleepagotchi

    What can we expect from this partnership?

    Pixels reported over 88 million $PIXEL tokens staked by roughly 4,900 users in the first month of its staking programme. By extending functionality to Telegram-based games, the company is trialling the utility of its token in a more casual gaming environment.

    According to details provided by both teams, the implementation will include:

    • Staking: Players will be able to stake $PIXEL through the Pixels staking site, going live on June 8
    • Earning: $PIXEL can be earned through in-game tasks such as collecting gold, unlocking constellations, and progressing through missions
    • Spending: Tokens can be used in a dedicated online store for items such as gacha packs and card bundles
    • Discounts: A 20% discount on select purchases will be available when using $PIXEL, though this feature is not yet live

    The system builds on Pixels’ existing multi-game staking programme, which also supports games like Core Pixels and Forgotten Runiverse.

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    Telegram to Get Grok AI Bot as xAI Closes in on $300 Million Deal https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-to-get-grok-ai-bot-as-xai-closes-in-on-300-million-deal/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-to-get-grok-ai-bot-as-xai-closes-in-on-300-million-deal/#respond Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:19:30 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-to-get-grok-ai-bot-as-xai-closes-in-on-300-million-deal/

    Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence (AI) company, xAI, is preparing to bring its chatbot Grok to Telegram through a partnership that both sides say is nearly finalized.

    In a May 28 post on X, Telegram founder Pavel Durov stated that he and Musk had agreed on a one-year deal to make Grok available within the Telegram app.

    Durov said Telegram users would be able to use Grok through the app’s search bar, where it will offer features like threaded replies, chat summaries, document overviews, group moderation tools, and writing assistance.

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    A short video shared alongside the post showed how these tools might work once the integration begins.

    While the deal has not been officially signed yet, Durov said only the final paperwork is missing. Musk replied to Durov’s post by confirming that no contract was in place yet. However, Durov followed up to say the agreement had been made “in principle”.

    As part of the proposed deal, Telegram will receive $300 million in a mix of cash and equity from xAI. Telegram will also earn 50% of the money made from Grok subscriptions sold through its platform.

    Telegram users are expected to get access to Grok later this summer. Durov noted that Telegram users will benefit from what he described as “the best AI technology on the market”.

    Meanwhile, xAI recently addressed how Grok brought up political and racial issues about South Africa in its comments. What did the company say? Read the full story.

    Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
    With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
    Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
    Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


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    Musk says no deal signed with Telegram despite Grok integration announcement https://earlybirdsinvest.com/musk-says-no-deal-signed-with-telegram-despite-grok-integration-announcement/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/musk-says-no-deal-signed-with-telegram-despite-grok-integration-announcement/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 19:44:47 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/musk-says-no-deal-signed-with-telegram-despite-grok-integration-announcement/

    Elon Musk stated on May 28 that xAI had not signed an agreement with Telegram to distribute the Grok large language model, despite Telegram founder Pavel Duvov’s announcement earlier on the same day.

    Durov wrote that he and Musk “agreed to a one-year partnership” that would place Grok inside all Telegram applications and give the chat platform “$300 million in cash and equity,” plus half of every Grok subscription sold through Telegram. 

    Musk replied hours later on X that “no deal has been signed.” Durov acknowledged the point, saying the two sides had “agreed in principle” while “formalities are pending.” 

    Neither party disclosed a target date for completing the final paperwork or launching the project.

    Funding push meets corporate goals

    Telegram carries more than $1 billion in debt linked to bond issues it floated in 2021 and 2023 to fund operations. 

    Durov, who has long financed the company through personal loans, seeks new income streams before a bond maturity next year. 

    Under the draft terms, xAI would wire $300 million to Telegram and place an equity stake that both companies declined to quantify. Telegram would also receive a recurring share of Grok fees collected through its in-app purchase channels.

    Musk launched xAI last July to train Grok on public data and content licensed from X. The model competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Google’s Gemini. 

    A Telegram integration would give Grok an immediate reach larger than X’s roughly 600 million registered accounts.

    Musk closes government participation

    Musk’s statement on the unsigned contract arrived as he exited his temporary seat at the US Department of Government Efficiency, known internally as DOGE. 

    The White House confirmed on May 28 that the billionaire’s 130-day allotment as a special government employee ends this week. Musk confirmed his departure in a May 28 X post, thanking President Donald Trump for the appointment and reiterating his goal of reducing federal spending.

    Musk filled the designation of “special government employee,” which allows him to work a federal job for 130 days each year. Considering Trump’s first day at the White House on January 20, the designation would expire at the end of May.

    Mentioned in this article
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    Telegram to Raise $1.5B Through Bond Sale Backed by BlackRock and Citadel: WSJ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-to-raise-1-5b-through-bond-sale-backed-by-blackrock-and-citadel-wsj/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-to-raise-1-5b-through-bond-sale-backed-by-blackrock-and-citadel-wsj/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 13:06:16 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/telegram-to-raise-1-5b-through-bond-sale-backed-by-blackrock-and-citadel-wsj/

    Messaging platform Telegram is raising at least $1.5 billion through a new bond offering.

    The firm is raising the funds through a five-year bond with a 9% yield, which has drawn interest from both returning investors such as the world’s largest asset manager BlackRock and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, as well as new entrants including hedge fund Citadel, the Wall Street Journal reports citing sources with the deal.

    The proceeds will be used to repurchase debt from Telegram’s earlier bond issuance in 2021, due next March. The new bonds are convertible into equity at a discount if Telegram goes public.

    Telegram originally developed layer 1 network TON, before making it an independent operation. In April, tokenization firm Libre said it plans to tokenize $500 million worth of Telegram debt on TON as Telegram Bond Fund (TBF).

    Read more: Telegram’s TON Takes On Real World Assets With Libre’s $500M Tokenized Bond Fund

    Telegram reportedly has over 1 billion monthly active users and 15 million paid subscribers, having doubled the figure in one year according to Durov.

    Financially, the firm turned a corner in 2024, reporting a $540 million profit on $1.4 billion in revenue, up from a $173 million loss in 2023, the WSJ wrote. It projects a profit of more than $700 million for 2025.

    Telegram has grown its revenue by expanding its ad business and introducing features like in-app digital gifts and a platform for developers to build apps and bots.

    Telegram and Citadel did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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