In a recent interview with French publication Le Point, Pavel Durov, the cofounder and CEO of the popular messaging platform Telegram, revealed his intentions regarding his considerable wealth and family. Durov, who is known for his innovative contributions to technology, stated that all of his children—over 100 in total—will eventually inherit a portion of his estimated net worth of nearly $14 billion, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Durov clarified that he is the biological father of six children from three different partners, while also acknowledging that his sperm donations have resulted in more than 100 offspring across 12 countries. He emphasized that he makes no distinction between his children, stating, “There are those who were conceived naturally and those who come from my sperm donations. They are all my children and will all have the same rights.” This inclusive approach reflects Durov's desire to maintain family unity, ensuring that his children do not compete against one another for their inheritance.
The billionaire has taken a thoughtful approach to his wealth distribution, revealing that he has drafted a will that stipulates his children will not have access to his fortune until a period of 30 years has passed. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account,” he explained. Durov’s decision stems from a desire to instill values of self-reliance and personal growth in his children.
Despite being only 40 years old, Durov has taken the precaution of writing a will due to the risks associated with his work and the potential enemies he has made in powerful circles. He founded Telegram in 2013 after previously establishing the popular Russian social media platform VK. Since its inception, Telegram has grown to boast around one billion active users worldwide.
In the past year, Durov faced legal challenges when French authorities arrested him, accusing him of being complicit in allowing criminal activities to take place on Telegram. He has persistently denied these allegations and, in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, mentioned that he is still facing travel restrictions almost a year after his arrest.
When discussing comparisons to fellow billionaire Elon Musk, Durov expressed that he believes they have fundamentally different approaches to leadership. He noted that while Musk operates multiple companies, he focuses solely on Telegram. Durov remarked, “Elon can be very emotional, while I try to think deeply before acting—but that can also be the source of his strength.”
In addition to his business acumen, Durov is also dedicated to maintaining his physical health. In response to comments about his youthful appearance, he shared that his fitness routine includes performing 300 push-ups followed by 300 squats. He practices a strict lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol, coffee, tea, and sugar, and enjoys swimming in cold waters, whether in Finland or Lake Geneva, even during the winter months.
Pavel Durov's life and decisions reflect a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, familial commitment, and a dedication to personal wellbeing, making him a notable figure in the tech world.
