In a world dominated by tech billionaires, there are a few names that instantly grab attention Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and, more recently, Pavel Durov, the mysterious founder of Telegram messenger. But what makes Pavel Durov so unique, and why is he now being called the “Russian Elon Musk”?
Most interestingly, why did he father over 100 children through sperm donation and decide to give his entire $13.9 billion fortune to them?
Let’s Know Whole Details About Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
- Who Is Pavel Durov?
- Business Journey: VK to Telegram
- Pavel Durov’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Why He’s Called the “Russian Elon Musk”
- Why He Fathered Over 100 Kids
- Impact and Criticism
- Future Plans?
Who Is Pavel Durov?
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pavel Valeryevich Durov (Other Name – Pavel Durov and Paul du Rove) |
| Born | October 10, 1984, Leningrad (Soviet Union) |
| Family | Wife – Not Married, Father – Valery Durov, Mother – Albina Durova. |
| Nationality | Soviet Union – (Until 1991), Russia – (Since 1991), Saint Kitts and Nevis – (Since 2013), United Arab Emirates – (Since 2021), France – (Since 2021), Saint Kitts and Nevis (Renounced Russian Citizenship) |
| Education | Philology degree from Saint Petersburg State University |
| Known For (Title) | Founding VKontakte (VK) (2006-2014) and Telegram Telegram (2013 – present) |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | $13.9 Billion |
| Current Living | Dubai, UAE (Nomadic Lifestyle) |
Business Journey: From VK to Telegram
VKontakte: Facebook of Russia
In 2006, at the age of just 22, Pavel Durov started a social media website named VK. This website very quickly became the largest social networking site in Russia.
His way of thinking was a little different. He wanted people to express themselves openly, without any censorship. But when Pavel Durov refused to give and delete the data of some political users associated with VK (VKontakte) to the government, he came into direct conflict with the government.
In 2014, when the pressure from the government increased, Durov flatly refused. After this, he had to leave VK and also sell his shares. This incident established him as a person who values freedom and privacy more than money.
Beginning of Telegram: A platform for privacy
In 2013, Durov, along with his brother Nikolai, launched the Telegram app. Compared to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, the purpose of Telegram was completely different. It was to create a messenger where user data remains safe and privacy is completely protected.
Telegram has end-to-end encryption, that is, no third person (even the government) can see your chats. Durov himself says that Telegram never gives anyone’s data to anyone, not even to governments. And today Telegram is counted among the most popular messaging apps in the world, especially in countries where there is more surveillance and censorship.
Pavel Durov Net Worth and Lifestyle
Pavel Durov Net Worth
As of 2025, Pavel Durov has an estimated net worth of $13.9 billion. Most of his wealth comes from Telegram, which is privately owned and ad-free for ordinary users, although Telegram premium and large-scale channels have begun to generate revenue.
Pavel Durov Lifestyle
Unlike many billionaires, Durov lives a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle. Known for dressing entirely in black and rejecting material luxuries, he reportedly owns no property and has no physical phone number or email. He abstains from alcohol, meat, and junk food, consistent with his digital monk image.
Pavel Durov’s life is very different from that of ordinary billionaires. He leads a minimalist and nomadic lifestyle. always wears black clothes and keeps a distance from expensive things or show-off. And he has neither a private house, nor a car, nor a personal phone number or email. Also very less active on social media.
He completely abstains from alcohol, meat and junk food. He believes that living a simple life keeps the mind sharp and free. Due to these habits, people call him a “digital monk”. Because he is a billionaire who is a big name in the world of technology, but stays away from material comforts.
Why he is called Russian Elon Musk
Pavel Durov is often called the “Russian Elon Musk” and there are many interesting reasons behind it. Both are considered revolutionary-minded innovators in the world of technology, who challenged the old system and created a new path. Let’s find out through this comparison.
| Similarity | Elon Musk | Pavel Durov |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Visionary | SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink | Telegram, VK |
| Rule Breaker | Challenged SEC, open-sourced patents | Refused Russian govt, exiled himself |
| Futurist | Mars colonization, AI | Digital freedom, genetic legacy |
| Billionaire Rebel | Tweets against regulators | Posts manifestos on digital rights |
| Minimalism | Lives simply despite billions | Wears black, owns almost nothing |
| Free Speech Advocate | Promotes open platforms | Created Telegram as a censorship-free app |
Both are highly influential, anti-establishment individuals focused on making the future better. The only difference is that Elon Musk wants to make a difference through rockets and artificial intelligence (AI), while Pavel Durov wants to make the world a better place through encryption and human genetics. This is why people have started calling him the “Russian Elon Musk.”
Why he fathered over 100 children?
In a 2025 interview that went viral on the internet, Durov revealed that he had fathered over 100 children through sperm donation. This was a personal project that he had been quietly pursuing for several years.
Reasons behind the decision
Pavel Durov explained this decision as part of a visionary and philosophical legacy project.
1. Creating a “genetic line” of innovators
He believes that the future of humanity is in the hands of genetically curious, independent thinkers. By fathering dozens of children, he hopes to spread his intellectual DNA far and wide.
2. Legacy beyond money
Durov doesn’t believe in the traditional concept of family legacy or nepotism. Instead, he has decided to divide his entire net worth among these 100+ children, giving them the resources to forge their own paths.
3. Digital immortality
Durov has spoken publicly about digital identity and legacy. By having many children and empowering them financially, he sees this as a form of biological and digital immortality and passing on both genes and values into the future.
4. Control-free parenting
Interestingly, Durov has said that he does not plan to raise or control these children. Most of the children were born through donor arrangements and will grow up independently. He will only support them financially and spiritually through his legacy vision.
5. Rebellion against traditional systems and his new thinking
Pavel Durov has always been against the old rules and traditional thinking of society. Becoming the father of more than 100 children is also a part of his different thinking. He believes that in the coming times, new thinking will be necessary not only about technology, but also about family and human development.
What do you think? Comment your opinion on Pavel Durov’s “100 children” statement.
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