In an astonishing twist on wealth inheritance, Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has made headlines by revealing his plans to leave his multi-billion-dollar fortune to over 100 children. Far from the typical billionaire narrative, Durov’s unconventional approach to fatherhood and wealth distribution may redefine familial legacies for generations to come.
Over 100 Children…and Counting
A recent exposé by the Wall Street Journal has shed light on Pavel Durov’s organized initiative to father over 100 children through sperm donations. This operation, conducted via a private fertility clinic in Moscow, has attracted many women under 37, drawn by the offered free IVF procedures funded by Durov, and the opportunity to have a child with a successful tech mogul.
Durov has publicly confirmed having at least 100 biological children across more than a dozen countries, in addition to six others through relationships. He has stated that all of his children, even those conceived through anonymous donations, will be entitled to an equal share of his inheritance. Durov has also contemplated “open-sourcing” his genetic data, aiding future identification among his offspring. This initiative appears not as a fleeting eccentricity but as a sustained commitment backed by financial resources and a clear vision.
Future Inheritance Control
With an estimated net worth of $14 billion, Durov has laid out specific conditions for his children: they will not have access to their inheritance for the next 30 years. In a June 2025 interview, he expressed his desire for them to develop independence, stating:
“I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves.”
Currently, if Durov’s fortune were divided equally among his 106 heirs, each would potentially receive around $132 million. Should his wealth grow at an average annual rate of 5%, that figure could rise to approximately $570 million by 2055.
From VKontakte to Telegram
Pavel Durov, often compared to Mark Zuckerberg, co-founded VKontakte in 2006, transforming it into Russia’s largest social networking site. After being ousted by Kremlin-linked investors in 2014, he relocated to Dubai and introduced Telegram, a privacy-focused messaging platform that now boasts over one billion monthly users.
Legal Troubles in France
Durov faced legal challenges in France in 2024, with multiple criminal charges filed against him, including complicity in drug trafficking and child exploitation via Telegram. He has denied these accusations, labeling them absurd and asserting that Telegram remains committed to user privacy.
Commitment to Independence
Owning 100% of Telegram, Durov has consistently rejected acquisition offers, maintaining that the platform represents an idea of independence rather than a mere commodity. He has established provisions to ensure that a nonprofit foundation will manage Telegram should anything happen to him, safeguarding its founding principles against commercialization.
Minimalist Billionaire
Despite his considerable net worth, Durov leads a minimalist lifestyle, claiming his wealth derives mainly from early cryptocurrency investments. He does not draw a salary from Telegram and describes it as a source of expenses. Durov maintains a strict regimen of daily physical exercise and eschews indulgences like alcohol and sugar, emphasizing his mission over material possessions.
Whether seen as a unique model of wealth distribution or an unconventional trust fund, Pavel Durov’s approach is redefining the concept of inheritance—one that goes beyond mere financial wealth and seeks to impact the future of fatherhood and familial connections.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
