Telegram CEO Pavel Durov reveals plans to distribute his $17 billion fortune equally among his 106 children, including those conceived through anonymous sperm donations across 12 countries.

Billionaire Tech Mogul’s Unconventional Legacy: Telegram’s Pavel Durov to Divide Fortune Among 106 Children


Pavel Durov, the enigmatic co-founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, has revealed that he intends to leave his vast $17 billion fortune to his 106 children—both biological and those conceived through sperm donation.

The 40-year-old entrepreneur, known for fiercely guarding his privacy and promoting digital freedom, made the announcement during an interview with French magazine Le Point, in which he shed light on his unconventional approach to legacy and fatherhood.

A Fortune for All: No Distinction Among His Children


According to Forbes, Durov’s wealth is currently valued at $17.1 billion, largely amassed through his tech ventures, including Telegram, which has grown into one of the world’s leading encrypted messaging platforms.

Durov, a father of six biological children, confirmed that he has also acted as a sperm donor for over 100 other children across 12 different countries. Despite the unusual circumstances, he insists that all his children—regardless of how they were conceived—will be treated equally when it comes to inheritance.

“I want to make it clear that I don't differentiate between my children: there are those who are conceived naturally and those that come from my sperm donations,” Durov explained. “They are all my children, and they will have the same rights.”

An Inheritance Locked Away for Three Decades


While Durov’s intentions may seem generous, his offspring will have to wait before claiming their share of the fortune. The tech billionaire stated that none of his children will have access to their inheritance for at least 30 years from the date of the interview.

This unusual stipulation is likely intended to ensure that his heirs are mature and capable of managing such significant wealth responsibly.

A Private Life in the Public Eye


Durov, often described as the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia" for his early work in founding VKontakte (Russia’s version of Facebook), has long been known for his libertarian values, elusive lifestyle, and fierce defence of online privacy.

His decision to donate sperm and build such an extensive family network reflects his unconventional outlook on life and legacy, challenging traditional perceptions of family and inheritance.

As Telegram continues to grow and Durov's fortune expands, the tech world will undoubtedly be watching how this unique plan for wealth distribution unfolds in the decades to come.