Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Claims to Have Fathered Over 100 Children

Pavel Durov, the 40-year-old tech billionaire and founder of Telegram, has revealed that he has fathered over 100 children and plans to divide his estimated $17 billion fortune equally among them.


In a rare interview with Le Point, Durov said he recently finalized a will granting each of his biological and donor-conceived children $170 million. “There’s no distinction—naturally conceived or through sperm donation, they are all my children,” he said.

While Durov has six children with three partners, he has donated sperm for over 15 years, resulting in children across 12 countries. A Moscow clinic, AltraVita, even offered free IVF treatments using his sperm, promoting him as “one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time.”

Pro-Natalist Views Among Tech Tycoons

Durov’s actions reflect a broader trend among tech elites promoting larger families. Elon Musk, who has at least 14 children, has urged "smart people" to have more children, warning that declining birth rates threaten civilization. In the U.S., political figures like Vice President JD Vance have voiced similar sentiments, with Vance declaring, “I want more babies in the United States of America.”

Dutch YouTuber Jonathan Jacob Meijer reportedly fathered up to 1,000 children, though he claims the number is closer to 550—making Durov one of the world’s top-known sperm donors, but not the most prolific.

From VK to Telegram and Controversies

Durov first made his mark by founding VKontakte, Russia’s version of Facebook. He left Russia in 2014 after pressure from the Kremlin and went on to launch Telegram, a messaging app now used by over 1 billion people. He also ventured into cryptocurrency.

However, Telegram has faced global scrutiny over weak content moderation. In 2023, French authorities charged Durov with complicity in enabling child exploitation and drug trafficking through the app. He denies the allegations, calling them “absurd.”

Life in Exile and Legal Troubles

Now based in Dubai, Durov holds both French and Emirati citizenship. His arrest in France last August, while passing through Le Bourget Airport, halted his ability to travel. He described being detained for four days in harsh conditions and expressed disappointment in French President Emmanuel Macron, who had previously fast-tracked his citizenship and personally engaged with him on Telegram.

A Billionaire With a Minimalist Lifestyle

Despite his wealth, Durov claims to live modestly. He avoids owning luxury assets like homes or private jets, preferring high-end hotels. He follows a strict vegan diet, starts his mornings with 300 push-ups and squats, and shares his ice bath routines on Instagram.

He says his children will only access their inheritance after 30 years to ensure they develop independence and self-reliance. “I want them to build themselves up without depending on a bank account,” he said.

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