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Pavel Durov, the enigmatic billionaire behind the global messaging platform Telegram, has revealed plans to distribute his estimated $14 billion fortune equally among a remarkable family — 106 children across 12 countries. This unprecedented decision, disclosed in a recent interview with French magazine Le Point, offers a rare glimpse into the private life and philosophy of one of the tech world’s most influential and secretive figures.
Durov, 40, is officially the father of six children with three different partners. However, his family extends far beyond traditional boundaries. Over the past 15 years, Durov has anonymously donated sperm, initially to help a friend, resulting in over 100 children born in clinics across a dozen countries. “I make no difference between my children: 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!” Durov stated, emphasizing his commitment to equality and unity within his extended family.
A Will With a Purpose
The decision to draft his will at a relatively young age stems from Durov’s awareness of the risks associated with his work. As the founder of Telegram, a platform often at the center of global debates on privacy and freedom of expression, Durov has faced opposition from powerful state actors. “My work involves risks – defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states. I want to protect my children, but also the company I created, Telegram. I want Telegram to forever remain faithful to the values I defend,” he explained.
Durov’s will stipulates that none of his children will have access to their inheritance for 30 years. He wants 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.” This approach, he hopes, will foster independence and prevent familial discord over wealth.
Durov’s personal life mirrors the values he seeks to instill in his children. He maintains a strict regimen — eschewing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, and practicing daily physical discipline with 300 push-ups and 300 squats each morning. He is also known for his fondness for cold-water swimming, even in the depths of winter. “In short, from everything that can make you dependent. I like being in cold water,” he said, underscoring his philosophy of self-reliance.
Durov’s approach to inheritance is as unconventional as his career. By treating all his children equally, regardless of biological or legal status, and by delaying their access to his fortune, he aims to leave a legacy of independence and shared values. His actions reflect a broader commitment to personal freedom, both in his family and through his stewardship of Telegram — a company he hopes will remain a bastion of privacy and liberty for generations to come.
