Pavel Durov, the creator of Telegram—one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms—has stirred global attention with a highly unconventional will. Durov, whose personal fortune is estimated at nearly $14 billion, has reportedly decided to leave a significant portion of his wealth to more than 100 children, with each child set to inherit approximately $132 million.
Who Are Pavel Durov’s Children?
While Durov is publicly known to have six children from three different partners, his family tree appears to be much larger. Over the past 15 years, Durov has also been a sperm donor. According to fertility clinic Give Legacy, his donations have led to the conception of over 100 children across 12 countries. This means that, in addition to his “official” children, dozens of other individuals—many of whom may not even be aware of their biological connection to Durov—are now included in his will.
Equality and Inheritance
Durov’s will is notable for its principle of equality. He has stated that he makes no distinction between children conceived naturally and those born as a result of his sperm donations. “They are all my children and will have the same rights,” Durov reportedly said. He expressed a desire to prevent future disputes among his heirs and to ensure that every child is treated fairly.
How Will Inheritance Work?
For a child to claim their share, they must first prove their biological relationship to Durov. This can be done through DNA testing, as explained by Khaled Kteily, CEO of Give Legacy. “If someone believes Pavel is their father, they can submit a sample for testing,” Kteily said. Depending on local laws and the wishes of the birth mother, some children may already know about their connection to Durov, while others may discover it only after his passing.
Three Decades of Waiting
Despite the vast sums involved, Durov’s heirs will not receive their inheritance immediately. He has stipulated that his children must wait 30 years before accessing their share of the fortune. Durov explained his reasoning: he wants his children to grow up independent, learn to trust themselves, and not rely on inherited wealth from an early age. This approach is intended to encourage personal growth and self-reliance.
Pavel Durov: A Controversial Tech Leader
Pavel Durov is best known for founding Telegram, a messaging app that prioritizes privacy and resists government censorship. After launching VKontakte, Russia’s largest social network, Durov left Russia in 2014 following a dispute with authorities. He now operates Telegram from Dubai, where he holds dual citizenship.
However, Durov and Telegram have faced criticism for their hands-off approach to content moderation, which some argue has allowed the spread of misinformation and illegal activities. In 2024, Durov was investigated in France for allegedly enabling organized crime through Telegram, though he was later permitted to leave the country.
A Different Approach to Wealth
Durov’s decision to distribute his wealth equally among all his children, regardless of how they were conceived, sets him apart from many other tech billionaires. For example, Bill Gates has stated that he intends to leave most of his fortune to charity, with only a small portion going to his children. Similarly, other wealthy individuals have chosen to limit their children’s access to inherited wealth to encourage them to build their own lives.
A Legacy of Independence
Pavel Durov’s will reflects his unique values and vision for the future. By ensuring that all his children are treated equally and must wait 30 years to receive their inheritance, Durov hopes to foster independence and discourage the negative effects of inherited wealth. His story highlights the complex and often surprising ways that tech leaders choose to shape their legacies.
