Pavel Durov, the billionaire co-founder of Telegram, disclosed that he has fathered over 100 children through sperm donation, in addition to having six officially recognized kids from different partners. In an interview with Le Point, the 40-year-old Russian entrepreneur explained that while he acknowledges six children as his own, many others were conceived anonymously through his donations dating back fifteen years. His contributions reportedly helped more than 100 couples in 12 countries realize their dreams of parenthood. Durov’s extensive donations stemmed from a friend’s struggle with infertility and were supported by a fertility clinic that encouraged him to provide “high quality donor material.”
Durov, whose net worth is estimated at $17.1 billion, plans to split his significant fortune among all his children, regardless of how they were conceived. However, he has established a thirty-year waiting period before they can access their inheritances. His reasoning lies in his desire for his children to grow up without reliance on his wealth, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and personal development. He stated, “I want them to live like normal people… to build themselves up alone,” indicating his commitment to nurturing their independence.
He made clear that he holds no distinctions among his children, whether they were conceived through traditional means or his sperm donations. Durov expressed a desire to prevent potential conflicts over inheritance, aiming to ensure that all his children receive equal rights. He reiterated this sentiment in a July 2024 Telegram post, curious about how he could have over 100 biological children without ever having been married. His transparency about his large progeny showcases a desire to foster connection among his offspring, as he announced plans to “open-source” his DNA to facilitate their ability to find each other.
Alongside the personal revelations, Durov’s business endeavors continue to capture attention. He co-founded Telegram with his brother Nikolai in 2013 and has seen the platform grow to 1 billion active monthly users. However, the company faced significant scrutiny in August 2024, when Durov was arrested in France on serious charges, including complicity in the distribution of child pornography and drug trafficking. He vehemently denies the allegations, asserting that just because criminals exploit a messaging service does not make its creators criminals.
In response to the accusations, Durov referred to the claims as “totally absurd,” insisting that no evidence implicates him in any wrongdoing. His insistence on innocence reflects a consistent theme in his life’s narrative—an individual who, despite the controversies surrounding him, remains steadfast in his convictions and commitments. The juxtaposition of his philanthropic actions through sperm donation and the criminal charges exemplifies the complexities of his public persona, balancing between a tech mogul and a father.
In summary, Durov’s life is marked by both remarkable achievements and contentious challenges. His dedication to being a father—albeit in unconventional ways—and his substantial monetary legacy portrays a multifaceted character. As Durov navigates the legal troubles and public perceptions associated with his success, he remains focused on leaving a legacy that transcends wealth, emphasizing the values of self-sufficiency and connection among his numerous children.
