The Unconventional Legacy of a Tech Mogul

Pavel Durov, the mastermind behind Telegram, has made headlines with his unique family situation. He has fathered over 100 children across 12 countries through both natural means and sperm donations. Durov is clear that he sees no difference between his biological children and those conceived through his donations. He wants to ensure that all his children are treated equally and that none of them fight over his wealth after he is gone. Durov's net worth is estimated to be around 14 billion dollars. He has recently written his will, stipulating that his children will not have access to his fortune for 30 years after his death. He wants his children to live normal lives, build themselves up independently, and learn to trust their own abilities. He does not want them to rely on his money. Durov's decision to write his will at the age of 40 might seem premature to some. However, he explained that his line of work involves significant risks and that he has enemies in powerful places. He founded Telegram in 2013 after previously creating the Russian social media network VK. Telegram now boasts about 1 billion active users worldwide. Last year, Durov was arrested by French authorities. They accused him of allowing criminal activities to take place on Telegram. He denied all charges and was eventually released. In a recent interview, he mentioned that he still faces travel restrictions almost a year after his arrest. Durov's lifestyle is as unique as his family situation. He is a fitness enthusiast who can do 300 push-ups and 300 squats in a row. He avoids alcohol, coffee, tea, smoking, and sugar. He also enjoys swimming in cold waters, like those in Finland or Lake Geneva, even in the middle of winter. When asked about comparisons to Elon Musk, Durov was quick to point out their differences. He runs only one company, unlike Musk who juggles several. He also prides himself on his thoughtful approach to decision-making, contrasting it with Musk's more emotional style. However, he acknowledges that Musk's emotionality could also be a source of his strength.