Telegram’s Billionaire Founder to 100+ Kids: “You’ve Got Mail… and $13 Billion!

In a shock that has swept the business and tech worlds, Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced that he will divide his estimated $13.9–$17.1 billion wealth among his 106 biological children—both naturally born and more than 100 born through sperm donation in 12 countries. The 40-year-old Russian-born entrepreneur unveiled this extraordinary inheritance plan in a recent interview with French magazine Le Point that sent a maelstrom of interest and disgust on social media.

 

Key Highlights

 

Equal Share for All: Durov emphasized that all his children—six naturally born to three of his partners and over 100 with sperm donors—will enjoy "the same rights" and share equally an equal share of his fortune.

 

Staggering Payouts: With an estimated net worth of between $13.9 billion and $17.1 billion, each of the children would stand to inherit between $131 million and $161 million, depending on the value of the estate.

 

30-Year Lock-In: None of the kids will be able to lay eyes on their money until 2055, something Durov hopes will make them "live like ordinary people, become something on their own, learn to believe in themselves, and not rely on a bank account.".

 

Global Family: Durov's children are spread across 12 nations, and many could be unaware they are related to the billionaire since most were born after anonymous sperm donations to their mothers over the last 15 years.

 

Philosophy of Legacy: Durov attributes the decision to a way of preventing family conflicts after his passing and to make his children independent and creative.

 

Legal and Personal History: The story comes after a series of ongoing legal battles in France, in which Durov is charged with enabling criminals to utilize Telegram—something he denies vehemently.

 

Viral Response: The internet was awash with responses, with others labeling Durov's move a "mindset of abundance" and applauding his unconventional, democratizing succession strategy.

 

"They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don't want them to destroy each other after I'm dead." — Pavel Durov

 

Durov's bold action not only recasts the playbook for what is inherited but also raises new questions about family, legacy, and the burden of great wealth in the age of the internet.

 

Source: Euronews, India Today, BBC, Times of India