Pavel Durov, the 40-year-old founder of Telegram, has made headlines not only for his groundbreaking messaging app but also for an unconventional family structure. With six acknowledged children and over 100 offspring conceived through sperm donations spanning 12 countries, Durov recently disclosed that all these descendants are included in his $13.9 billion will. Despite their potential unawareness of their wealthy biological father, each child stands to inherit approximately $132 million—provided they meet certain conditions set by the tech mogul.

Unlocking Wealth While Preserving Independence

In a recent interview with French publication Le Point, Durov revealed his carefully crafted estate plan. He emphasized equality among his natural and donor-conceived children, ensuring none would be favored over the others. His decision reflects a desire to prevent future conflicts and promote self-reliance. By delaying access to his fortune for three decades, Durov aims to encourage his heirs to carve out their own paths, free from the burdens or privileges of inherited wealth.

A Global Network of Descendants

The journey of discovering one’s connection to Durov depends largely on whether he served as a directed donor or remained anonymous during his contributions to Give Legacy, a renowned fertility clinic. Khaled Kteily, CEO of Give Legacy, explained that identity verification is achievable via paternity testing. However, awareness of this potential inheritance hinges on varying legal frameworks across different nations and the relationship between the birth mother and Durov at the time of conception. For some, this revelation might come as a surprise; for others, it could already be known within their families.

The Man Behind the Messaging Revolution

Born in Russia, Pavel Durov emerged onto the global stage when he launched Telegram in 2013. Unlike other platforms, Telegram prides itself on resisting government-mandated censorship, positioning itself as a bastion of unrestricted communication. Yet, this commitment to absolute freedom came at a cost. In 2014, Durov fled his homeland after refusing to suppress opposition groups on VKontakte, another social media platform he founded. Since then, Telegram has become both his life's work and a lightning rod for controversy.One notable challenge arose in August 2024 when Durov faced formal investigation in France. Accused of facilitating illicit transactions and enabling the distribution of illegal content, including child exploitation material, Durov vehemently denied involvement. His defense rested on the argument that such accusations lacked merit, given his lack of direct control over user-generated content. Ultimately, he relocated to Dubai, where he continues to oversee Telegram while navigating ongoing scrutiny.

Balancing Free Speech and Responsibility

While Telegram champions unfiltered discourse, critics highlight its vulnerabilities to misuse. The platform has been linked to the propagation of misinformation, extremist ideologies, and even criminal enterprises. These concerns underscore the delicate balance required to uphold principles of free expression without compromising societal safety. As debates around digital ethics intensify, Telegram remains at the center of discussions about accountability in the tech industry.

Wealth Distribution Among Tech Titans

Durov’s approach to legacy planning distinguishes him among billionaire peers who often adopt more restrained strategies. Consider Bill Gates, whose staggering net worth exceeds $176 billion yet plans to allocate less than 1% to his children. Gates believes fostering independence is paramount, echoing sentiments shared by Laurene Powell Jobs, who opts against transferring her $14.1 billion fortune to her heirs. Similarly, celebrity chef Guy Fieri insists that any inheritance must be earned through demonstrable effort, reflecting a broader trend among affluent individuals prioritizing personal achievement over generational wealth transfer.Through these contrasting perspectives, Durov’s decision highlights the complexities of modern inheritance practices. Whether driven by altruism, pragmatism, or philosophical conviction, the choices made by today’s wealthiest figures shape not only their legacies but also the lives of countless beneficiaries worldwide.