What to Know About Pavel Durov, the Russian Billionaire Founder of Telegram

According to SAEDNEWS, Pavel Durov is a famous entrepreneur known for creating the popular messaging app Telegram. Born in 1984 in the Soviet Union, he has become a well-known figure in the tech world. Durov is not just a businessman; he is also praised for his dedication to free speech and privacy. Here’s everything you need to know about this interesting billionaire!

Early Life

Pavel Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in St. Petersburg, Russia. When he was just four years old, his family moved to Italy, but they returned to Russia when his father got a job at St. Petersburg University. Durov eventually attended the same university, where he studied philology, the study of languages and literature.

Rise to Fame

In 2006, Durov co-founded VKontakte, better known as VK, which became Russia's leading social media platform. He worked hard to grow VK, and it quickly gained millions of users. However, in 2014, things took a turn when Durov was fired from VK after refusing to give user data to the Russian government. He decided it was time to leave Russia and pursue his dream of creating a platform for free communication.

Shortly after his departure, Durov and his brother Nikolai launched Telegram in 2013. The app emphasizes security and privacy, allowing users to send messages safely. People all around the world love Telegram, and as of 2024, it has around 900 million users!

Durov's Philosophy

Pavel Durov is passionate about free speech. He believes everyone should have the right to communicate without fear. In an interview, he said, “For me, it was never about getting rich. It was about becoming free.” This belief drives him to improve Telegram and protect user privacy.

Life Today

Currently, Durov lives in Dubai but has also gained French citizenship. His estimated net worth is around $15.5 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world. Despite his wealth, Durov prefers to enjoy a simple life without owning any property.

Though Durov is unmarried, he reportedly has five children from different relationships. In a surprising statement, he claimed to have “over 100 biological kids” due to his sperm donation practices.

Recent News

Recently, Durov has been in the news for a different reason. He was arrested at a Paris airport on August 24, 2024, due to allegations related to illicit material shared on Telegram. He firmly denies these accusations and stands by the app's commitment to legal standards.

Conclusion

Pavel Durov is an inspiring figure in the tech world, known for his dedication to privacy and free speech. From starting VK to creating Telegram, he has made a significant impact on how people communicate online. As he continues his journey, Durov remains a powerful voice in advocating for freedom in technology.