Telegram founder plans to share wealth with over 100 kids

Pavel Durov, the 40-year-old billionaire who created Telegram, has decided to leave his massive fortune to more than 100 children, he says are his. In a recent chat with a French magazine, Le Point, Durov shared that he’s the official dad to six kids with three different partners. But he also started donating sperm 15 years ago, which has led to over 100 children being born in 12 countries.

He wants all these kids to share his wealth equally when he’s gone. Durov, whose fortune is estimated at nearly $14 billion, said he made a will because running Telegram comes with risks. He believes standing up for free speech has made him enemies in powerful places. To ensure his kids grow up grounded, he’s set a rule that they can’t touch the money for 30 years.

This way, they’ll learn to build their own lives and not rely on his wealth. Despite his success with Telegram, which has over a billion users, Durov faces legal challenges. French authorities charged him last year, claiming he allowed illegal activities on the platform. Still, he remains focused on his legacy, wanting his children—whether born naturally or through donation—to have equal rights to his fortune and live meaningful lives.