Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder and CEO of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, has unveiled an unconventional inheritance plan for his substantial wealth, estimated to be around $17 billion. In a candid interview with the French magazine Le Point, the 40-year-old tech entrepreneur disclosed that his will stipulates a 30-year waiting period before his 106 biological children can access their inheritance, a period that extends to the year 2055. Durov’s rationale for this extended delay stems from his desire to foster independence and self-reliance in his offspring, encouraging them to forge their own paths and avoid the potential pitfalls of inherited wealth. He emphasized his belief that his children should learn to trust in their own abilities and create their own successes rather than relying on a substantial financial safety net.
Durov’s family structure is as unconventional as his inheritance plan. He revealed that his 106 children comprise two distinct groups: six children conceived naturally with three different women, and the remaining 100 conceived through anonymous sperm donation. This revelation provides a glimpse into Durov’s personal life, which has largely remained private despite his public profile as a tech innovator. He stressed that he makes no distinction between his children, regardless of their conception, and affirmed that all will have equal rights to his estate. This declaration aims to preemptively address potential conflicts and ensure a harmonious distribution of wealth upon his passing.
The magnitude of Durov’s fortune implies a significant inheritance for each child. Based on current estimates, each child could potentially receive between $131 million and $161 million, a sum that could dramatically alter their lives. However, Durov’s imposed waiting period suggests a conscious effort to mitigate the potential negative consequences of such wealth. By delaying access, he hopes to prevent his children from becoming overly reliant on their inheritance, encouraging them instead to develop their own skills and pursue their own passions.
Durov’s disclosure comes amidst legal challenges he faces in France. In August 2024, he was detained at Bourget Airport near Paris upon arrival from Azerbaijan on a private jet. The details of these legal proceedings remain unclear, but the timing of his revelation adds another layer of complexity to his already multifaceted public image. The intersection of his personal life, legal battles, and unconventional inheritance plan paints a portrait of a complex individual navigating a unique set of circumstances.
The 30-year waiting period is a central pillar of Durov’s inheritance strategy. It represents a long-term investment in his children’s future, designed to foster self-sufficiency and prevent the potential demoralizing effects of unearned wealth. Durov’s perspective challenges conventional inheritance practices, which often prioritize immediate access to assets. His approach emphasizes personal growth and development over immediate financial gain, reflecting a belief that true wealth lies in self-reliance and the pursuit of one’s own ambitions.
Durov’s decision highlights the complexities and responsibilities that accompany immense wealth. He acknowledges the potential burdens and temptations that such an inheritance could present to his children and seeks to mitigate these risks through the imposed waiting period. This proactive approach demonstrates a deep concern for his children’s well-being and a desire to equip them with the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges independently. By encouraging self-reliance and delaying access to his fortune, Durov aims to cultivate a sense of personal accomplishment and purpose in his children, values he clearly holds in high regard.
