In a twist that sounds more like the plot of a sci-fi novel than real life, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed plans to split his massive $14 billion fortune between more than 100 of his biological children. The tech billionaire, often described as eccentric and fiercely independent, claims this decision is part personal legacy, part social experiment—and entirely deliberate. Keep on reading to discover more about it!
Born in Russia and long living in self-imposed exile, Durov has always done things differently. But this move has stunned even his closest observers. Not only is he a vocal advocate of digital privacy and decentralization, but now he’s entering new territory: genetic legacy and delayed inheritance.
The Kids Won’t Get Access to The Trust Funds Until 2055
Rather than hand his wealth to his children the moment they become adults, Durov has designed a system that locks away their inheritance for 30 years. His logic? Time should filter out entitlement and give space for personal growth. By doing this, he forces each individual to live their own life and ensure they develop a genuine personality. Only in 2055, on a specific date, will each of the children be granted their equal share of the fortune.
That means no trust funds, no lavish gifts, and no shortcuts. Each child, raised in various corners of the world, will need to build their own lives, unaware of the luxury that awaits them. For Durov, this isn’t about control; it’s about cultivating resilience.
This Move is More Than a Statement
What makes this story even more surreal is how these 100+ children came into existence. Durov didn’t start a mega-family through traditional means. Over the years, he quietly became a sperm donor, helping dozens of women across multiple countries conceive. To him, this is a form of legacy-building that bypasses conventional family structures.
It’s unclear how many of the children know who their biological father is, and whether they’re aware of the fortune in their future. But one thing is certain: in an age of tech empires and billionaire eccentricity, Pavel Durov has written his own rulebook—one that will echo into the next generation.
