Telegram Founder Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, began his career in the tech industry at a young age. Born in Russia, he taught himself to code at just 12 years old and went on to study mathematics and physics at St. Petersburg State University. It was during his university years that Durov, along with his brother Nikolai, created the social networking site VKontakte, which would eventually become one of the largest social networks in Europe.

As VKontakte grew in popularity, so did Durov’s reputation in the tech world. However, in 2014, due to disagreements with the company’s investors over user data privacy, Durov left VKontakte and set out to create a new messaging platform that prioritized security and privacy. This led to the birth of Telegram, which was launched in 2013 but gained significant traction after Durov’s departure from VKontakte. Today, Telegram is used by hundreds of millions of users worldwide, making Durov one of the most well-known figures in the tech industry.

Pavel Durov’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has an estimated net worth of $15.5 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his stake in Telegram, the messaging app he co-founded with his brother Nikolai in 2013.

Career

Pavel Durov’s career began in 2006 when he launched VK (formerly VKontakte), Russia’s largest social network. After leaving VK in 2014, he dedicated his time to Telegram, which has since grown to over 500 million users worldwide. Durov is known for his commitment to user privacy and freedom of speech.

Other Ventures

Durov’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond Telegram. In 2018, he launched the Telegram Open Network (TON), a blockchain project aiming to create a fast and scalable network for decentralized applications. He also invested in various tech startups through his venture capital fund, VTsIOM.

Assets

Durov’s assets include a significant stake in Telegram, properties in various countries, and investments in tech startups. Notably, he owns a mansion in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and has been known to invest in real estate in other countries, although the specifics are not publicly disclosed.

Annual Income

Pavel Durov’s annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, given his net worth and the success of Telegram, it’s safe to assume that his income is substantial. Durov has stated that he funds Telegram’s operations from his personal wealth, indicating that the company may not generate significant revenue or profit.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Telegram Founder

Frequently Asked Questions: Telegram Founder Net Worth

1. Who is the founder of Telegram?

Pavel Durov is the founder of Telegram. He created the messaging app in 2013 with his brother Nikolai Durov.

2. What is Pavel Durov’s net worth?

Pavel Durov’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

3. How did Pavel Durov make his fortune?

Pavel Durov made his fortune primarily through the creation and growth of Telegram. He also co-founded the social networking site VKontakte, which contributed to his wealth.

4. What is Pavel Durov’s background?

Pavel Durov was born in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now St. Petersburg, Russia). He studied philology at St. Petersburg State University and later pursued a career in entrepreneurship.

5. When was Telegram founded?

Telegram was founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov.

6. What is Telegram’s business model?

Telegram is a non-profit organization and does not have a traditional business model. It operates on donations and grants, with no plans to introduce ads or premium features.

7. How does Pavel Durov fund Telegram’s operations?

Pavel Durov funds Telegram’s operations through his personal wealth and investments. He has also received donations from users and grants from the Durov Family Foundation.

8. What is the Durov Family Foundation?

The Durov Family Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Pavel and Nikolai Durov. It provides grants to support Telegram’s development and other projects that align with the Durov brothers’ values.

9. What is Pavel Durov’s stance on privacy and encryption?

Pavel Durov is a strong advocate for privacy and encryption. Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats and uses client-server encryption for cloud chats. Durov has been vocal about protecting user data and opposing government surveillance.

10. What are Pavel Durov’s future plans for Telegram?

Pavel Durov has stated that his long-term goal for Telegram is to become the largest and most secure decentralized messaging network in the world. He has also expressed interest in exploring blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to further decentralize the platform.