Telegram Owner Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, began his entrepreneurial journey in the early 2000s while studying at the prestigious St. Petersburg State University in Russia. Born into a family of mathematicians, Durov’s passion for computers and programming was ignited at an early age. In 2006, he and his brother Nikolai launched VKontakte, a social networking site that would become Russia’s largest social network, with over 400 million users. Durov’s innovative approach to social media and commitment to user privacy catapulted him to fame in the tech industry.

Telegram Owner’s Net Worth in 2025

As per the latest available information, Telegram’s owner, Pavel Durov, had an estimated net worth of $15.3 billion in 2025.

Career

Pavel Durov, born in Leningrad, Russia, co-founded the social networking site VKontakte in 2006. He served as its CEO until 2014, when he left due to disagreements with shareholders. In 2013, Durov launched Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging service, which has since grown to over 500 million users worldwide.

Other Ventures

In addition to Telegram, Durov has invested in various tech startups through his venture capital firm, Durov Capital. He also owns a stake in the Russian social network, OK.ru, and has been involved in cryptocurrency development, including the creation of the Telegram Open Network (TON).

Assets

Durov’s assets include a 52% stake in Telegram, which is estimated to be worth billions. He also owns several properties in Russia and Europe, including a mansion in Saint Petersburg and an apartment in London. Additionally, he holds a significant amount of cryptocurrency, primarily in Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Annual Income

Durov’s annual income is primarily derived from his stake in Telegram. However, the exact figure is not publicly disclosed. In 2021, Telegram’s revenue was reported to be around $1 billion, with Durov likely receiving a significant portion of this as profit from his stake in the company.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Telegram Owner

Frequently Asked Questions: Telegram Owner Net Worth

1. Who is the owner of Telegram?

Pavel Durov is the owner of Telegram. He co-founded the messaging app with his brother Nikolai Durov in 2013.

2. What is Pavel Durov’s net worth?

Pavel Durov’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.7 billion as of the latest estimates.

3. How did Pavel Durov make his fortune?

Pavel Durov made his fortune primarily through the creation and ownership of Telegram. He also co-founded the social networking site VK, which he sold in 2014.

4. What is Pavel Durov’s background?

Pavel Durov was born in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now St. Petersburg, Russia). He studied philosophy and physics at St. Petersburg State University and later dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures.

5. How did the idea for Telegram come about?

The idea for Telegram came about after Pavel Durov was forced to sell his stake in VK due to pressure from the Russian government. He and his brother Nikolai wanted to create a messaging app that prioritized privacy and speed, leading to the creation of Telegram.

6. What is Telegram’s business model?

Telegram is a non-profit organization and does not have a traditional business model. It generates revenue through a combination of donations, grants, and its premium features, such as custom emoji packs and bot APIs.

7. How many users does Telegram have?

As of the latest estimates, Telegram has over 500 million active users worldwide.

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

Pavel Durov is a strong advocate for privacy and encryption. Telegram uses end-to-end encryption for its Secret Chats and offers two-step verification for added security. Durov has also been vocal about his opposition to government surveillance and data collection.

9. What is Pavel Durov’s philanthropic work?

Pavel Durov is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and technology. He has donated significant amounts of money to various educational institutions and open-source projects. In 2019, he announced that he would donate $1 million to the development of the TON blockchain.

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

Pavel Durov has stated that his long-term goal for Telegram is to create a decentralized, user-owned network. He has also expressed interest in expanding Telegram’s features to include more tools for groups and businesses. Additionally, Durov has been exploring the integration of blockchain technology into Telegram’s infrastructure.