Pavel Durov Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Pavel Durov, a name now synonymous with social media and entrepreneurship, began his career in the tech world at a young age. Born in 1984 in Leningrad, Russia, Durov’s interest in computers and programming was evident from an early age. He started his first company, a web design firm, while still a student at the prestigious St. Petersburg State University.
Durov’s big break came in 2006 when he co-founded VKontakte, often referred to as Russia’s Facebook. The social networking site was an instant hit, particularly among Russian-speaking users. Durov’s innovative approach to the platform, which included resisting government attempts to censor content, catapulted him to fame. By 2014, VKontakte had over 300 million users, making it one of the largest European social networks.
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Pavel Durov’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Pavel Durov’s net worth is estimated to be around $15.5 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his stakes in Telegram and VK, two of the world’s largest social media platforms.
Career
Pavel Durov, a Russian entrepreneur and internet phenomenon, co-founded VK, the largest social network in Europe, in 2006. In 2013, he launched Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging service, which has since grown to over 500 million users worldwide.
Other Ventures
Durov’s other ventures include the Durov Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on supporting free speech and internet freedom. He also briefly owned a soccer team, FC Tekstilshchik Ivanovo, from 2011 to 2013.
Assets
Durov’s assets include a significant stake in Telegram, valued at over $30 billion, and a minority stake in VK, worth around $2 billion. He also owns several properties in Russia and Europe, as well as a collection of classic cars.
Annual Income
Durov’s annual income is primarily derived from his ownership in Telegram and VK. In 2024, his estimated annual income was around $1.5 billion, largely due to Telegram’s growing user base and increasing adoption of its platform.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pavel Durov
Frequently Asked Questions: Pavel Durov Net Worth
1. Who is Pavel Durov?
Pavel Durov is a Russian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of the social media platform VK (formerly VKontakte) and the encrypted messaging app Telegram.
2. When was Pavel Durov born?
Pavel Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia).
3. What is Pavel Durov’s net worth?
Pavel Durov’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.7 billion.
4. How did Pavel Durov make his money?
Durov made his fortune primarily through the creation and growth of VK, which he founded in 2006. He also owns a significant stake in Telegram, which he launched in 2013.
5. What is VK?
VK, previously known as VKontakte, is a Russian social media and networking platform. It is often referred to as the “Russian Facebook.”
6. What is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging service and app that focuses on security and speed. It is known for its end-to-end encryption and large group chats.
7. Why did Pavel Durov sell his stake in VK?
Durov sold his stake in VK in 2014 due to disagreements with the company’s majority shareholder, Mail.ru Group, over the platform’s content policy and user data privacy.
8. What is the Durov’s Philanthropic Foundation?
The Durov’s Philanthropic Foundation is a charity organization founded by Pavel and his brother Nikolai Durov. It focuses on supporting educational and cultural initiatives.
9. Where does Pavel Durov live?
Durov currently resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
10. What is Pavel Durov’s stance on privacy and censorship?
Durov is a strong advocate for privacy and freedom of speech. He has often criticized government attempts to censor content on his platforms and has implemented strong encryption to protect user data.
