Pavel Durov: Telegram Founder Rumored Father to 100 Children

Pavel Durov, the enigmatic creator of Telegram, has gained attention not only for his influential role in secure messaging but also for his reportedly sought-after sperm and status as the father of 100 children, fueling widespread fascination.

An Unprecedented Initiative by Pavel Durov

When it comes to the tech world’s most unconventional personalities, few rival Pavel Durov. The founder of Telegram, often compared to Elon Musk for his entrepreneurial daring, has this time made headlines for reasons that have little to do with messaging apps or encryption. In a move as audacious as it is controversial, Durov has unveiled a personal initiative: a free sperm donation program—dubbed “Pd”—offered through a specialized clinic in Moscow.

The Vision: Legacy and Financial Incentives

Details of this program came to light at the close of 2025 via the Wall Street Journal, revealing that women under 37 can now access free in vitro fertilization (IVF) funded entirely by Durov. His stated goal? To “repopulate the Earth” with his own descendants—a claim that many view as both grandiose and perplexing. Yet, there is more: every recognized biological child born through this scheme stands to receive an equal share of Durov’s vast estimated fortune—around $17 billion. As he recently quipped on a podcast, these future heirs may well claim their inheritance if they can prove their lineage in decades to come.

Several factors explain this decision:

• A reported shortage of high-quality sperm donations in Russia prompted Durov’s involvement.
• The project began privately after a friend’s request in 2010, eventually growing into an open campaign.
• Durov cites a sense of civic duty behind the expansion of his contributions.

Numbers and Reach: A Global Effort

By his own account, Durov is already the biological father of more than 100 children across twelve countries. That figure does not include six additional offspring from his three official relationships—a tally that underscores the scale and reach of his personal campaign.

Sparking Ethical Controversies

Unsurprisingly, the announcement has ignited heated debates far beyond Russia. Critics point to profound ethical concerns: risks of genetic concentration, questions around privatization of human genetic heritage by wealthy individuals, and broader social consequences loom large. The fact that such a program could become intertwined with financial incentives only heightens the controversy.

Durov’s latest venture arrives against a backdrop already charged with legal battles—including ongoing investigations in France over alleged links to criminal organizations—reinforcing his reputation as a boundary-pushing figure who continually challenges what society deems acceptable, or even reasonable.