Pavel Durov: Telegram Founder & Billionaire Story
Telegram, the encrypted messaging app, has exploded, now boasting over 1 billion users. This meteoric rise has considerably bolstered Pavel Durov‘s fortune, wiht Forbes estimating his net worth at a staggering $17.1 billion. Discover how the platform, co-founded by Durov, achieved profitability in 2024, generating over $1 billion in revenue, and find out why Durov maintains complete control.News Directory 3 reports on Telegram’s innovative features and Durov’s vision for the future. Explore how Telegram is challenging established messaging giants. Learn about its focus on independence and secure interaction. Discover what’s next for Telegram in the competitive tech world.
Telegram Surpasses 1 Billion Users; Pavel Durov’s Net Worth Skyrockets
Updated June 22, 2025
Telegram, the encrypted messaging app cofounded by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, has reached a meaningful milestone, now serving 1 billion users. This surge in popularity has substantially increased Durov’s net worth,which Forbes estimates at $17.1 billion. Durov,born in St. Petersburg, Russia, into a family of intellectuals, spoke at the Digital-Life-Design Conference in january 2012.
Durov highlighted Telegram’s financial achievements, noting that 2024 marked the first year the platform turned a profit.In December, Durov posted on X that telegram’s revenue exceeded $1 billion, with cash reserves of $500 million. The company also addressed a “meaningful share” of its $2 billion debt by leveraging favorable bond prices.
Between 2021 and 2024, Telegram secured approximately $2.4 billion through multiple bond offerings, according to The New York Times. Durov emphasized his complete control over the company. He told Le Point in June that he holds 100% of the company, ensuring no external shareholder interference.
“Ahead of us stands WhatsApp – a cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram. For years, they’ve desperately tried to copy our innovations while burning billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They failed. Telegram grew, became profitable, and -unlike our competitor – retained its independence.”
What’s next
With its growing user base and increasing profitability, Telegram is poised to further challenge established messaging platforms. The company’s focus on independence and innovation may attract even more users seeking secure and feature-rich interaction options.