The recent announcement regarding a Telegram billionaire's decision to distribute his $14 billion fortune among his 100+ children presents a fascinating case for the study of wealth distribution and familial dynamics in contemporary society. This decision raises critical questions about the implications of such wealth on individual identity and family unity. The sheer scale of this inheritance, divided among so many heirs, invites scrutiny into how financial resources can affect interpersonal relationships within large families .
The messaging app founder spoke to the French magazine Le Point about several topics, including his arrest in 2024. During the interview, Durov remarked that family was deeply important to him and that, despite being only 40 years old, he had already begun drafting his will.
"I decided that my children would not have access to my fortune until a period of 30 years has elapsed, starting from today," Durov said. "I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account."
Durov revealed the number of children he has fathered on his social media last year. He said a doctor told him that it was his “civic duty” to donate his “high quality donor material,” which he did over the course of 15 years.
Durov is worth an estimated $13.9 billion, but he dismissed such estimates as “theoretical,” telling Le Point: “Since I’m not selling Telegram, it doesn’t matter. I don’t have this money in a bank account. My liquid assets are much lower – and they don’t come from Telegram: they come from my investment in bitcoin in 2013.”
That means his at least 106 children could each earn around $132 million for being related to the Russian-born entrepreneur. But they’ll have to wait a long time before inheriting that fortune.
“I decided that my children would not have access to my fortune until a period of thirty years has elapsed, starting from today,” Durov continued. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account.”
Give Legacy, a sperm and fertility clinic, tells Fortune whether or not they know they’re set for the windfall from their biological dad depends on whether Durov was a “directed donor,” known to the birth parent, or an “anonymous donor” with tighter regulations.
Moreover, this scenario reflects broader societal trends concerning wealth accumulation and its impact on future generations. Research indicates that inherited wealth can lead to varying outcomes depending on management practices, personal motivations, and environmental influences . In this context, the billionaire's children may experience both advantages and challenges as they navigate their newfound financial identities.Ultimately, the decision to split such a substantial fortune highlights significant issues surrounding legacy, responsibility, and the potential for both empowerment and entitlement among heirs in today's complex economic landscape .
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