Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram Messenger, has disclosed that he has fathered over 100 biological children worldwide, despite never being married.
The 39-year-old entrepreneur shared this revelation on his popular channel on Monday evening.
Durov explained that 15 years ago, a friend asked him to donate sperm due to fertility issues. Initially skeptical, he eventually agreed, which led to him helping more than a dozen families globally.
The clinic director emphasized the need for “high-quality donor material,” convincing Durov to contribute further.
“I recently learned I have over 100 biological kids. How did this happen for someone who’s never been married and prefers solitude?” Durov recounted.
“A friend approached me to donate sperm, and after some hesitation, I agreed. The clinic head said there was a shortage of quality donors, so I continued donating.”
Durov noted that his donations have benefited over 100 couples in 12 countries. He also mentioned that an IVF clinic still has his sperm available for anonymous use.
To facilitate connections with his biological children, he plans to open-source his DNA.
Acknowledging potential risks, Durov expressed no regrets about his decision to become a donor.
He highlighted the growing global shortage of healthy sperm and encouraged other healthy men to consider donating to help families struggling with infertility.
Durov, a Russian-born Emirati entrepreneur, was named the richest expat in the United Arab Emirates by Forbes in 2022 and the most powerful entrepreneur in Dubai by Arabian Business in February 2023.
