Synopsis– Telegram founder Pavel Durov revealed this week that his personal fortune and lifestyle are powered by Bitcoin, not by profits from his popular messaging app. Speaking on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Durov explained how a risky early investment in Bitcoin paid off handsomely, allowing him to fund his freedom and defy misconceptions about Telegram’s finances.
Early Bitcoin Investment
Pavel Durov bought thousands of Bitcoin in 2013 when the cryptocurrency traded at nearly $700 per coin. Back then, Bitcoin was volatile and little understood, yet Durov saw promise in its decentralization and privacy. He invested “a couple of million dollars” to acquire several thousand coins, even though it seemed risky at the time.
During the following years, Bitcoin’s price plummeted, dipping below $200, and critics mocked his decision. Despite the ridicule, Durov refused to sell, insisting that Bitcoin’s uncensorable nature and immunity to confiscation made it more trustworthy than traditional money. He told critics, “I don’t care. I believe in this thing. Nobody can confiscate your Bitcoin from you. Nobody can censor you for political reasons.”
Living Large – Thanks to Bitcoin Gains
Durov’s Bitcoin stash grew to an estimated “hundreds of millions” in value, with his original investment multiplying drastically as Bitcoin prices soared. By October 2025, Bitcoin hovered around $95,000 per coin, making his holdings worth upwards of $237 million assuming he held around 2,500 Bitcoin purchased for a total of $1.75 million. He clarified, “Telegram is a money-losing operation for me personally. Bitcoin is something that allowed me to stay afloat.” Some wrongly assumed his wealth came from Telegram’s revenues, but Durov stressed he had always funded his lifestyle from Bitcoin, enjoying high-end rentals and private jets while keeping Telegram independent and largely ad-free.
Telegram, TON, and Tech Innovation
Durov’s passion for blockchain didn’t end with Bitcoin. In 2018 and 2019, Telegram developed the Telegram Open Network (TON) to create a scalable blockchain for its users. He believed that Bitcoin and Ethereum were not capable of handling Telegram’s massive user base. TON introduced the concept of “shardchains” for scalability, but regulatory pushback from the US halted the network’s launch.
Despite the setback, TON flourished as a community-driven blockchain. Its native token Toncoin once reached an all-time high of $8.25 in mid-2024 before dropping by over 67%. Durov says, “TON has become, I think, the largest or the second largest blockchain in terms of daily NFT trading volumes.” TON is now embedded in Telegram’s ecosystem, supporting everything from mini-apps to digital collectibles.
Defiance, Exile, and a Philosophy of Freedom
Durov’s journey has always been about defiance and independence. Forced into exile after resisting Kremlin demands at VK, he launched Telegram to foster privacy and free expression. After an arrest in France related to platform moderation, he became more vocal about freedom from government interference. Throughout, his Bitcoin holdings provided mobility and resilience, enabling him to fund his ventures and shield himself from pressure.
His story resonates with crypto fans worldwide, many of whom admire his steadfast belief in Bitcoin’s potential. On social media, Durov is hailed as a “diamond hands” early adopter who embodies financial sovereignty. Durov predicts Bitcoin will one day reach $1 million per coin as governments continue printing traditional currency, while Bitcoin’s supply stays fixed.
In conclusion, Pavel Durov’s path proves that bold bets on innovation and independence can pay off. His lifestyle stands testament to Bitcoin’s power as both an investment and a tool for personal freedom showing that true wealth comes not from fiat, but from conviction, resilience, and vision.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H
