Durov Reveals Bitcoin, Not Telegram, Backs His Wealth

Pavel Durov Reveals Bitcoin, Not Telegram, Backs His Wealth

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: October 01, 2025

Key Takeaways

Pavel Durov stated that his wealth comes from Bitcoin he bought in 2013, not from Telegram’s revenue;
Despite crashes, Durov held onto Bitcoin, as he called it censorship-proof and safer than government-controlled money;
Durov predicts Bitcoin could reach $1 million due to its limited supply and rising fiat currency inflation.

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Pavel Durov, founder and head of Telegram, explained that his personal wealth does not come from the messaging platform but from Bitcoin BTC $117,607.97 investments he made years ago.

Speaking with Lex Fridman in a podcast on September 30, he said that his decision to invest in cryptocurrency early has supported his lifestyle ever since.

In 2013, Durov bought several thousand Bitcoins at around $700 each. At the time, he did not view it as a calculated decision, as he had simply invested a few million dollars in the asset. Later, the market crashed and the price fell below $200.

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He said, "I’m not going to sell it. I believe in this thing". He pointed to Bitcoin’s independence from governments and its protection against censorship.

He explained that the decision allowed him to enjoy certain luxuries without needing Telegram’s revenue. Durov noted:

Some people think if I’m able to rent nice locations or fly private, it’s because I somehow extract money from Telegram.

Durov also argued that as governments continue to create more fiat currency, Bitcoin’s scarcity will make it increasingly valuable. He predicted it could eventually reach $1 million per BTC.

Unlike traditional money, Bitcoin has a fixed supply schedule, and no one can create more at will. For Durov, this establishes a long-term foundation for the financial system.

Michael Saylor recently spoke about Bitcoin’s potential growth through the end of 2025. What did he say? Read the full story.