Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has revealed that much of his personal wealth comes from early investments in Bitcoin rather than from the messaging app itself. His financial journey highlights the role of cryptocurrencies in building personal wealth among tech entrepreneurs.
Durov began investing in Bitcoin in 2013, when the cryptocurrency was valued at around $700. Despite a subsequent drop below $200, he maintained confidence in its long-term potential. He attributes his financial stability to this early and consistent belief, noting that Bitcoin has been a key factor in supporting his comfortable lifestyle. Today, he views Bitcoin as a cornerstone of financial sovereignty, protecting against censorship and asset seizure, and he predicts that it could eventually reach $1 million due to its scarcity compared to fiat currencies.
Beyond Bitcoin, Durov is actively involved in developing The Open Network (TON), Telegram’s blockchain initiative. Despite facing regulatory hurdles in the United States, TON has grown into an active platform, particularly for NFT trading. Its native token, Toncoin, has experienced significant volatility, reaching $8.25 before sharp declines, but it remains a crucial part of Telegram’s ecosystem.
Durov’s experience illustrates the transformative impact of cryptocurrencies on personal wealth accumulation and reflects the broader trend of digital assets becoming viable financial instruments. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature continues to appeal to entrepreneurs seeking economic independence, while TON demonstrates adaptability and growth potential in the digital infrastructure space despite regulatory challenges.