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Pavel Durov: Russian-Born Emirati Entrepreneur Behind VK and Telegram Messenger

The Early Years

Pavel Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. He is the younger brother of Nikolai Durov, a mathematician and computer scientist. Durov attended St. Petersburg State University, where he studied philology and computer science.

VK: A Russian Facebook

In 2006, Durov co-founded VKontakte (VK), a Russian social networking site. VK quickly gained popularity in Russia and Eastern Europe, becoming the largest social network in the region. However, Durov's outspoken criticism of the Russian government led to tensions with the authorities, and he eventually sold his VK股份 in 2014.

Telegram Messenger: A Secure Messaging App

In 2013, Durov founded Telegram Messenger, a secure messaging app that emphasizes privacy and anonymity. Telegram has gained a large following around the world, becoming one of the most popular messaging apps available.

Billionaire and Philanthropist

Durov is a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $15.5 billion. He is known for his philanthropy, supporting various educational and social initiatives. Durov is also an outspoken advocate for freedom of speech and online privacy.

Conclusion

Pavel Durov is a highly successful and influential entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the world of social networking and messaging. He is a visionary leader who has built two highly successful companies and is known for his outspoken advocacy for freedom of expression and online privacy.