By Editorial Staff 
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said much of his personal fortune stems from early Bitcoin investments rather than the success of his messaging app.
Highlights:
- Durov revealed he began buying Bitcoin in 2013 when it traded near $700.
- He said holding through price swings, including dips below $200, secured his financial stability.
- The Telegram chief views Bitcoin as a safeguard against censorship and asset seizure.
- He believes Bitcoin could eventually climb to $1 million per coin due to its capped supply.
- Durov is also linked to The Open Network (TON), Telegram’s blockchain project.
Durov said Bitcoin’s appreciation has been central to his financial independence. He argued that its limited issuance makes it a hedge against the inflation built into government-backed currencies.
Beyond Bitcoin, Durov has been associated with TON, a blockchain initiative initially blocked by U.S. regulators but later revived by independent developers. TON now underpins non-fungible token (NFT) activity and supports Toncoin, which has seen sharp rises and pullbacks in value.
Durov’s comments reflect a broader shift in how digital assets are shaping personal wealth strategies among technology leaders, with Bitcoin positioned as both an investment and a tool of financial autonomy.
Opeyemi Quadri