Pavel Durov, often referred to as the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia," is a name that has become synonymous with innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of privacy in the digital world. As the mastermind behind VKontakte (VK) and Telegram, two of the most significant social networking and messaging platforms, Durov has built a reputation as a visionary tech entrepreneur. But beyond his technological achievements, many are curious about how Pavel Durov makes money, considering that his most prominent venture, Telegram, is famously free and ad-free. Let's dive into the fascinating journey of Pavel Durov, his ventures, and the financial strategies that have allowed him to amass significant wealth.

Early Beginnings: VKontakte
Pavel Durov's journey to becoming a tech billionaire started in 2006 when he co-founded VKontakte, commonly known as VK, a social networking site similar to Facebook. VK quickly became the most popular social media platform in Russia and several other countries. It was a revolutionary platform in its early days, offering features that were still in their infancy on Facebook.

VK's revenue model was primarily based on advertising. The platform attracted millions of users, which in turn attracted advertisers. Additionally, VKontakte offered premium features, such as paid stickers and gifts, which contributed to its revenue. As VK grew, so did Durov's wealth, and he quickly became one of the most influential figures in the Russian tech scene.

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However, Durov's time with VKontakte was not without its challenges. In 2014, he was ousted from the company after refusing to comply with Russian government demands to hand over user data and block certain groups on the platform. This clash with the authorities led to Durov selling his 12% stake in VKontakte and leaving Russia.