Pavel Durov and Juli Vavilova Attend amfAR Gala at Cannes Film Festival 2025

Early Life and Education

Pavel Valeryevich Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia). From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in computers and technology, which led him to pursue studies in computer science. Durov attended Saint Petersburg State University, one of Russia’s most prestigious institutions, where he specialized in applied mathematics and information technology. During his university years, he demonstrated exceptional programming skills and a passion for developing innovative online platforms.

His early exposure to programming and network security laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. While still a student, Durov co-founded VKontakte (VK) in 2006, which quickly grew to become Russia’s largest social networking site, often compared to Facebook. His academic background and technical expertise played a crucial role in shaping his vision for creating secure and user-centric digital platforms.

Throughout his early career, Durov was known for his focus on privacy, data security, and user freedom—principles that would later influence the development of Telegram. Despite facing challenges from Russian authorities and conflicts with VK’s new ownership, his dedication to internet freedom remained a core part of his mission as an entrepreneur.

Note: Durov’s early life and education are characterized by his strong technical background, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to privacy and free expression online, which continue to define his work and influence in the digital world.

May 24, 2025 | 1:13 pm