The incredible life of Pavel Durov - the entrepreneur known as 'Russia's Mark Zuckerberg'

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427108/He-learned-how-to-code-in-school-and-played-pranks-on-fellow-students-He-was-close-to-his-older-brother-Nikolai-Durov-who-also-knew-how-to-code-.jpg", "name": "He learned how to code in school, and played pranks on fellow students. He was close to his older brother, Nikolai Durov, who also knew how to code.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427108", "caption": "He learned how to code in school, and played pranks on fellow students. He was close to his older brother, Nikolai Durov, who also knew how to code." , "description": "

Source: The Moscow Times

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427116/After-leaving-university-in-2006-the-Durov-brothers-started-VKontakte-which-was-a-Russian-language-social-network-that-worked-in-a-similar-way-to-Facebook-It-became-incredibly-popular-and-grew-to-over-350-million-users-.jpg", "name": "After leaving university in 2006 the Durov brothers started VKontakte, which was a Russian-language social network that worked in a similar way to Facebook. It became incredibly popular and grew to over 350 million users.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427116", "caption": "After leaving university in 2006 the Durov brothers started VKontakte, which was a Russian-language social network that worked in a similar way to Facebook. It became incredibly popular and grew to over 350 million users." , "description": "After leaving university in 2006 the Durov brothers started VKontakte, which was a Russian-language social network that worked in a similar way to Facebook. It became incredibly popular and grew to over 350 million users." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427118/Durov-earned-a-lot-of-money-from-the-site-Hes-reported-to-have-a-net-worth-of-around-260-million-183-million-.jpg", "name": "Durov earned a lot of money from the site. He's reported to have a net worth of around $260 million (£183 million.)", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427118", "caption": "Durov earned a lot of money from the site. He's reported to have a net worth of around $260 million (£183 million.)" , "description": "

Source: Vocativ

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427123/Durov-is-known-for-his-distinctive-dress-sense-He-only-wears-black-like-the-character-Neo-in-The-Matrix-.jpg", "name": "Durov is known for his distinctive dress sense. He only wears black, like the character Neo in The Matrix.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427123", "caption": "Durov is known for his distinctive dress sense. He only wears black, like the character Neo in The Matrix." , "description": "

A photo posted by Pavel Durov (@durov) on Jun 18, 2015 at 2:27am PDT

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427125/VKontakte-was-based-in-the-fifth-and-sixth-floors-of-Singer-House-an-iconic-building-in-central-Saint-Petersburg-.jpg", "name": "VKontakte was based in the fifth and sixth floors of Singer House, an iconic building in central Saint Petersburg.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427125", "caption": "VKontakte was based in the fifth and sixth floors of Singer House, an iconic building in central Saint Petersburg." , "description": "VKontakte was based in the fifth and sixth floors of Singer House, an iconic building in central Saint Petersburg." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427126/In-2012-Durov-and-some-of-his-employees-threw-over-1000-worth-of-paper-planes-made-of-money-into-the-crowd-from-his-office-window-Every-paper-plane-was-made-out-of-a-5000-Ruble-50-bank-note-.jpg", "name": "In 2012 Durov and some of his employees threw over £1,000 worth of paper planes made of money into the crowd from his office window. Every paper plane was made out of a 5,000 Ruble (£50) bank note.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427126", "caption": "In 2012 Durov and some of his employees threw over £1,000 worth of paper planes made of money into the crowd from his office window. Every paper plane was made out of a 5,000 Ruble (£50) bank note." , "description": "

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427127/VKontakte-was-used-as-a-hub-by-anti-government-protestors-who-organised-events-to-support-outspoken-political-activist-Alexei-Navalny-.jpg", "name": "VKontakte was used as a hub by anti-government protestors who organised events to support outspoken political activist Alexei Navalny.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427127", "caption": "VKontakte was used as a hub by anti-government protestors who organised events to support outspoken political activist Alexei Navalny." , "description": "VKontakte was used as a hub by anti-government protestors who organised events to support outspoken political activist Alexei Navalny." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427129/In-2011-Durov-responded-to-government-demands-for-more-control-over-the-site-by-sharing-a-photo-of-a-dog-in-a-hoodie-sticking-out-its-tongue-His-message-to-the-Kremlin-was-clear-He-wasnt-going-to-do-what-it-wanted-.jpg", "name": "In 2011 Durov responded to government demands for more control over the site by sharing a photo of a dog in a hoodie sticking out its tongue. His message to the Kremlin was clear: He wasn't going to do what it wanted.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427129", "caption": "In 2011 Durov responded to government demands for more control over the site by sharing a photo of a dog in a hoodie sticking out its tongue. His message to the Kremlin was clear: He wasn't going to do what it wanted." , "description": "In 2011 Durov responded to government demands for more control over the site by sharing a photo of a dog in a hoodie sticking out its tongue. His message to the Kremlin was clear: He wasn't going to do what it wanted." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427130/Durov-claims-that-armed-men-dressed-in-camouflage-clothing-arrived-at-his-apartment-that-night-.jpg", "name": "Durov claims that armed men dressed in camouflage clothing arrived at his apartment that night.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427130", "caption": "Durov claims that armed men dressed in camouflage clothing arrived at his apartment that night." , "description": "

Source: The Moscow Times

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427132/He-gradually-lost-control-of-VKontakte-to-investors-linked-to-Mail-ru-a-company-that-had-ties-to-the-Kremlin-He-remained-defiant-though-and-posted-a-now-deleted-photo-on-Instagram-in-which-he-gave-investors-the-middle-finger-.jpg", "name": "He gradually lost control of VKontakte to investors linked to Mail.ru, a company that had ties to the Kremlin. He remained defiant, though, and posted a now-deleted photo on Instagram in which he gave investors the middle finger.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427132", "caption": "He gradually lost control of VKontakte to investors linked to Mail.ru, a company that had ties to the Kremlin. He remained defiant, though, and posted a now-deleted photo on Instagram in which he gave investors the middle finger." , "description": "He gradually lost control of VKontakte to investors linked to Mail.ru, a company that had ties to the Kremlin. He remained defiant, though, and posted a now-deleted photo on Instagram in which he gave investors the middle finger." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427134/In-2013-Durov-was-accused-of-being-behind-the-wheel-of-a-white-Mercedes-car-that-struck-a-police-officer-in-Moscow-He-denied-the-allegation-and-claimed-that-he-couldnt-even-drive-.jpg", "name": "In 2013 Durov was accused of being behind the wheel of a white Mercedes car that struck a police officer in Moscow. He denied the allegation and claimed that he couldn't even drive.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427134", "caption": "In 2013 Durov was accused of being behind the wheel of a white Mercedes car that struck a police officer in Moscow. He denied the allegation and claimed that he couldn't even drive." , "description": "

Source: Bloomberg

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427136/Durov-was-losing-control-of-VKontakte-and-he-had-been-ignoring-requests-to-show-up-to-a-police-station-for-questioning-Police-eventually-raided-the-VKontakte-office-but-Durov-wasnt-there-He-had-left-the-country-just-days-before-on-a-flight-out-of-Pulkovo-airport-.jpg", "name": "Durov was losing control of VKontakte, and he had been ignoring requests to show up to a police station for questioning. Police eventually raided the VKontakte office, but Durov wasn't there. He had left the country just days before on a flight out of Pulkovo airport.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427136", "caption": "Durov was losing control of VKontakte, and he had been ignoring requests to show up to a police station for questioning. Police eventually raided the VKontakte office, but Durov wasn't there. He had left the country just days before on a flight out of Pulkovo airport." , "description": "

Source: Bloomberg

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427139/The-Durov-brothers-had-a-backup-plan-They-secretly-established-a-company-in-Buffalo-New-York-and-flew-some-loyal-VKontakte-employees-to-the-US-.jpg", "name": "The Durov brothers had a backup plan. They secretly established a company in Buffalo, New York and flew some loyal VKontakte employees to the US.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427139", "caption": "The Durov brothers had a backup plan. They secretly established a company in Buffalo, New York and flew some loyal VKontakte employees to the US." , "description": "The Durov brothers had a backup plan. They secretly established a company in Buffalo, New York and flew some loyal VKontakte employees to the US." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427140/The-Moscow-Times-says-that-when-Durov-was-asked-about-his-mystery-project-he-sent-a-GIF-from-the-movie-The-Social-Network-that-showed-Facebook-president-Sean-Parker-played-by-Justin-Timberlake-giving-investors-the-middle-finger-.jpg", "name": "The Moscow Times says that when Durov was asked about his mystery project he sent a GIF from the movie The Social Network that showed Facebook president Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake) giving investors the middle finger.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427140", "caption": "The Moscow Times says that when Durov was asked about his mystery project he sent a GIF from the movie The Social Network that showed Facebook president Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake) giving investors the middle finger." , "description": "The Moscow Times says that when Durov was asked about his mystery project he sent a GIF from the movie The Social Network that showed Facebook president Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake) giving investors the middle finger." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427142/The-secret-project-in-New-York-was-Telegram-an-encrypted-chat-app-that-makes-it-incredibly-difficult-for-governments-to-spy-on-users-It-was-in-a-way-a-response-to-the-intrusion-by-the-Kremlin-into-VKontakte-.jpg", "name": "The secret project in New York was Telegram, an encrypted chat app that makes it incredibly difficult for governments to spy on users. It was, in a way, a response to the intrusion by the Kremlin into VKontakte.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427142", "caption": "The secret project in New York was Telegram, an encrypted chat app that makes it incredibly difficult for governments to spy on users. It was, in a way, a response to the intrusion by the Kremlin into VKontakte." , "description": "The secret project in New York was Telegram, an encrypted chat app that makes it incredibly difficult for governments to spy on users. It was, in a way, a response to the intrusion by the Kremlin into VKontakte." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427148/Durov-reportedly-spends-1-million-700000-of-his-money-every-month-to-keep-Telegram-running-Its-not-generating-any-revenue-yet-.jpg", "name": "Durov reportedly spends $1 million (£700,000) of his money every month to keep Telegram running. It's not generating any revenue yet.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427148", "caption": "Durov reportedly spends $1 million (£700,000) of his money every month to keep Telegram running. It's not generating any revenue yet." , "description": "

Instagram Embed:
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Source: The Moscow Times

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427153/Durov-travels-around-the-world-with-four-employees-and-uses-Airbnb-to-stay-in-different-cities-.jpg", "name": "Durov travels around the world with four employees and uses Airbnb to stay in different cities.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427153", "caption": "Durov travels around the world with four employees and uses Airbnb to stay in different cities." , "description": "

Got into Venice, heard there was a real doge here.

A photo posted by Pavel Durov (@durov) on Jan 12, 2015 at 6:19am PST

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427154/He-threw-a-huge-party-in-Barcelona-in-February-to-celebrate-reaching-100-million-monthly-active-users-.jpg", "name": "He threw a huge party in Barcelona in February to celebrate reaching 100 million monthly active users.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427154", "caption": "He threw a huge party in Barcelona in February to celebrate reaching 100 million monthly active users." , "description": "He threw a huge party in Barcelona in February to celebrate reaching 100 million monthly active users." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427155/David-Blaine-was-there-to-entertain-the-crowd-with-magic-tricks-.jpg", "name": "David Blaine was there to entertain the crowd with magic tricks.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427155", "caption": "David Blaine was there to entertain the crowd with magic tricks." , "description": "David Blaine was there to entertain the crowd with magic tricks." }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427158/Durov-gets-a-car-and-a-driver-to-work-now-so-he-definitely-cant-be-accused-of-running-over-police-officers-.jpg", "name": "Durov gets a car and a driver to work now — so he definitely can't be accused of running over police officers.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427158", "caption": "Durov gets a car and a driver to work now — so he definitely can't be accused of running over police officers." , "description": "

A photo posted by Pavel Durov (@durov) on Jul 4, 2015 at 8:42pm PDT

" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/photo/51427169/Durov-continues-to-move-around-the-world-but-hes-become-a-kind-of-hero-for-privacy-activists-in-Russia-.jpg", "name": "Durov continues to move around the world, but he's become a kind of hero for privacy activists in Russia.", "contentUrl": "https://www.businessinsider.in/the-incredible-life-of-pavel-durov-the-entrepreneur-known-as-russias-mark-zuckerberg/durov-was-born-in-russia-on-october-10-1984-/slidelist/51427106.cms#slideid=51427169", "caption": "Durov continues to move around the world, but he's become a kind of hero for privacy activists in Russia." , "description": "

A photo posted by Pavel Durov (@durov) on Aug 4, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT

" } ] } }