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At just 21, Pavel Durov founded VK, the social media giant that would dominate Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Without a team, Durov took on everything—writing code, designing, managing servers, and even customer support. For the young founder, sleep was scarce, but the excitement of building something new was a driving force.
Rapid Growth
VK wasn’t just another social network; it became the most popular in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. What started as a solo project grew to over 100 million active users—a colossal achievement at that time. This growth cemented VK’s position as a key player in the social media landscape.
Grit and Passion
For Durov, those early years were intense yet deeply fulfilling. Running every aspect of VK himself was challenging, but it helped him understand the platform inside and out. He recalls the time fondly, not as a burden but as a thrilling period of creativity and growth. This hands-on approach gave VK the personal touch that helped it resonate with millions of users.
The Lessons of VK
Pavel Durov’s story of building VK is a masterclass in dedication. It underscores the power of intense focus, sacrifice, and the importance of being involved in every element of a startup, especially in its formative years. His journey serves as an inspiration to any aspiring entrepreneur—reminding them that success often comes from doing whatever it takes, even if it means handling every part of the business yourself.
His experience shows that passion and persistence, combined with technical expertise, can lead to enormous growth, even when starting from scratch.
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