Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Didn't Give Ownership Of The Company

Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, has long been known for his unconventional approach to company management. In a recent interview, Durov shed light on his unique leadership style, emphasizing the benefits of efficiency and direct involvement in product development.

Pavel Durov, founder, Telegram

"We didn't give anyone ownership or voting control or anything like that. Because we also believe in efficiency."

Unlike many tech companies that distribute ownership and decision-making authority among multiple stakeholders, Durov has maintained sole ownership and control over Telegram. This streamlined structure, he argues, has enabled the company to move quickly and decisively in its development.

"I still work directly with every engineer, every designer who is implementing these features. I'm running this company because I enjoy it. I'm the only product manager because I think this is the way I can contribute."

Durov's hands-on approach extends to product management, where he remains the sole decision-maker for new features and enhancements. Despite the company's growth, Durov continues to work directly with engineers and designers, ensuring that his vision is realized in every aspect of the product.

When questioned about the absence of a traditional HR department, Durov revealed his unconventional solution: decentralized recruitment through engineering contests. Through platforms like contest.com, Telegram identifies and recruits top engineering talent, bypassing the need for a dedicated HR team.

This decentralized approach reflects Durov's belief in meritocracy and his commitment to assembling the best possible team. By leveraging technology and innovation, Telegram has been able to attract top talent without the bureaucratic overhead typically associated with large organizations.

"We select the best of the best engineers as a result of the competitions that we organize."

In essence, Pavel Durov's leadership philosophy exemplifies the power of simplicity, efficiency, and direct involvement. By maintaining a lean organizational structure and prioritizing hands-on involvement, Durov has positioned Telegram for continued success in the fast-paced world of tech innovation.

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