Telegram CEO Shares Best Subject for Students Who Want to Build Companies

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently shared his thoughts on the most important subject students should focus on if they want to build their own companies.

The billionaire entrepreneur’s advice has generated discussion among tech leaders, with Elon Musk offering a different perspective on the matter. Durov’s recommendation has sparked conversations about the educational foundation needed for entrepreneurship.

Educational Background Shapes Success

Durov’s own educational journey provides context for his advice. The 39-year-old tech mogul studied at St. Petersburg State University in Russia, where he developed his first community projects for fellow students. His academic experience included creating discussion boards, chat systems, and material exchange platforms for examinations – early signs of his entrepreneurial spirit.

Before launching Telegram in 2013, Durov co-founded VKontakte (VK) in 2006, Russia’s largest social media platform. His success with VK earned him the nickname “the Russian Mark Zuckerberg“.

Building Companies with Minimal Resources

Durov’s approach to company building emphasises efficiency and lean operations. Telegram operates with just 30 employees and no HR department, despite serving over 1 billion users and achieving a $30 billion market valuation. 

📚 If you’re a student choosing what to focus on, pick MATH. It will teach you to relentlessly rely on your own brain, think logically, break down problems, and solve them step by step in the right order. That’s the core skill you’ll need to build companies and manage projects.

— Pavel Durov (@durov) July 11, 2025

The CEO manages operations personally, acting as the company’s “only product manager” and recruiting top engineers through contests.

The messaging platform became profitable for the first time in 2024, generating over $1 billion in revenue. Durov owns 100% of Telegram, making it the primary source of his estimated $15.5 billion net worth.

Contrasting Views on Education

While Durov’s specific subject recommendation has generated interest, other tech leaders like Elon Musk have expressed different opinions on educational priorities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

 This debate highlights the ongoing discussion about what academic foundation best prepares students for building successful companies.

Durov’s philosophy extends beyond traditional business education. He believes in creating independent, self-reliant individuals, as evidenced by his plan to divide his wealth among his 100+ children while encouraging them to “build themselves up alone” and “learn to trust themselves”.