Key Takeaways
- Ultra-wealthy individuals, such as Xu Bo and Pavel Durov, are fathering multiple children through surrogacy and sperm donations to inherit their empires.
- Xu Bo, the founder of Guangzhou Duoyi Network, aims to produce around 20 U.S.-born children to take over his video game fortune.
- Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has helped conceive over 100 babies across 12 countries and donates to a sperm clinic.
- These billionaires believe that having multiple children can solve problems and secure their legacies.
Introduction to Ultra-Wealthy Fathers
Billionaires like Telegram founder Pavel Durov and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have made headlines for fathering multiple children who are set to inherit their vast empires. Joining their ranks is an ultra-wealthy Chinese businessman, Xu Bo, who is seeking to produce around 20 U.S.-born children to inherit his video game fortune. Xu is the founder and chairman of Guangzhou Duoyi Network, one of China’s largest mobile gaming companies. Despite growing his company in Guangzhou, Xu has chosen to pursue surrogacy in the U.S. to secure his legacy.
Xu Bo’s Surrogacy Plans
A Wall Street Journal investigation into Xu’s surrogacy history in the U.S. revealed that the Chinese billionaire was seeking parental rights to at least four unborn children and had previously fathered at least eight more surrogacy kids. There could be dozens more, with his company reportedly stating that Xu has more than 100 children born through surrogates based in the U.S. Xu allegedly sought "50 high-quality sons" and believed that having more children could solve all problems. During a 2023 court hearing, Xu expressed his hope to have around 20 U.S.-born children to take over his business and even fantasized about his American kids marrying Musk’s children in the future.
Pavel Durov’s Sperm Donations
Xu is not alone in his pursuit of fathering multiple children. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has also helped conceive over 100 babies across 12 countries. Officially, Durov has six "official" children with three different partners, but he has also been donating to a sperm clinic for the past 15 years, which has led to more than 100 pregnancies. Durov has stated that he makes no difference between his children, whether they were conceived naturally or through sperm donations, and that they will all have the same rights. He hopes that by having multiple children, he can avoid conflicts among them after his death.
Securing Legacies
These ultra-wealthy individuals believe that having multiple children can help secure their legacies and solve problems. By producing multiple heirs, they can ensure that their empires are passed down to capable and loyal successors. This approach also allows them to expand their influence and control over their companies, as they can groom their children to take over key roles. However, this strategy also raises questions about the rights and well-being of the children involved, as well as the potential consequences of having multiple siblings with competing interests.
Controversies and Criticisms
Xu’s surrogacy plans have sparked controversy, with his ex-girlfriend alleging that he had 300 children living around the world. While Xu’s company denied this claim, the incident highlights the complexities and potential risks involved in surrogacy and sperm donations. There are also concerns about the motivations behind these actions, with some critics arguing that these billionaires are prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of their children. As the debate surrounding surrogacy and sperm donations continues, it is essential to consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of these practices.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of ultra-wealthy individuals fathering multiple children to secure their legacies is a complex and multifaceted issue. While Xu Bo and Pavel Durov are among the most prominent examples, there may be other billionaires pursuing similar strategies. As the world grapples with the implications of surrogacy and sperm donations, it is essential to consider the rights and well-being of the children involved, as well as the potential consequences of these practices. Ultimately, the pursuit of legacy and control must be balanced with the need to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals involved.
