World’s Biggest TikToker Khaby Lame Sells Company in $900M Deal
Khaby Lame, the Senegalese-born creator with the largest following on TikTok, has entered into a commercial deal valued at approximately $900 million, marking one of the most significant monetisation agreements ever reached by a global digital creator.
The agreement involves the partial sale of Lame’s company, Step Distinctive Limited, to United States-listed Rich Sparkle Holdings. The transaction was disclosed by Rich Sparkle as part of a broader acquisition and strategic partnership aimed at scaling Lame’s commercial operations worldwide.
Under the terms of the deal, Rich Sparkle will hold exclusive global commercial rights to Khaby Lame’s brand for an initial period of 36 months. These rights include brand partnerships, endorsements, licensing, and e-commerce ventures.
Shift From Influencer Marketing to Equity Ownership
As part of the transaction, Lame will become a controlling shareholder in Rich Sparkle Holdings. The move represents a shift away from traditional influencer marketing arrangements toward an equity-driven model in which creators hold ownership stakes in the businesses built around their brands.
“This is not just an equity acquisition, but a revolution in the global content e-commerce model,” Rich Sparkle said in a statement. The company added that combining a U.S.-listed platform with globally recognised content intellectual property and supply chain expertise could unlock substantial shareholder value.
Rich Sparkle estimates that the integrated commercial structure could eventually generate more than $4 billion in annual sales once fully implemented.
Global Rollout and Strategic Partnerships
The commercial rollout will initially focus on the United States, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Execution is expected to take place over the next three years.
Rich Sparkle will work with Anhui Xiaoheiyang Network Technology Co., Ltd., a China-based content commerce operator with experience managing large-scale creator-led e-commerce operations. The partnership is designed to integrate traffic generation, fulfilment, operations, and proprietary technology into a unified global system.
The agreement signals a broader shift in how digital influence is being translated into long-term commercial infrastructure rather than short-term advertising revenue.
Rise to Global Prominence
Lame rose to international fame through silent, minimalist videos that humorously critique overly complicated life hacks. His wordless format allowed him to cross language and cultural barriers, helping him build a massive and diverse global audience.
He now commands an estimated 360 million followers across social media platforms, making him one of the most influential digital creators in the world and one of the few with truly global reach.
AI Expansion and New Revenue Streams
Beyond conventional commerce, the agreement also authorises the development of an AI-powered digital twin of Lame. Rich Sparkle said the technology would allow regulated use of his facial features, voice patterns, and behavioural cues.
The digital twin could be used for multilingual content creation, virtual livestreams, and continuous engagement across time zones. The broader commercial strategy also includes premium brand collaborations and co-branded intellectual property in sectors such as beauty, fragrance, and apparel.
The deal underscores how creator-driven brands are increasingly evolving into large-scale businesses with long-term commercial ambitions.
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