TikTok star Khaby Lame sells company for over $900 million

TikTok star Khaby Lame has sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, through an all-stock deal valued at about $975 million, in one of the biggest business deals ever made by a social media creator.

The deal, revealed last week, includes a partial takeover and a long-term strategic partnership with Rich Sparkle Holdings. As part of the agreement, Rich Sparkle will manage and control Khaby Lame’s commercial activities for at least three years. This includes brand endorsements, licensing deals, online retail projects and other business ventures linked to his global fame.

In return, Lame will take on a major role within Rich Sparkle Holdings as its controlling shareholder. This gives him ownership influence as well as a creative role in shaping the company’s future.

Rich Sparkle believes the partnership could bring in more than $4 billion in yearly sales due to Lame’s massive online following and market appeal.

Lame, who has an estimated 360 million followers on different social media platforms, has also approved the creation of an AI-based digital version of himself. The project will use his face, voice and mannerisms to build a virtual replica. According to the company, this digital twin will allow content to be produced in multiple languages and may even be used for virtual livestreams.

A digital twin is a computer-generated version of a real person that can be used to create content without requiring the person to be physically present each time.

The move places Lame among a growing number of creators using artificial intelligence to expand their reach and business operations.

Rich Sparkle said that the agreement represents a major change in the way digital content and online commerce work together. “This is not just about buying shares, it’s about changing the global content and e-commerce model,” the company said.