Complex reports that Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikToker, has finalized a $975 million all-stock deal with Rich Sparkle Holdings involving his operating company, Step Distinctive Limited. The agreement is positioned as one of the largest creator-economy transactions on record.
A major component of the deal is development of an AI-powered “digital twin” to scale Khaby’s brand across global e-commerce markets, shifting him from influencer status into an equity-backed creator model. The firm is said to receive exclusive global rights for a defined period to manage and monetize his presence across categories like beauty and apparel.
LiveMint reported the valuation and structure of the transaction, while Business Insider Africa noted claims around revenue potential tied to broader monetization plans.
Echotitbits take: This is the ultimate evolution of the influencer: Khaby becomes a scalable software asset, not just a face. For African creators, it signals that “niche” content can convert into institutional wealth. The AI-twin angle will be controversial—watch whether audiences accept “synthetic Khaby” at scale.
Source: Complex – https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/backwoodsaltar/tiktoker-khaby-lame-975-million-all-stock-deal-digital-twin-ai 2026-01-26
Photo Credit: Complex
