World’s Biggest TikToker Sells Company In $900M Deal That Includes Digital Twin
Khaby Lame, the most-followed creator on TikTok, has finalized the sale of his core company, Step Distinctive Limited, in a deal widely reported at around $900 million.
The buyer is Rich Sparkle Holdings, a Hong Kong–based firm that also trades in the US as ANPA.US. Under the agreement, Rich Sparkle will hold exclusive operational rights to Lame’s brand for an initial three-year period, while Lame becomes a controlling shareholder in the acquiring company.
From Viral Reach to a Single Operating System
Lame, who was born in Senegal and raised in Italy, rose to global fame during the pandemic after losing his factory job. His witty, silent, reaction-based “life hack” videos turned him into a rare global creator with reach across multiple regions.
Today, Lame has a combined 360 million followers across platforms. He has appeared on Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and Forbes’ top creators lists, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in February 2025.
The deal hands Rich Sparkle exclusive global commercialization rights to Lame’s brand for an initial 36-month period, shifting from one-off partnerships to a unified platform for content, e-commerce, and distribution. China-based livestream and commerce specialist Anhui Xiaoheiyang Network Technology will oversee short-form video strategy, TikTok Shop operations, supply chains, fulfillment, and advertising, with a focus on the US, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
AI Digital Twin Extends the Model
A notable element of the agreement is the planned development of an AI Digital Twin of Khaby Lame.
According to a press release, Lame has authorized the use of his facial data, voice, and behavioral patterns to create multilingual content and run virtual livestream sales across time zones. The tool aims to enable round-the-clock commerce while staying within regulatory bounds, no live appearances required.
Rich Sparkle, which is transitioning from traditional financial services into digital commerce, has positioned the acquisition as the foundation for a broader creator-led e-commerce ecosystem built around Lame’s brand.
Image: Le Caer/Invision/AP
