Senegalese-Born TikTok Star Sells Company for More Than $900m

The world's most-followed TikToker with over 160 million followers, Senegalese-born Khaby Lame, has finalized an all-stock deal valued between $900 million and $975 million, marking one of the largest monetisation transactions in the creator economy.

The deal involves the partial sale of Lame's operating company, Step Distinctive Limited, in which he held a 49% stake. The buyer, Rich Sparkle, gains exclusive global commercial rights to Lame's brand for an initial 36-month period, covering brand partnerships, endorsements, licensing, merchandise, and e-commerce.

Analysts say the move signals a fundamental shift in the industry, as top creators move away from sponsorships toward equity-backed business models.

Khaby Lame

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