All those millions without uttering a single word…whew!

Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator, is formalizing his business into a larger, investor-backed structure after Rich Sparkle Holdings (a Hong Kong-based company that also trades in the U.S. under ANPA.US) announced the acquisition of Step Distinctive Limited, the company closely tied to Lame’s global brand. Lame was the 10th-highest-earning creator of 2025, earning $20 million, according to Forbes. “You should not be in a rush to make money,” Lame told Forbes. “Start by making the content you like.”

Rich Sparkle said the acquisition, completed in early January 2026, integrates Step Distinctive into a broader content-ecommerce ecosystem aimed at scaling creator-led commerce internationally. Rich Sparkle will have control over full-process e-commerce operations management, including content planning, traffic placement, and TikTok Shop store operations.

The company’s press release described the deal as more than an equity purchase — it positions Khaby now owns a big stake in the company (so he has real control) that plans to turn his huge social following into a full-on business using other companies’ factories, warehouses, and shipping systems to sell products to people in the U.S., the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company says it could eventually sell billions of dollars’ worth of products every year if it all works.

AfroTech reported that the move represents a shift from one-off influencer deals toward long-term, institutionalized business models for top creators. Under the deal, Khaby’s influence (hundreds of millions of followers across platforms) will be folded into a public-company strategy designed to convert attention into full-chain commerce — from content and traffic to fulfillment and operations — reportedly in partnership with China-based operational partners to optimize supply and logistics. Financial terms were not fully disclosed in the PR release, though some coverage referenced substantial projected revenues tied to the combined platform. 

Analysts and creators have watched Lame’s career as a case study in how viral fame can scale into institutional ventures: by moving his core company into a public-company-controlled structure while taking a controlling stake, Lame gains capital and infrastructure while aligning long-term incentives with investors. 

There are risks to a deal like this, including governance trade-offs and dependence on corporate partners, but the acquisition signals how top creators are demanding formal ownership and governance roles rather than simple brand deals. 

This lucrative deal highlights the next stage of influencer monetization: creators becoming principal shareholders and strategic partners in publicly listed companies that promise to turn attention into durable commerce. This could mean that more creators and investors will be exploring similar structures as social reach continues to be seen as an investable asset. Talk about Black excellence at its finest!