Massively popular TikTok star Khaby Lame has sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, in an all-stock deal valued at $975 million, a move that also includes approving the creation of an AI-powered “digital twin.”
According to Business Insider Africa, the partial acquisition and strategic partnership with Rich Sparkle Holdings was revealed last week. Under the agreement, Rich Sparkle will have exclusive control over the Senegalese-Italian creator’s commercial activities for at least 36 months, covering endorsements, licensing, e-commerce ventures, and brand partnerships.
As part of the deal, Lame will become a controlling shareholder in Rich Sparkle, which estimates the partnership could bring in more than $4 billion in yearly sales. Beyond holding equity, Lame will also be involved as a creative partner.
With an estimated 360 million followers across his social media platforms, Lame has also signed off on the development of an AI-powered digital twin. The virtual replica will mirror his real-life likeness, allowing Rich Sparkle to reproduce his facial expressions, voice, and mannerisms. This opens the door for multilingual content and even virtual livestreams featuring his digital double.
“This is not just an equity acquisition, but a revolution in the global content e-commerce model,” Rich Sparkle said in a statement about the agreement.
