Khabane “Khaby” Lame’s journey reads like a modern digital fairytale. Just a few years ago, he was a factory worker laid off during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Today, he is the most-followed creator on TikTok — a global icon who built an empire without speaking a single word on camera. With nothing but facial expressions, hand gestures and perfect comedic timing, Khaby transformed mockery of absurd “life hacks” into one of the most powerful personal brands on the internet.
But his biggest move yet didn’t happen on TikTok. It happened in the boardroom.
The Deal That Changed the Game
In January 2026, Khaby quietly pulled off one of the most talked-about deals in creator-economy history. He sold a major stake in Step Distinctive Limited, the company that manages his commercial interests, to Rich Sparkle Holdings, a NASDAQ-listed firm trading under ANPA.US. The agreement valued the deal at an estimated $900 million to $975 million, instantly placing Khaby in rare financial territory.
There was just one catch — no cash payout.
Instead of a traditional buyout, the deal was structured as an all-stock transaction. Khaby received roughly 75 million shares in Rich Sparkle Holdings, tying his wealth directly to the performance of the company on the stock market. That single detail is why analysts now describe him as a “paper billionaire.”
On paper, at peak trading levels following the announcement, his shares briefly pushed his net worth past $1.1 billion. But because the money lives in stock — not in a bank account — its value can rise or fall with market sentiment. Until he sells, the billions remain theoretical.
The AI Twist Nobody Saw Coming
This wasn’t just a financial transaction — it was a long-term vision play.
A key part of the deal includes the creation of an AI-powered digital twin of Khaby Lame. Rich Sparkle plans to license his likeness, behavioural style, facial expressions and voice data to build an AI version of Khaby that can operate at scale.
The goal?
An always-on digital presence that can:
Create content in multiple languages at once
Host livestream shopping events across continents
Engage audiences 24/7 without physical limits
It’s a bold attempt to turn Khaby’s personality into a scalable global product — one that never sleeps and never ages.
Still in Control
Despite the headline-grabbing valuation, Khaby didn’t give up control of his empire. Reports indicate he still owns about 49 per cent of Step Distinctive and holds a controlling stake in Rich Sparkle Holdings, placing him firmly in the role of decision-maker rather than figurehead.
That influence is crucial as the company eyes aggressive expansion into e-commerce, digital merchandising, livestream sales and global brand partnerships, targeting markets across the US, Middle East and Southeast Asia — all powered by Khaby’s massive cross-platform following.
Why Khaby’s Move Matters
Khaby Lame’s rise signals a major shift in the influencer economy. This isn’t just about sponsored posts or viral views anymore. It’s about ownership.
Creators are no longer content to rent their influence to brands — they are building companies, holding equity, licensing intellectual property and shaping corporate strategy. Khaby’s “paper billionaire” status may depend on stock charts, but the message is solid and clear.
He’s no longer just reacting to life hacks.
He’s rewriting the rules of digital power.
And in the new creator economy, that may be worth more than cash.
