TikTok Star Sells Step Distinctive Limited
Senegalese-Italian TikTok sensation Khaby Lame has sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, for $975 million to Hong Kong-based Rich Sparkle Holdings, according to an SEC filing.
The deal will allow Rich Sparkle to use Lame’s Face ID, Voice ID, and behavioral models to create AI-powered livestream e-commerce content that works across multiple languages and time zones.
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Lame Retains Leadership and Control
Step Distinctive Limited manages Khaby Lame’s global brand and business operations, People magazine reports.
Rich Sparkle, a publicly traded company, said the deal could generate over $4 billion in annual sales. Despite selling the company, Lame will continue to lead Step Distinctive and maintain a controlling stake.
The Rise of TikTok’s Most-Followed Star
Khaby Lame became the most-followed TikTok creator in 2022, surpassing Charli D’Amelio with 142.8 million followers. As of January 27, 2026, he has 160.4 million followers.
Before TikTok, Lame worked in a factory and took on multiple jobs to support his family, which includes three younger brothers, an older brother, and his parents.
“When I discovered TikTok during COVID, I was making videos for fun,” Lame told People magazine. “I was just trying to make people laugh. I never imagined it would become my career.”
Recognition and Awards
People magazine named him one of its Creators of the Year in 2024, highlighting his global influence and unique style of humor.
