Khaby Lame is best known for staying silent online. But this time, his business move is making a lot of noise. On January 11, 2026, Hong Kong–based Rich Sparkle Holdings announced a major business deal connected to Khaby Lame’s brand. The deal is being valued at about $975 million, which quickly led to big headlines and even bigger rumors. Some people claimed Khaby had become a billionaire overnight. Others said he had retired at just 25. Social media ran fast with the story, but not all of it was true.What actually happened is more layered and much more interesting. The deal is not cash, and Khaby did not walk away with nearly a billion dollars in hand. Instead, this agreement is about ownership, long-term plans, and a new way to turn internet fame into a global business.His estimated net worth is around $20–25 million, based on brand deals, content earnings, and business ownership, not the nearly $1 billion stock deal value.
Khaby Lame and Rich Sparkle Holdings deal centers on ownership, AI plans, and long-term growth
Rich Sparkle Holdings announced that it had acquired Step Distinctive Limited, a company linked to Khaby Lame’s business operations. According to the company’s official statement, the transaction was an all-stock deal valued at around $975 million.Because this was an all-stock agreement, Khaby did not receive cash. Instead, he became a major shareholder in Rich Sparkle Holdings. His wealth from this deal depends on how the company performs over time, not on money paid upfront.A key part of the partnership is the plan to create an AI-powered digital twin of Khaby Lame. This digital version would be allowed to use his face, voice, and on-screen style to make content in many languages and stream across different regions.The company says this approach helps move away from short brand deals and instead builds a system that can run at all hours, across many markets. Rich Sparkle Holdings named the United States, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia as early focus regions, with different pricing models for each area.In its public release, Rich Sparkle Holdings said it believes the model could generate over $4 billion in annual revenue, though those numbers depend on execution and audience response.After the announcement, Rich Sparkle Holdings’ stock jumped sharply. Shares rose from around $20 to over $80 in a short time, based on market trading data from the same day.Despite online rumors, there has been no official statement from Khaby Lame confirming retirement. There is also no confirmation that he is now a billionaire in liquid wealth.For now, the deal signals one thing clearly: Khaby is shifting from creator to long-term business owner, with his future tied to how well this company delivers on its plans.
