According to three sources, a Forest Road investor group is in talks with OnlyFans owner Fenix International Ltd to acquire the notorious platform. These sources told Reuters that the platform, which is known for its adult content, may be acquired by an investment group fronted by LA-based investment firm Forest Road Company.
For the uninitiated, OnlyFans, which was launched in 2016, is a creator platform favored by content creators who wish to post adult content and leverage subscriptions, among other things, to monetize their content. Unlike other creator platforms, OnlyFans only takes 20% of creators’ earnings. According to Reuters, in the year ending November 2023, OnlyFans garnered $6.6 billion in revenue, which is a pretty significant jump from its $375 million in 2020.
Reuters also claims that, per filings and sources in the US Securities and Exchange Commission, some Forest Road investors were part of a special-purpose acquisition company which were in talks back in 2022 to take OnlyFans public.
One of the outlet’s three sources, along with a further source, also claims that Fenix International Ltd is in talks with other interested parties.
They also claim that these talks have been taking place since March. An additional three sources suggested a deal could be finalized in the next week or two. Reportedly, an initial public offering is among the options being considered.
Whatever happens, this could mean big changes for OnlyFans, which hosts over 4 million creators. The question is, will it be a good or bad thing for the platform’s creators?
