Content subscription platform OnlyFans, known for empowering creators across the entertainment spectrum — particularly in adult content — is reportedly on the verge of a landmark acquisition. A U.S. investor consortium led by Los Angeles-based Forest Road Company is in advanced discussions to purchase the London-headquartered firm in a deal that could value the business at up to $8 billion.
The potential sale would represent a major exit for Leonid Radvinsky, the Ukrainian-American tech entrepreneur who acquired a controlling stake in OnlyFans’ parent company, Fenix International, in 2018. Since his takeover, Radvinsky is believed to have collected more than $1 billion in dividends, according to public financial disclosures.
While the company has attracted investor attention for years, its close ties to adult content have reportedly discouraged earlier suitors. Previous estimates had placed its potential valuation between $1.5 billion and $2.4 billion. However, a surging user base and sustained profitability now appear to be driving a significantly higher price.
Founded in 2016 by British entrepreneur Tim Stokely, OnlyFans began as a platform for influencers and performers to monetise their content through paid subscriptions. The service experienced explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and became a prominent venue for adult content creators after briefly — and controversially — attempting to ban sexually explicit material in 2021, a decision quickly reversed after widespread backlash.
Today, OnlyFans claims over 4 million active creators and a subscriber base of 300 million worldwide. The company reported $1.3 billion in revenue in its latest filings and processed more than $6.6 billion in annual transactions. Despite this global reach, the company remains lean, employing just around 40 staff.
“OnlyFans is a revolutionary platform which continues to lead the creator economy,” a spokesperson said. “As with any business of this scale, it is natural that we are open to discussions about how we continue to build on our success.”
Forest Road Company, which has previously invested in media and sports ventures, has yet to comment on the potential acquisition. If completed, the deal would underscore investor confidence in platforms that enable direct monetisation between creators and audiences — even those operating in contentious sectors.
As discussions continue, the reported $8 billion valuation signals the broader appeal of high-margin, creator-driven platforms to institutional investors, potentially marking a new chapter in the evolution of the digital content economy.
