OnlyFans considering selling majority stake to Architect Capital

OnlyFans, the prominent platform where creators and influencers monetize their content through subscriptions, is reportedly in talks to sell a majority stake to the investment firm Architect Capital. Sources familiar with the negotiations disclosed to TechCrunch that this potential deal values the company at an impressive $5.5 billion, comprising $3.5 billion in equity and $2 billion in debt. Should the agreement proceed, Architect Capital would acquire a significant 60% stake in OnlyFans. Currently, both parties are in an exclusivity agreement, which prevents OnlyFans from engaging with other potential buyers for a predetermined timeframe. However, the timeline for finalizing this deal remains uncertain. This isn't the first instance where OnlyFans has pursued a sale; previous reports highlighted that Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner, had shown interest in cashing out and was exploring various buyers last year. Additionally, discussions were held with a U.S.-based investor group led by Forest Road Company, though the outcome of those talks remains unclear. Architect Capital, established in 2021, is known for providing loans secured by company assets and is keen on partnering with early-stage startups. Despite the adult content that dominates its platform, OnlyFans has consistently maintained that it is not a pornography site. Founded in 2016 by Tim Stokely, who sold a majority stake to Radvinsky in 2018, the company has encountered various legal challenges, including lawsuits alleging that it profits from abusive content.