San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA – Leading creator economy platforms Patreon and Kajabi have independently announced reaching a significant financial milestone this week: each has paid out over $10 billion to creators since their respective inceptions. The announcements underscore the growing financial power and maturity of the creator economy, validating direct monetization models for digital content creators and knowledge entrepreneurs.
Patreon, founded in 2013 by musician Jack Conte and Sam Yam, enables creators to earn recurring income through fan subscriptions, offering exclusive content and community access. The San Francisco-based company has become a cornerstone for artists, podcasters, and independent journalists seeking direct financial support from their audience. In August 2025, Patreon Co-Founder and CEO Jack Conte shared his company’s $10 billion milestone, emphasizing its role in the modern creator economy.
Kajabi, launched in 2010 by Kenny Rueter and Travis Rosser, provides an all-in-one platform for knowledge entrepreneurs to create, market, and sell online courses, coaching programs, and other digital products. The Newport Beach, California-based company empowers educators and experts to build and scale their online businesses. Kajabi CEO Ahad Khan highlighted that reaching this $10 billion mark proves "that the creator economy is at a turning point," suggesting creators can succeed without relying solely on viral moments.
Both companies have experienced significant growth, though their valuations have seen fluctuations. Patreon, which reached a $4 billion valuation in 2021, reportedly saw its internal valuation fall by 70% in 2022, though some reports indicate a recovery in 2024/2025. Similarly, Kajabi achieved a $2 billion valuation in 2021 after raising $550 million, but also faced a reported 70% decline in its internal valuation in 2022. Despite these market adjustments, their ability to facilitate such substantial payouts demonstrates the underlying strength and resilience of their business models.
The dual achievement highlights the increasing professionalization of content creation and online education. As stated in a tweet by Inc., "Both creator economy companies announced reaching the milestone this week." This collective success signifies a broader trend where creators are gaining more control over their income streams and business models, fostering a more sustainable ecosystem for independent digital professionals. The continued growth of these platforms suggests a promising future for direct-to-audience monetization within the evolving digital landscape.