Who Owns Kick? Story Behind the Streaming Platform's Ownership

Who Owns Kick? Unpacking the Ownership Structure Behind the Streaming Platform

In the dynamic world of live streaming, a new contender has rapidly emerged to challenge the long-standing dominance of platforms like Twitch. That contender is Kick, and its rapid ascent has sparked considerable curiosity, particularly regarding its ownership and underlying business model. For many, the question “Who owns Kick?” is central to understanding its unique approach and ambitious goals.

This article delves into the precise ownership structure of Kick, identifying the key individuals and entities that have propelled it into the spotlight.

The Primary Owners: Decoding the Key Figures

Kick’s ownership is not a singular entity but rather a network of influential figures and corporate structures, primarily rooted in the online gambling industry.

1. Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven: The Architects from Stake.com

At the core of Kick’s ownership are Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven, the Australian billionaires and co-founders of the prominent cryptocurrency casino and sports betting platform, Stake.com. While Stake.com does not directly own Kick, Tehrani and Craven control Kick through their ownership of Easygo Entertainment Pty Ltd.

  • Easygo Entertainment Pty Ltd: This Australian-based company serves as the parent entity and sole shareholder of Kick Streaming Pty Ltd, the operational company behind the Kick platform. Bijan Tehrani holds a two-thirds (approx. 66.67%) ownership stake in Easygo Entertainment, making him the majority owner. Ed Craven, through his company Ashwood Holdings Pty Ltd, owns the remaining one-third (approx. 33.33%) of Easygo Entertainment. This intricate structure ensures that the founders of Stake.com maintain significant control and influence over Kick’s strategic direction without a direct corporate link between the two platforms.

2. Trainwreckstv (Tyler Faraz Niknam): The Streamer Advocate and Co-Founder

Beyond the corporate structure, popular streaming personality Tyler Faraz Niknam, widely known as Trainwreckstv, is a pivotal co-founder and influential figure behind Kick. Trainwreckstv has been a vocal proponent of Kick’s streamer-first approach, actively advocating for better revenue splits and more flexible content policies compared to rival platforms. His involvement has been crucial in garnering support and attracting prominent streamers to the platform, leveraging his significant standing within the streaming community.

The “Why”: Motivations Behind Kick’s Creation

Kick’s emergence is not merely an attempt to enter the streaming market; it’s a strategically designed venture with clear motivations, driven by its ownership.

1. Streamer-Centric Model: A Disruptive Revenue Split

One of Kick’s most compelling features, and a direct result of its ownership’s vision, is its highly competitive revenue-sharing model. Kick offers streamers a groundbreaking 95/5 revenue split, meaning creators retain 95% of their subscription earnings, with only 5% going to the platform. This stands in stark contrast to the industry-standard 50/50 split offered by Twitch or the 70/30 (for top tiers) and 50/50 (for others) models of other platforms. This generous split serves as a powerful incentive, attracting a significant number of content creators seeking more financially equitable opportunities.

2. Strategic Business Expansion and Diversification for Stake.com Founders

For Tehrani and Craven, Kick represents a strategic diversification of their digital portfolio. Leveraging the substantial capital and expertise gained from Stake.com, they ventured into the streaming space to:

  • Expand Audience Reach: Tap into a broader digital entertainment market beyond online gambling.
  • Cross-Promotion Opportunities: While legally separate, the connection between the founders allows for indirect cross-promotion and leveraging of existing user bases.
  • Establish a Creator-Friendly Ecosystem: Build a platform that directly addresses common streamer frustrations, fostering loyalty and a thriving content creation environment.

Kick’s Operational Structure and Growth

Kick Streaming Pty Ltd operates the platform globally. Headquartered in Australia, its operational structure reflects a commitment to rapid growth and a responsive development cycle. While a privately owned company, Kick has consistently invested in its infrastructure, moderation, and creator programs to enhance its competitive edge. Recent developments in March 2025 saw Kick reporting its highest monthly viewership, with over 317 million hours watched, signifying its continued expansion and impact on the streaming landscape.

The Impact and Future of Kick Under Its Current Ownership

Kick has undoubtedly disrupted the live streaming market. Its aggressive revenue split and perceived looser content policies (though they have recently updated guidelines and increased moderation efforts) have positioned it as a viable alternative for many.

However, its association with the gambling industry through its founders has also drawn scrutiny and debate. Kick’s leadership, particularly Ed Craven, has emphasized efforts to enhance content moderation and ensure brand safety, aiming to balance creator freedom with a responsible platform environment. The platform’s future hinges on its ability to sustain its growth, attract diverse content, and effectively manage its public perception while continuing to innovate its offerings.

Conclusion: A New Player with Deep Pockets

Kick is owned by Kick Streaming Pty Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Easygo Entertainment Pty Ltd. The ultimate control rests with Bijan Tehrani (holding two-thirds of Easygo Entertainment) and Ed Craven (holding one-third through Ashwood Holdings), the co-founders of Stake.com. Additionally, prominent streamer Trainwreckstv serves as a key co-founder and advocate. This unique ownership structure, backed by significant financial resources and a creator-first philosophy, has allowed Kick to rapidly carve out a substantial niche in the competitive live streaming industry, setting the stage for an intriguing future in digital entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Kick owned by Stake.com?

While Kick is not directly owned by Stake.com as a corporate entity, it is controlled by the same individuals who co-founded Stake.com: Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven. They own Kick through their parent company, Easygo Entertainment Pty Ltd.

Q2: Who is Trainwreckstv in relation to Kick?

Trainwreckstv (Tyler Faraz Niknam) is a prominent co-founder and public advocate for Kick. He has been instrumental in promoting the platform to streamers and shaping its creator-friendly policies.

Q3: What is Kick’s revenue split for streamers?

Kick offers an industry-leading 95/5 revenue split, where streamers keep 95% of their subscription earnings, and Kick takes 5%.

Q4: Why was Kick created?

Kick was created to provide a more streamer-friendly alternative to existing platforms, offering a more generous revenue split and addressing common creator frustrations. It also serves as a strategic business expansion for its founders, diversifying their digital interests.

Q5: Where is Kick headquartered? 

Kick is headquartered in Australia, operating globally through Kick Streaming Pty Ltd.

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