The Future of Fanbase: Will Isaac Sell? A Deep Dive into the Debate

 

A Regular Thursday Turned Into A Full-Blown Social Audio Discussion

What started as a casual Thursday—business as usual, following my normal routine—took an unexpected turn when I caught The Social Proof Podcast featuring Isaac Hayes III. If you’re a podcast enthusiast like me, then you know Social Proof is that platform. David Shands does a masterful job at unpacking what it takes to launch, grow, and monetize businesses, especially in the digital creator economy. He’s a staple in these conversations, and so is Isaac, the founder of Fanbase.

Isaac has been on the podcast before, but this time, something hit different. Towards the end of the interview, David finally asked the question that’s been looming over Fanbase for a minute:

“Would you sell?”

Isaac’s answer? Remarkable. And just like that, a simple watch party in our social audio room evolved into a full-fledged discussion that stretched for the next 45 minutes.

Isaac’s Response: What Selling Would Actually Mean

Isaac broke it down like this:

1. Fanbase is crowdfunded. Meaning, we—those who have invested—own equity in the app. Selling wouldn’t just be him cashing out; it would be all of us, the stakeholders, walking away with our piece of the pie.

2. The only way he’d sell is if the price was astronomical. We’re talking generational wealth numbers, something that could make everyone who has invested walk away comfortable.

3. Whoever buys it would likely not look like us. And this is where the conversation got real. If Fanbase were to be acquired, we’d have to consider if the new owners would keep its mission intact or dilute the very thing that makes it special—its cultural impact.

So, what does this mean for all of us?

• For investors, this sounds like a solid financial play. That’s what investing is—putting money in early, growing it, and eventually cashing out at the right time.
• For consumers, this is terrifying. Fanbase has been our digital safe haven, our social media Wakanda. The idea of it changing hands and potentially becoming like Meta, Twitter, or TikTok? Nah, we’re not trying to see that.

Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Acquire Fanbase?

One of the first things we debated was: If Fanbase were to be sold, who would be the best and worst buyers?

Best Options:

• Apple – They’ve already got the infrastructure, the tech, and the ecosystem that makes sense for creators. Plus, they have a solid track record of maintaining premium, ad-free spaces.
• Magic Johnson – A businessman with proven success and a strong connection to the culture. He’s invested in Black and Brown communities, making him a logical choice.
• Dave Chappelle – A cultural gatekeeper with an unmatched understanding of Black expression and ownership.
• Tyler Perry & Oprah – Some folks suggested them, but the room was split. They’re moguls, but have they really shown they’d keep Fanbase true to its roots?

Worst Options:

• Meta/Facebook/Instagram – Hard pass. We’ve seen what happens when these companies buy platforms (cough Instagram, WhatsApp cough). They swallow them up and strip them of their original purpose.
• TikTok – Given the ongoing data and censorship issues, nobody wants Fanbase becoming another TikTok knockoff.
• Michael Jordan – His name came up, but he’s proven time and time again that his interests lean more toward profits than the people.

Three Non-Negotiables for Any New Owner

If Fanbase were ever to change hands, we all agreed that three things must be protected:

1. Keep the monetization structure intact. The Love system works. It allows creators to earn directly from their audience without relying on ad revenue. Whoever takes over can’t mess with that.
2. Prioritize security and data protection. Too many social platforms have failed users when it comes to data privacy and account security. If Fanbase is sold, the new owner has to take threats seriously.
3. Stay true to the mission. Fanbase isn’t just another social media app—it’s a movement. It gives Black creators, and creators of all backgrounds, an even playing field. The new owner has to understand and honor that.

Lessons From Social Media’s Past

History has already shown us what happens when platforms fail to innovate, listen to their users, or protect their integrity.

• MySpace: Failed because it didn’t evolve with the times. Fanbase needs to stay ahead of trends.
• Vine: Died because it didn’t prioritize monetization for creators. Fanbase must always protect its creator-first model.
• Clubhouse: Came in hot but fizzled out because it lacked proper structure. Fanbase can’t afford to make the same mistake.

The biggest lesson? Adapt, but don’t sell out.

What’s Next? The Fanbase Community Needs to Speak Up

Isaac hasn’t sold yet. And maybe he never will. But the fact that we’re even having this conversation means it’s closer to being a reality than many of us thought.

So, what do we do now?

1. Invest While You Still Can

Fanbase is still raising funds on StartEngine, and as of today, the second round has hit $8.5 million with a goal of $17 million. If you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of a social media company that actually values creators, now’s your shot.

Go to StartEngine.com and get your equity while you can. Because if a sale does happen, those with shares will be the ones walking away with financial wins.

2. Keep the Conversations Going

This debate isn’t over. Whether you’re an investor or a consumer, your voice matters. We need to keep these discussions alive, check the temperature of the community, and hold Fanbase accountable to its mission. Join social audio rooms, hop in discussions, and make sure you’re tapped into the conversation.

3. Support The Platform Now

Selling isn’t inevitable, but growth is necessary. If we want Fanbase to stay Black-owned, we have to use it, promote it, and get others to join.

• Post your content
• Go live
• Spark conversations
• Invite your audience to monetize on the platform

Fanbase doesn’t need a new owner if we build it up to where it needs to be.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Ownership

At the end of the day, this discussion is about something much bigger than Fanbase. It’s about ownership. About controlling our own narratives. About keeping a seat at the table—no, owning the damn table.

Isaac’s willingness to have these conversations in the open is exactly why we’re here. Whether Fanbase sells or not, the real power lies in us—the users, the investors, the community.

So, what side of the coin do you stand on?

Let’s keep the conversation going. And while we’re at it—invest while you still can.

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Special Shout-Outs

A huge shout-out to everyone who participated in today’s discussion. Much love to Luv Those, Ali, Sack Blac, Summer, Ms. Judy, XSB, Jeffrey, Tim, Dr. Jenny, Makeup, Jewel, Yohan, Darian, Elle, L. Michelle, Diana, Barb, Damon, Paula, and Cooking in the Wild.

To all the moms, ambassadors, investors, and every single user and consumer who rocked with us today—we see you, we appreciate you, and we are Fanbase.