Kevin Hart Steps Back From Hartbeat Company

It appears Kevin Hart is shifting gears at his media company, Hartbeat. Following a significant deal with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), reports suggest the comedian and entrepreneur is taking a less hands-on role in the company he co-founded. This move comes after a period of restructuring and workforce changes within Hartbeat.

Changes at Hartbeat

Hartbeat, which merged Laugh Out Loud and HartBeat Productions and was valued at $650 million in 2022, has seen a decline in film and television projects. Additionally, previously pitched podcasts have not moved forward. According to Bloomberg, Hart, who was appointed CEO in 2025, is no longer heavily involved in the company’s daily operations. A small executive team is now managing Hartbeat’s responsibilities.

These changes have also impacted the workforce. Hartbeat laid off approximately a dozen employees in December 2025, including staff responsible for audio shows and project development. Some of these employees were later fired and sued by Hartbeat for alleged trade-secret theft and breach of contract after launching their own company, though the court found the claims to be “vague, ambiguous, and overly broad.”

A Strategic Shift with ABG

The deal with Authentic Brands Group, finalized in January 2026, positions Hart as a shareholder in the major intellectual property platform. Hart viewed this partnership as a way to accelerate growth, diversify his brand, and scale it across various consumer and digital channels. “This partnership is about acceleration, growth, and diversification,” Hart stated previously. “I’ve spent years building businesses and creating opportunities, and joining Authentic gives me the platform and global infrastructure to take my brand to the next level.”

This strategic move reportedly provided Hart with the financial backing to gradually buy out Abry Partners’ stake in Hartbeat, granting him more control over his brand. His lucrative endorsement deals, a key component of Hartbeat’s success, are now managed by ABG.

Focusing on Strengths and Future Growth

An email sent to employees, purportedly from Hart’s assistant, described the ABG deal as a “turning point” that would allow Hart to “focus on his strengths” and enable Hartbeat to “operate independently of him and scale beyond him.” While acknowledging recent tough months, the email aimed to reassure staff about the company’s future direction. Some employees, however, reportedly feel the company may be nearing its end, with a few now working alongside Hart at ABG.