Popular YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is reportedly among a group of investors attempting a $20 billion-plus bid to acquire TikTok. Bloomberg reports this consortium includes Jesse Tinsley (founder of Employer.com), Roblox co-founder and CEO David Baszucki, and Nathan McCauley (head of Anchorage Digital). The group estimates the acquisition will require $25 billion.
While ByteDance, TikTok's owner, has declared its U.S. operations are not for sale, and the Tinsley-led group hasn't received a direct response, MrBeast's representatives confirm he's engaged in discussions with multiple parties. His aim is to join the leading bidder, potentially shifting allegiances depending on the evolving situation. On January 22nd, he tweeted, "The leading groups who are all credible bidding on Tik Tok have reached out for us to help them, I’m excited to partner/make this a reality. Big things cooking."
Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump mentioned Microsoft's involvement in TikTok acquisition talks and expressed hope for a bidding war. Microsoft hasn't verified this claim.
TikTok faced a temporary shutdown for its 170 million U.S. users just before a January 19th deadline requiring its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell or face a ban due to national security concerns. The app went dark after the Supreme Court denied an appeal based on TikTok's First Amendment challenge. The justices acknowledged common data practices in the digital age but cited TikTok's scale, vulnerability to foreign control, and the vast amount of sensitive data collected as justification for differential treatment to address national security concerns.
Service was restored following assurances from former President Trump that penalties would be avoided. TikTok stated at the time, “It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
Following his departure from office, former President Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the law by 75 days. He was involved in discussions with various companies and individuals regarding a potential TikTok buyout, including expressing openness to Elon Musk's involvement.
