MrBeast and the CEO of Roblox Are Trying to Buy TikTok for Over $20 Billion

MrBeast, the popular YouTuber, is reportedly part of a consortium attempting a $20 billion+ bid to acquire TikTok. This investor group, which also includes Jesse Tinsley (Employer.com founder), David Baszucki (Roblox co-founder and CEO), and Nathan McCauley (Anchorage Digital head), estimates the acquisition cost at $25 billion.

Bloomberg reported on this ambitious bid, though the group acknowledges they haven't yet received a direct response from ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. ByteDance has publicly stated that TikTok's U.S. operations are not for sale.

MrBeast's representatives clarified that he's engaged in discussions with multiple parties and aims to collaborate with the eventual leading bidder, suggesting potential shifts in alliances. In a January 22nd tweet, MrBeast expressed excitement about the prospect, hinting at significant developments.

Earlier this week, former President Trump mentioned Microsoft's purported negotiations to acquire TikTok, anticipating a potential bidding war. Microsoft hasn't confirmed this claim.

The preceding events followed a temporary shutdown of TikTok in the U.S. The app, with 170 million U.S. users, was briefly offline before a January 19th deadline requiring ByteDance to sell or face a ban. This shutdown occurred after the Supreme Court rejected TikTok's First Amendment challenge, citing national security concerns related to data collection and foreign control. Service was restored following assurances from former President Trump that penalties would be avoided.

TikTok subsequently issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to the First Amendment and opposition to arbitrary censorship, expressing willingness to collaborate with the former President on a long-term solution.

Upon assuming office on January 20th, the current President signed an executive order temporarily delaying enforcement of the relevant law by 75 days. Discussions regarding a potential TikTok buyout are ongoing, with the current President reportedly open to Elon Musk's involvement.