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 group, also including Jesse Tinsley (Employer.com founder), David Baszucki (Roblox co-founder and CEO), and Nathan McCauley (Anchorage Digital head), estimates the purchase price at $25 billion.

Bloomberg reported on this ambitious bid, though ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has publicly stated its U.S. operations are not for sale, and the Tinsley-led group has yet to receive a direct response.

MrBeast's representatives clarified that he's engaged in discussions with multiple parties and aims to align with the eventual frontrunner, suggesting potential shifts in alliances. In a January 22nd tweet, he expressed excitement about the prospect, stating, "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 Trump mentioned Microsoft's purported negotiations to acquire TikTok, expressing a desire for a bidding war. Microsoft hasn't confirmed this.

Prior to a January 19th deadline, TikTok faced a potential ban due to national security concerns regarding its Chinese ownership. A temporary shutdown affected its 170 million U.S. users following the Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal based on First Amendment grounds. The court acknowledged typical data practices in the digital age but cited TikTok's scale and susceptibility to foreign control, along with its vast data collection, as justification for addressing national security concerns. Service was restored after assurances from President Trump regarding penalties.

TikTok subsequently stated, “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 inauguration on January 20th, President Biden signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the relevant legislation by 75 days. He's reportedly engaging in discussions with various entities regarding a potential TikTok buyout, including Elon Musk.