U.S. Investors, Led by Oracle, Eye TikTok Acquisition Amid Looming Ban Deadline
April 1, 2025
Andreessen Horowitz is reportedly in negotiations to invest in TikTok as part of a consortium led by Oracle and other American investors, aiming to acquire the platform from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
This investment comes with urgency as TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States on April 5, 2025, unless it divests from its Chinese ownership.
Oracle's leadership in the bid indicates a strategic intent to enhance its cloud services and expand its footprint in the social media and technology sectors.
The outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence TikTok's future and its ability to operate freely within the United States.
TikTok's advisers, along with the White House, are actively seeking additional financial backing to support these negotiations, with Andreessen Horowitz considering a significant investment.
This acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to dissociate TikTok from its Chinese ownership, which has raised national security concerns in the U.S.
In addition to Andreessen Horowitz, Blackstone is also in discussions to collaborate with existing non-Chinese shareholders of ByteDance to raise capital for a bid for TikTok's U.S. operations.
Andreessen Horowitz has a strong history in social media investments, having previously backed Facebook and Instagram, and played a role in Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter.
While the financial terms of the proposed buyout remain undisclosed, the involvement of major firms like a16z and Blackstone underscores the competitive nature of the bidding process.
The interest in TikTok's U.S. operations reflects ongoing regulatory scrutiny and challenges the platform faces in Western markets.
President Trump has expressed a desire to finalize a deal with ByteDance for TikTok, which boasts around 170 million American users, before the looming April 5 deadline.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

TechCrunch • Apr 1, 2025
Andreessen Horowitz is trying to nab a piece of TikTok with Oracle, report says | TechCrunch
Financial Times • Apr 1, 2025
Andreessen Horowitz in talks to help buy out TikTok’s Chinese owners
Reuters • Apr 1, 2025
Andreessen Horowitz in talks to help buy out TikTok's Chinese owners, FT reports
Investing.com • Apr 1, 2025
Andreessen Horowitz in talks to help buy out TikTok’s Chinese owners, FT reports