Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary in bid to buy TikTok

With just over a week to go until TikTok finds out if it will be banned in the US, Kevin O’Leary has revealed he has put in a bid to buy the video-sharing platform from ByteDance.

‘Shark Tank’ investor Kevin O’Leary is hoping to buy TikTok from ByteDance.

The 70-year-old Canadian businessman – who is the star of the American version of the UK reality television programme ‘Dragons’ Den’ – has admitted he will need to work “closely” with US President-elect Donald Trump if he is to acquire the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform, which could be banned in the US on January 19, if it fails to find a non-Chinese buyer.

Speaking on Fox News’ ‘The Story with Martha MacCallum’ on Monday (06.01.25), O’Leary said: “Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead. So I wanted to let him know, as well as others in his cabinet, that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”

Over on X, the SoftKey Software Products founder confirmed that he is partnering with former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt on the bid for the app and insisted it’s their intention to “prioritise people over algorithms” and protect the privacy of the millions of Americans who use TikTok daily.

He said: “I’m excited to share that I’m partnering with Frank McCourt and the visionary team at

@pro_jectliberty to lead The People’s Bid for TikTok!

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets. It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users. It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms.

“TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact. Together, we’re working to create an American-owned platform that is secure, innovative, and puts YOU in control of your data and digital relationships.”

TikTok is facing a ban due to national security concerns raised by the US government, which is worried that the app could share data with the Chinese government that could sway public opinion and spy on the US.