Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review — TikTok’s new bidders, Tesla sales slump and OpenAI raises $40 billion
Apr 4, 2025
OpenAI has made headlines with a staggering $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank. Meanwhile, TikTok is in a bidding frenzy with potential buyers racing against a looming deadline. Will it find a U.S. buyer before the ban? On the other hand, Tesla is grappling with a concerning sales slump, raising questions about Elon Musk's influence amid fierce competition from rivals like BYD. The discussion also touches on the challenges and strategies of AI companies adjusting to a for-profit model in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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TikTok's Uncertain Future
- TikTok faces a potential ban in the U.S. and is seeking a U.S. buyer.
- Oracle is the most likely buyer, but the algorithm's fate remains uncertain.
TikTok's Algorithm Concerns
- The key issue with the TikTok sale is the app's proprietary algorithm and its potential access by the Chinese government.
- Oracle's experience with sensitive data positions them well, but questions remain about algorithm ownership.
A Novel Bid for TikTok
- Frank McCourt and others proposed scrapping TikTok's algorithm entirely to combat user addiction.
- This consumer-protection-focused bid raises questions about its business viability.