AI startup Perplexity has confirmed its bid for TikTok’s U.S. operations, proposing a deal that ensures U.S. control and satisfies government concerns. The offer includes a future IPO granting the U.S. a 50% stake in the combined entity.
Perplexity aims to establish American leadership with decision-making power, including hiring the CEO. The company also highlights synergies in search functionality, positioning the merger as a competitor to Google. ByteDance and TikTok have yet to respond to the bid.