Meta to acquire AI startup ‘Manus’ for $2 billion

Staff Report: PNN

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is making a major investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by acquiring Singapore-based AI startup Manus, which has generated significant attention in Silicon Valley.

Manus began earlier this year with a demo video showing an AI agent capable of complex tasks such as candidate selection, travel planning, and stock market analysis. The company raised $75 million in seed funding led by Benchmark, valuing it at $500 million. Initial subscription fees ranged from $39 to $199 per month, drawing some criticism, but its user base has grown into millions, with an annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million.

The acquisition, valued at $2 billion, will allow Manus to continue operating independently while integrating its AI agent technology with Meta’s platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Political concerns arose due to Manus’ Chinese founders and its previous operations in Beijing, but Meta confirmed there will be no Chinese investor involvement and all China operations will cease. Experts say this acquisition will boost Meta’s AI strategy and strengthen its position in global AI competition.