At a Glance
- Meta acquires Singapore-based AI startup Manus for over $2 B.
- Manus had reached $100 M ARR in just eight months.
- The deal ends Manus’s Chinese ties and adds a general-purpose AI agent to Meta’s portfolio.
- Why it matters: This move expands Meta’s AI capabilities while addressing U.S. concerns over Chinese tech influence.
Meta’s latest acquisition signals a deeper commitment to artificial intelligence, as the company snaps up Singapore-based Manus for more than $2 B. The deal not only brings a versatile AI agent into Meta’s ecosystem but also removes the startup’s remaining Chinese connections, a move aimed at easing U.S. scrutiny.
A $2 B Deal That Expands Meta’s AI Arsenal
Meta announced the purchase of Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent firm, in a transaction valued at more than $2 B according to News Of Philadelphia. The startup, which debuted this spring, can perform deep research, vacation planning, coding, and stock analysis. Manus had already hit $100 M in annual recurring revenue eight months after launch.
Manus CEO Xiao Hong stated:
> “Joining Meta allows us to build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made.”
- Acquisition price: $2 B+
- ARR after 8 months: $100 M
- Core capabilities: research, travel, coding, finance
Addressing Chinese Ties and U.S. Scrutiny
Meta’s purchase follows scrutiny over Manus’s Chinese roots, as U.S. lawmakers questioned the company’s ties to China. Earlier this year, Venture Capital firm Benchmark faced backlash after investing in Manus. Sen. John Cornyn wrote on X:
> “Who thinks it is a good idea for American investors to subsidize our biggest adversary in AI, only to have the CCP use that technology to challenge us economically and militarily? Not me.”
Meta stated that after the deal closes, Manus will sever all remaining ties with China. Meta spokesperson said to News Of Philadelphia:
> “Meta’s acquisition of Manus AI will enable us to provide the most advanced technology to our users with safeguards in place to eliminate areas of potential risk. There will be no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus AI following the transaction, and Manus AI will discontinue its services and operations in China.”
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Deal Value | $2 B+ |
| ARR (8 months) | $100 M |
| Staff | 105 (Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco) |
| Chinese Operations | Discontinued |
According to News Of Philadelphia, Manus has laid off most of its Chinese employees and now has 105 staffers in Singapore, Tokyo, and San Francisco.
Key Takeaways
- Meta’s $2 B acquisition of Manus expands its AI portfolio.
- The deal removes Manus’s Chinese ties and addresses U.S. concerns.
- Manus’s AI agent adds versatile capabilities to Meta’s ecosystem.
With Manus now fully integrated and its Chinese operations halted, Meta positions itself as a leading AI player while navigating geopolitical sensitivities.
