At a Glance
- Meta has acquired Singapore-based AI startup Manus for over $2 billion.
- Manus reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue in just eight months.
- The acquisition ends Chinese ownership ties and stops operations in China.
- Why it matters: Meta expands AI across its platforms while removing Chinese influence.
**Meta announced on Monday that it has bought Singapore-based AI firm that launched a general-purpose agent earlier this year. The deal, reportedly over $2 billion, was not disclosed in financial terms by the California tech giant. The acquisition signals a push to boost AI features on Facebook, Instagram and other Meta products.
Acquisition Details
Meta closed the deal at more than $2 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company did not reveal the exact terms.
Meta said:
> “Manus is already serving the daily needs of millions of users and businesses worldwide,”
Meta added that it will scale the service so that Manus will “deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business products, including in Meta AI.”
Manus Background
Manus offers paid subscriptions that let users employ its AI for research, coding and other tasks. The platform launched its first general-purpose agent earlier this year and has grown rapidly.
- Singapore-based with Chinese roots
- Eight months after launch, reached $100 million ARR
- Backed by Tencent Holdings, ZhenFund and HSG
Xiao Hong, CEO of Manus, said:
> “Build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made.”
Manus will continue to sell and operate subscriptions through its own app and website.
Impact on Operations
A Meta spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that there would be “no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus AI” following the transaction. The platform will also discontinue its services and operations in China, but will keep operating in Singapore where most employees are based.
Meta AI Strategy
Mark Zuckerberg has been pushing to revive Meta’s commercial AI efforts amid competition from Google and OpenAI. In June, the company invested $14.3 billion in AI data firm Scale and hired its CEO Alexandr Wang to lead a team developing “superintelligence” at the tech giant.
Key Takeaways
- Meta’s purchase of Manus surpasses $2 billion, ending Chinese ties.
- Manus has hit $100 million ARR in eight months and will keep operating in Singapore.
- Meta’s broader AI push includes a $14.3 billion investment in Scale and a new AI team led by Alexandr Wang.
Meta’s acquisition of Manus underscores its strategy to strengthen AI across its ecosystem while distancing itself from Chinese influence.
