Meta Platforms has agreed to acquire Manus, a fast rising artificial intelligence startup based in Singapore, in a deal reportedly worth two billion dollars. The acquisition follows Manus’ rapid rise to prominence after it debuted last year with demonstrations showing its AI agents performing complex tasks such as screening job candidates, planning trips, and analysing investment portfolios.
The startup attracted significant investor interest soon after launch. In April 2025, venture capital firm Benchmark led a 75 million dollar funding round that valued Manus at 500 million dollars, with major backers including Tencent, ZhenFund, and HSG. The company later disclosed that it had signed up millions of users and was generating more than 100 million dollars in annual recurring revenue, a rare milestone for an AI product at such an early stage.
According to reports, Meta began negotiations after Manus’ strong commercial performance, agreeing to pay the valuation the startup was seeking for its next funding round. For Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the deal offers a revenue generating AI platform at a time when investors are scrutinising the company’s heavy spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centres. Meta says Manus will continue to operate independently while its AI agents are integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The acquisition, however, has drawn political attention due to Manus’ origins. The company was founded by Chinese entrepreneurs who initially established its parent firm in Beijing before relocating to Singapore. Meta has said that following the deal, Manus will have no Chinese ownership, will cut ties with Chinese investors, and will cease operations in China, addressing concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers over technology and national security.