Meta acquires Manus for $2 billion, adding revenue-generating AI agents to its platforms
42 Sources
[1]
Meta just bought Manus, an AI startup everyone has been talking about | TechCrunch
Meta Platforms is acquiring Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup that's become the talk of Silicon Valley since it materialized this spring with a demo video so slick it went instantly viral. The clip showed an AI agent that could do things like screen job candidates, plan vacations, and analyze
[2]
Everything Meta could do with its new $2 billion AI agent
Meta has acquired Singapore-based startup Manus.Manus went viral in March as the first general AI agent.The deal could help Meta to gain a competitive edge. Meta announced on Monday that it's acquiring Manus, the China-founded startup that went viral earlier this year with the release of what was
[3]
Zuck buys Chinese AI company Manus
Meta will acquire made-in-China AI outfit Manus and harness its "general agent" technology across its products. Manus debuted in March 2025 and immediately pitched itself as a leap beyond generative AI chatbots, which it characterizes as best suited to summarizing information and answering
[4]
Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
Dec 29 (Reuters) - Meta (META.O), opens new tab said on Monday it would acquire Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the technology giant accelerates efforts to integrate advanced AI across its platforms. Tech giants such as Meta have been ramping up AI investments through strategic
[5]
Meta buys startup Manus in latest move to advance its artificial intelligence efforts
DETROIT (AP) -- Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues an aggressive push to amp-up AI offerings across its platforms. The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition. But The Wall Street Journal
[6]
Meta buys startup known for its AI task automation agents
Meta has acquired an AI startup called Manus -- known for its custom research and website-building agents -- in a deal valued at more than $2 billion, according toThe Wall Street Journal. It's reportedly one of the largest acquisitions yet involving a startup nurtured in China's AI
[7]
Meta acquires intelligent agent firm Manus, capping year of aggressive AI moves
The logo of Meta is seen at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, on June 11, 2025. Meta Platforms said Tuesday that it has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based developer of general-purpose AI agents, as the tech
[8]
Meta makes $2 billion bet on agentic AI with Manus acquisition
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. What just happened? Meta Platforms has agreed to buy Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup Manus in a deal valued at more than $2 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The
[9]
Meta buys Chinese-founded AI agent start-up Manus
Barton Crockett, analyst at Rosenblatt Securities, told Reuters it was a "natural fit" for Meta, which extended into boss Mark Zuckerberg's "vision of personal AI" using agents. Based in Singapore after relocating from China, Manus has sought to set itself apart from rival AI developers with what
[10]
Meta Buys AI Agent Startup for $2 Billion, Says It Will Cut All Ties With China
Meta did it again. The social media giant just bought another AI startup. This time, it’s the Singapore-based AI agent company Manus. Meta is buying the AI company in a deal worth more than $2 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. It’s the latest move in Meta’s increasingly
[11]
Meta is reportedly buying Manus -- here's what it could mean for how you use AI every day
2026 could be the year Meta AI proves it can keep up with OpenAI and Google IIt's already looking like 2026 could be the year Meta AI finally levels up. According to The Wall Street Journal, Meta is in the process of acquiring Manus, an AI startup best known for building autonomous, "agentic"
[12]
Meta buys Manus for $2 billion to power high-stakes AI agent race
The acquisition accelerates Meta's pivot from chatbot tools to task-completing AI across its platforms Meta has acquired AI startup Manus, known for its semi-autonomous AI agents, in a deal reportedly valued at more than $2 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. It's one of the largest AI
[13]
Meta's deal with Manus AI could be worth $2.5 billion
Why it matters: AI has reset startup exit valuations, driven by unprecedented revenue growth. Catch up quick: Manus AI was valued at only $500 million when it raised $75 million in Series B funding this past May, led by Benchmark. * The deal was controversial given Manus AI's roots in China,
[14]
Meta acquires Manus: what it means for your enterprise AI agent strategy
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta's agreement to acquire Manus for more than $2 billion -- announced last night by both companies and reported in The Wall Street Journal -- marks one of the clearest signals yet that large tech platforms are no longer just competing on model quality, but on
[15]
Meta claims 'no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus AI' after reported $2 billion deal to shore up in AI agent race | Fortune
Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues an aggressive push to amp up AI offerings across its platforms. The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition. But The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta
[16]
Meta wants AI agents in your day-to-day, starting with Manus
The plan is to scale Manus inside consumer and business tools, including Meta AI. Meta has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based startup behind a general-purpose autonomous agent it plans to fold into its products. Meta Manus AI agents are being framed as the next step beyond chat, software that can
[17]
Meta to acquire AI startup Manus in deal valued at over $2 billion
The acquisition comes as Mark Zuckerberg intensifies Meta's push to compete with rivals such as Google and OpenAI. Meta has agreed to buy artificial intelligence startup Manus, doubling down on its aggressive bid to supercharge AI across Facebook, Instagram and its wider product portfolio. The
[18]
Manus-Meta Deal May Come Under Scrutiny From Beijing: Report | AIM
Manus, now headquartered in Singapore, was founded in China. It raised $75 million in 2025 before moving its base. Meta's recent acquisition of Singapore-based AI startup Manus could attract scrutiny from Chinese regulators over potential violations of technology export controls, according to the
[19]
Meta just bought one of the fastest-growing AI startups you've probably never heard of
In a year defined by companies pouring shocking sums of money into AI, one more deal squeaked in just before 2026. Meta just made a play on Manus, the buzzy Singapore-based company with Chinese roots that turned heads earlier this year when it showed its AI agents executing complex tasks, like
[20]
Meta Platforms buys Manus to bolster its agentic AI skillset - SiliconANGLE
Meta Platforms buys Manus to bolster its agentic AI skillset Meta Platforms Inc. is pushing into autonomous artificial intelligence agents with the acquisition of Singapore-based Manus, which made headlines when it first emerged earlier this year for its ability to perform tasks using a web
[21]
Mark Zuckerberg's Meta is dropping over $2 billion for an AI startup -- a rare example of a U.S. tech giant buying a platform founded in China | Fortune
Manus, in case you're unfamiliar, builds so‑called AI "agents" that can carry out complex digital tasks for consumers and businesses. The idea here is that Manus will essentially fold its technology into Meta's products, including the Meta AI assistant that runs across Facebook, Instagram, and
[22]
Meta buys startup Manus in latest move to advance its artificial intelligence efforts
DETROIT (AP) -- Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues an aggressive push to amp up AI offerings across its platforms. The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition. But The Wall Street Journal
[23]
Meta buys startup Manus in latest move to advance its artificial intelligence efforts
DETROIT -- Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues an aggressive push to amp up AI offerings across its platforms. The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition. But The Wall Street Journal
[24]
Meta buys fast growing AI firm Manus in 2 billion dollar deal
Meta Platforms is acquiring Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup, for $2 billion. The Wall Street Journal reported the deal matches the valuation Manus sought for its next funding round after the startup's rapid user growth and revenue milestones. Manus emerged in spring with a demo video that
[25]
Meta buys startup Manus in latest move to advance its artificial intelligence efforts
DETROIT (AP) -- Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues an aggressive push to amp-up AI offerings across its platforms. The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition. But The Wall Street Journal
[26]
Manus Skips $2 Billion Funding to Join Meta: Report
Meta said that Manus's team will join the company to help develop general-purpose AI agents across Meta's products. Manus, an agentic AI platform developed by Singapore-based startup Butterfly Effect Technology, is now part of Meta. In a brief announcement, Meta said that Manus's team will join
[27]
Meta Adds Manus to Its AI Portfolio in Its Fifth 2025 Acquisition
Manus AI is a Singapore-based startup with a Chinese parent company Meta completed the acquisition of Singapore-based startup, Manus AI, on Monday. The artificial intelligence (AI) company is known for its autonomous general-purpose AI agent, which can complete a range of tasks based on user
[28]
Meta to acquire Manus in $2 billion bet on AI agents
Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to buy Manus, a popular Singapore-based artificial intelligence agent with Chinese roots, in its effort to build a business around its massive AI investment. The deal values Manus at more than $2 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. It marks a rare
[29]
Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
Meta is acquiring Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus. This move aims to speed up the integration of advanced AI across Meta's platforms. Manus develops a general-purpose AI agent capable of independent task execution. Meta plans to operate and sell the Manus service. It will also be
[30]
Meta Acquires Manus, Betting Big On Action-Driven AI - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)
Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is accelerating its push to build practical, revenue-generating artificial intelligence tools as it looks to capitalize on years of heavy AI investment. The company has agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent company with roots in China, as it seeks to
[31]
Meta Pays $2 Billion for Singapore AI Startup Manus | PYMNTS.com
By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. "Manus is already serving the daily needs of millions of users and businesses
[32]
Meta's $2B AI bet has everyone asking: What is Manus? (META:NASDAQ)
Singapore-based AI startup Manus has grabbed a lot of eyeballs, especially since Meta (META) on Monday said it will buy the firm for reportedly more than $2 billion. Meta has been pouring resources into AI as it races to sharpen Meta seeks to enhance its AI capabilities in recommendation systems,
[33]
Meta Goes All-In On AI Agents With Manus Acquisition, Doubling Down After Scale AI Deal And Escalating Rivalry With OpenAI - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Tencent Holdings (OTC:TCEHY)
Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) has accelerated its artificial intelligence push with the acquisition of Manus AI, a fast-rising Chinese startup focused on autonomous agents. Meta Expands Beyond Chatbots Into Autonomous AI Agents Manus develops general-purpose AI agents
[34]
Meta Expands AI Portfolio, Acquires Agentic AI Company Manus
"Manus is joining Meta," declared Manus, which is a Singapore-based AI agent company. Meanwhile, Meta's parallel announcement read that: "We will continue to operate and sell the Manus service, as well as integrate it into our products." This means that unlike a few AI companies that were shut
[35]
Meta snaps up AI startup Manus for $2B, drawing scrutiny over new...
Meta Platforms is plowing ahead in the AI arms race, snapping up fast-rising startup Manus for more than $2 billion in a lightning deal that delivers a revenue-generating AI agent business -- and draws fresh scrutiny over the new acquisition's Chinese roots. The sale, which was reported by The
[36]
Meta to buy Chinese founded startup Manus to boost advanced AI
Meta said on Monday it would acquire Chinese-founded artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the technology giant accelerates efforts to integrate advanced AI across its platforms. Financial terms of the transaction were not released, but a source with direct knowledge of the matter said the
[37]
Meta Uses the Manus Deal to Anchor AI Spending to Near-Term Revenue | Investing.com UK
Meta Platforms, Inc. stock is trading at $665.93, up $7.24 (+1.10%) as of 9:41 AM EST on December 30, 2025. The surge follows the company's announcement that it will acquire Manus, a Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup with Chinese roots, in a deal valued at more than $2 billion. This
[38]
Meta acquires Manus to expand AI agent capabilities By Investing.com
Investing.com -- Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) has acquired Manus, a leading autonomous general-purpose AI agent company, in a move to integrate advanced agent technology across its products. Financial terms of the deal were not announced. Manus, which launched its first General AI Agent
[39]
Meta to Acquire Agentic AI Startup Manus
Meta plans to acquire Manus, an artificial intelligence startup based in Singapore. Manus offers a general-purpose AI agent to businesses through a subscription service. The agent is designed to help with research, automation and complex tasks, including market research, coding, and data
[40]
Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
Dec 29 (Reuters) - Meta said on Monday it would acquire Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the technology giant accelerates efforts to integrate advanced AI across its platforms. Tech giants such as Meta have been ramping up AI investments through strategic acquisitions and talent
[41]
Meta buying Manus AI: Mark Zuckerberg worried about losing AI race to Google, OpenAI?
HIGHLIGHTS Meta buys Manus to turn Llama into action-taking agents Deal signals urgency: AI ecosystems matter more than models Zuck isn't panicking, but he's racing to monetize On the last lap of 2025, Mark Zuckerberg did the most Zuckerberg thing possible: he bought time. Meta's reported $2B+
[42]
Meta's big AI play: What the Manus acquisition means for automation at scale
Meta business platforms set for large scale AI driven workflow automation When Meta talks about artificial intelligence today, it is no longer just referring to smarter chatbots or better content recommendations. By bringing Manus into its ecosystem, Meta is signaling a shift toward something more
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Meta has closed a $2 billion deal to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based Chinese AI startup that went viral for its general-purpose AI agent capabilities. The acquisition brings Meta a rare asset: an AI product already generating $100 million in annual recurring revenue. However, the deal faces scrutiny over Manus's Chinese origins and potential national security implications.
Meta Closes $2 Billion Acquisition of Chinese AI Startup Manus
Meta has acquired Manus, the Singapore-based Chinese AI startup that captured Silicon Valley's attention when it launched in March with a viral demo showcasing what it called the first truly useful general AI agent
1
. The $2 billion acquisition marks a strategic move by Mark Zuckerberg to accelerate Meta's artificial intelligence efforts and close the gap with competitors like OpenAI and Google DeepMind2
. Unlike traditional chatbots, Manus operates as a digital employee capable of handling AI agents for complex tasks such as screening job candidates, planning vacations, analyzing stock portfolios, and generating reports with minimal human oversight3
.
Source: Digit
A Revenue-Generating AI Product in Meta's Arsenal
For Meta, which has invested at least $70 billion in AI infrastructure spending in 2025, Manus represents something investors have been waiting for: a revenue-generating AI product
3
. Just eight months after launching, Manus announced it had crossed $100 million in annual recurring revenue by charging users $39 or $199 per month for access to its AI models1
. The company claims to serve millions of users worldwide, providing a subscription service that Meta will continue to operate independently while also working to integrate advanced AI features into Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta AI4
.
Source: Seattle Times
Chinese Origins Raise National Security Concerns
The deal comes with complications that could draw scrutiny from Washington. Manus was created by Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology, a company founded in China in 2022 before relocating to Singapore in June 2025 to sidestep US export controls on high-value GPUs to China
2
. Initial backers included Chinese firms Tencent, ZhenFund, and HSG (formerly Sequoia China), alongside Silicon Valley's Benchmark, which led a $75 million funding round in April that valued Manus at $500 million post-money1
. Senator John Cornyn, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, previously criticized Benchmark's investment, questioning whether American investors should subsidize China's AI capabilities1
.Related Stories
Meta Severs Chinese Ownership Ties
Anticipating potential regulatory hurdles, Meta has moved swiftly to address national security concerns. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that following the transaction, there would be no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus, and the platform would discontinue its services and operations in China
5
. The company will operate from Singapore, where most of its employees are based, and CEO Xiao Hong stated the acquisition allows Manus to build on a stronger foundation without changing how it operates or makes decisions3
.Pushing Toward a Superintelligence Service
This acquisition is Meta's fifth AI-related purchase in 2025, following deals for PlayAI, WaveForms, Rivos, and Limitless
3
. The company also invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI earlier this year, bringing in 28-year-old CEO Alexandr Wang as its chief AI officer2
. Zuckerberg has staked Meta's future on building a superintelligence service that deeply understands users and helps them achieve their goals3
. The Manus deal could accelerate that vision by enabling Meta to deploy practical AI systems across its platforms, potentially through an agentic upgrade to Meta AI or a rumored subscription product called Meta AI+2
. This marks a dramatic shift from the company's failed metaverse pivot, as Zuckerberg declared 2023 Meta's "Year of Efficiency" and made AI development a top priority following ChatGPT's release2
.
Source: ABC News
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