Meta is reportedly acquiring Manus for around $2 billion, with the aim of integrating its agent-type AI into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, while keeping Manus as a standalone product. The deal is also notable due to Manus’s Chinese origins and the political scrutiny that comes with them
Highlights:
- Meta is reportedly paying around $2 billion to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup.
- Manus attracted attention after demonstrating an AI agent capable of performing tasks such as selecting candidates, planning trips, and analyzing stock portfolios.
- Manus claims to have millions of users and more than $100 million in annual recurring revenue from subscriptions.
- Meta reportedly plans to keep Manus operating independently while integrating its agent’s capabilities into Meta’s applications.
- Lawmakers have expressed concern due to the origins of Manus’ founders and parent company in Beijing, although Meta says Manus will sever its ties with China following the acquisition.
What Meta is buying (and why now)
Manus rose to prominence after showcasing an AI “agent” capable of completing multi-step workflows that people typically perform across multiple websites and tools. Meta’s interest appears to be tied to one simple factor: Manus is positioned as an AI product with actual subscription revenue, not just a promising demo.
The big issue: ties to China and U.S. scrutiny
Manus’ founders previously set up its parent company in Beijing before moving operations to Singapore, and the startup has come under fire from U.S. politicians for its alleged ties to China. Meta has stated that Manus will have no Chinese ownership interests after the transaction and will cease operations in China.
