Chinese AI startup Manus is reportedly in discussions to raise $500 million at a $4 billion valuation, according to The Wall Street Journal, following its resumption as an independent company after a blocked $2 billion acquisition deal with Meta. Potential investors include IDG Capital, Boyu Capital and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology, alongside existing backers Tencent, HSG and ZhenFund. The company is also reportedly considering a restructuring effort ahead of a possible Hong Kong IPO.
Manus, known for its AI agent products and vibe-coding tools that let users build apps, generate designs and produce video content, gained widespread attention following a viral demo last year and relocated staff to Singapore before agreeing to the Meta acquisition in December. The deal was reportedly valued at $2 billion amid annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million at the time, but Chinese regulators blocked the transaction over concerns about export controls and foreign investment rules, as well as broader anxiety over losing AI talent to Western companies.
Early investors reportedly helped Manus repurchase its shares at approximately a $2 billion valuation as part of its separation from Meta. The company told users in August they would need to export their own data due to regulatory requirements tied to unwinding the acquisition. Manus confirmed this month that it has resumed independent operations under its original founding team.
