Meta Acquires AI Agent Startup Manus in $2B Deal to Accelerate Agentic AI Strategy

Meta Platforms, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup known for its autonomous agent technology, for approximately $2 billion, according to reports. The transaction values Manus in line with the valuation it was seeking for its next funding round and follows rapid commercial traction since the company’s public debut earlier this year.

Founded by Chinese entrepreneurs under parent company Butterfly Effect, Manus gained prominence after releasing a viral demo showcasing AI agents capable of tasks such as recruitment screening, travel planning, and financial analysis. Within months, Manus raised $75 million in a round led by Benchmark, reaching a $500 million valuation, and later reported millions of users and over $100 million in annual recurring revenue.

Meta plans to operate Manus independently while integrating its AI agents across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and has confirmed that Manus will sever all ties to Chinese investors and cease operations in China following the acquisition.

James Dargan

James Dargan is a writer and researcher at The AI Insider. His focus is on the AI startup ecosystem and he writes articles on the space that have a tone accessible to the average reader.

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