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Meta Buys AI-Agent Startup Manus in Deal Valued at Over $2 Billion

Meta vows to eliminate Chinese ownership to blunt expected regulatory scrutiny.

Overview

  • Meta will keep selling Manus’s autonomous agent as a standalone service while integrating the technology into products such as Meta AI across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
  • Manus, founded in China and now based in Singapore, reported roughly $100–125 million in annual recurring revenue this year from its subscription business.
  • A Meta spokesperson said all Chinese ownership will end and Manus will discontinue its services and operations in China following the transaction.
  • Founder and CEO Xiao Hong and much of the roughly 100-person team will join Meta, with reports indicating he will report to Chief Operating Officer Javier Olivan.
  • Multiple outlets report a valuation above $2 billion and a rapid negotiation timeline of about 10 days, with analysts flagging likely regulatory review of the cross-border acquisition.