Meta Acquires AI Startup Manus to Enhance Advanced Technologies
In a strategic maneuver to fortify its technological arsenal, Meta is poised to acquire Manus, an artificial intelligence startup with origins in China. This acquisition marks a significant enhancement of Meta’s ongoing efforts to infuse sophisticated AI capabilities into both consumer and business platforms.
As reported by Reuters, sources familiar with the negotiations estimate the deal’s worth to lie between $2 billion and $3 billion, although specific financial details remain undisclosed.
This acquisition highlights Meta’s intensified focus on scalable, revenue-generating AI products, especially amid the escalating competition within the global artificial intelligence landscape.
Currently headquartered in Singapore, Manus did not provide an immediate response to inquiries regarding the transaction.
Manus rose to prominence in recent months after gaining widespread attention on X (formerly Twitter) for launching what it claims to be the world’s first general AI agent.
This revolutionary agent, unlike conventional chatbots, purportedly possesses the capability to autonomously make decisions and perform tasks with minimal user intervention.
The startup has been dubbed “China’s next DeepSeek” and has captured the interest of both Chinese regulators and prominent technology enterprises.
Moreover, Manus asserts that its AI agent surpasses OpenAI’s DeepResearch in specific tasks and maintains a strategic alliance with Alibaba for collaborative AI model development.
Meta’s Integration Strategy
Meta plans to oversee and commercialize Manus’ services while integrating its AI agent into the broader ecosystem, which includes Meta AI and other consumer and enterprise products.
- The company intends to keep Manus operationally independent, even as its technology is integrated into platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, all of which already offer Meta AI functionalities.
- For Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has committed the company’s long-term strategy to artificial intelligence, this acquisition signifies a pivotal shift toward AI platforms that demonstrate tangible revenue potential.
- Recently, Manus disclosed an impressive user base of millions and reported annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million, distinguishing it as one of the few AI startups with substantial commercial viability.
Industry experts suggest that this lucrative revenue model was a key factor in Meta’s decision to pursue the acquisition at such a substantial valuation.
Manus operates under its parent company, Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology, which successfully raised $75 million earlier this year, positioning the startup’s valuation at approximately $500 million.
This funding round was spearheaded by U.S. venture capital firm Benchmark, with additional participation from HSG (formerly Sequoia Capital China), ZhenFund, and Tencent Holdings, according to PitchBook data.
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