Meta to Buy Manus AI in Deal Valued Above $2 Billion Range
- Meta gains a revenue-generating AI agent platform through the acquisition of Manus.
- The deal ends Chinese ownership ties and halts Manus AI operations within China.
- Manus strengthens Meta’s push into AI agents designed for business task automation.
Meta Platforms Inc. agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent startup founded by Chinese entrepreneurs. The purchase supports Meta’s plan to build products and revenue from its expanding artificial intelligence budget.
People familiar with the matter said the deal values Manus at more than $2 billion. The agreement also makes Manus a rare Asian tech buy.
Acquisition sets clear ownership and operating plan
Meta said it will keep operating and selling the Manus service after closing. The company also plans to integrate Manus into consumer and business products, including Meta AI.
Meta’s statement also addressed ownership and geography. A company spokesperson said the transaction will leave no continuing Chinese ownership interests. The spokesperson added that Manus will discontinue services and operations in China.
Manus operates through a parent company called Butterfly Effect Pte. The parent business began in China and later moved its headquarters to Singapore. The acquisition will buy out existing investors, according to people familiar with the terms.
The deal process moved quickly. People familiar with the talks said the agreement came together in about 10 days. Meta did not disclose closing timing.
Manus AI agent capabilities and subscription revenue profile
Manus built a following after previewing an AI agent that can complete multi-step tasks with limited prompting. The tool can compile deep research reports and create basic websites from instructions. It can also screen resumes, draft travel itineraries, and summarize datasets for business users.
Manus sells the agent through subscription plans. People familiar with its finances said the company reached an annual revenue run rate of $125 million earlier in 2025. That revenue base gives Meta a product that already charges customers.
Manus raised capital earlier in 2025 at an implied valuation close to $500 million. That round totaled $75 million and included a U.S. venture firm as lead investor. Other backers included major Chinese technology and venture groups.
Meta will acquire Manus’s technology and leadership group, the company said. People familiar with the plan said CEO Xiao Hong will report to COO Javier Olivan. Meta Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang welcomed the Manus team on X.
Meta’s AI strategy, competition, and regulatory pressure
Meta has treated AI as its top corporate priority. Zuckerberg has directed spending toward data centers, advanced chips, and researcher hiring. He has also pledged about $600 billion for U.S. infrastructure projects over three years, many tied to AI.
The Manus acquisition supports Meta’s efforts in AI agents, not only chatbots. AI agents aim to take actions without constant user supervision. Enterprise software vendors have marketed agents as tools that execute workflows, rather than just answer questions.
Meta already distributes Meta AI through Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It also offers AI features through smart glasses. By adding Manus, Meta can expand agent functions across messaging, creation tools, and business services.
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However, the purchase could attract regulatory attention. Manus originated in China and later moved to Singapore amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions. U.S. lawmakers have criticized American funding for AI firms with China ties, which may increase scrutiny of cross-border deals.
Investors have questioned whether the spending will translate into near-term profit. Meta plans to debut a new state-of-the-art model next spring, according to the company as well.
