Meta to acquire Chinese AI startup Manus

Tech companies such as Meta have been ramping up AI investments through strategic acquisitions and talent hires as they navigate fierce industry competition

Meta said on Monday it would acquire Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the technology giant accelerates efforts to integrate advanced AI across its platforms.

Tech companies such as Meta have been ramping up AI investments through strategic acquisitions and talent hires as they navigate fierce industry competition. Earlier this year, the Facebook-owner invested in Scale AI in a deal valuing the data-labelling startup at $29 billion and bringing in its CEO, Alexandr Wang.

Financial terms of its deal with Manus were not released.

Singapore-based Manus makes general-purpose AI agent, which can operate as a digital employee, executing tasks such as research and automation independently and with minimal prompts.

Meta will operate and sell the Manus service, as well as integrate it into its consumer and business products, including in Meta AI, the company said.

Earlier this year, Manus launched its AI agent, with its performance surpassing that of OpenAI’s AI agent, DeepResearch.

Meta already has an AI chatbot, Meta AI, which is available through the company’s social media and messaging platforms — Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — in addition to its AI glasses. Meta is acquiring the technology and leadership group from Manus, though the companies didn’t say where the new team will sit within the organization.

The company, part of Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology Ltd Co, has marketed its product by completing dozens of tasks for users on X for free.

Manus is among a flurry of Chinese firms that have domiciled in Singapore in recent years, betting a move to the trade-focused city-state would reduce risks their operations get disrupted by geopolitical tensions.