Meta Platforms has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup, for a reported $2 billion. The acquisition underscores Meta's aggressive push into artificial intelligence and its commitment to building advanced AI capabilities.
The deal comes after Manus, which launched in the spring of 2025, quickly gained prominence in Silicon Valley. The company's initial demo showcased an AI agent capable of performing complex tasks such as screening job candidates, planning vacations, and analyzing stock portfolios. Manus claimed its technology outperformed OpenAI's Deep Research, attracting significant investor interest. In April 2025, Benchmark led a $75 million funding round, valuing Manus at $500 million post-money. Other notable investors included Tencent, ZhenFund, and HSG (formerly Sequoia China), who had previously invested $10 million. Recently, Manus announced it had acquired millions of users and was generating over $100 million in annual recurring revenue.
The acquisition of Manus is poised to have a significant impact on the AI landscape. Meta's deep pockets and extensive resources will likely accelerate the development and deployment of Manus's AI technology. This could intensify competition among tech giants vying for dominance in the rapidly evolving AI market. Meta's investment signals a belief that AI will be central to its future, potentially influencing its social media platforms, metaverse initiatives, and other ventures.
Manus distinguished itself by developing an AI agent capable of handling diverse tasks, suggesting a focus on general-purpose AI rather than specialized applications. This approach aligns with the broader industry trend toward creating AI systems that can adapt to a wide range of problems. The company's ability to attract a large user base and generate substantial revenue in a short period highlights the strong demand for advanced AI solutions.
Looking ahead, the integration of Manus into Meta could lead to new AI-powered features and services across Meta's ecosystem. The acquisition positions Meta to compete more effectively with other AI leaders and potentially reshape the way businesses and individuals interact with technology. The long-term success of the acquisition will depend on Meta's ability to effectively integrate Manus's technology and talent, and to navigate the ethical and societal implications of increasingly powerful AI systems.
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