Meta reportedly closed a deal exceeding $2 billion to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup. The acquisition underscores Meta's intensified efforts to bolster its AI capabilities across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
While Meta declined to disclose the precise financial terms, The Wall Street Journal reported the deal surpassed the $2 billion mark. Manus, which launched its first general-purpose AI agent earlier this year, operates on a subscription model, providing access to its technology for research, coding, and other tasks. Meta stated that Manus already serves millions of users and businesses globally, and the acquisition will enable the scaling of general-purpose agents across Meta's consumer and business products, including Meta AI.
This acquisition arrives as the market for AI agents intensifies, with major tech companies vying for dominance. Meta's move to integrate Manus' technology reflects a strategic imperative to enhance its AI offerings and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. The integration of Manus' AI agent into Meta's ecosystem could significantly impact user experience and business productivity, potentially driving increased engagement and revenue generation.
Manus, despite being based in Singapore, has some Chinese roots. However, Meta has stated there are "no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus AI" after the acquisition. The platform experienced rapid growth by offering paid subscriptions for its AI agent, which supports research, coding, and other tasks. CEO Xiao Hong stated that joining Meta would provide Manus with a stronger and more sustainable foundation, while maintaining its operational independence.
Looking ahead, the acquisition of Manus positions Meta to further develop and deploy advanced AI agents across its vast user base. The integration of Manus' technology could lead to new features and functionalities within Meta's platforms, potentially transforming how users interact with social media and conduct business online. The long-term impact will depend on Meta's ability to effectively integrate Manus' technology and navigate the ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of advanced AI.
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