Meta Acquires AI Start-up Manus in Deal Valued at Over $2bn
Meta has agreed to acquire Manus, a Chinese-founded artificial intelligence start-up, in a deal aimed at strengthening the company’s AI capabilities and expanding its work on autonomous digital tools.
While financial terms were not officially disclosed, analysts cited by Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal estimate the transaction could be valued at more than $2bn (£1.48bn).
In a blog post announcing the acquisition, Meta said Manus would play a key role in advancing its development of AI “agents” – systems designed to carry out complex tasks with limited user input, such as organising travel plans or creating presentations. The company said Manus’ team would join Meta to help deliver general-purpose agents across its consumer and business products, including Meta AI.
Industry analysts say the move aligns closely with chief executive Mark Zuckerberg’s long-term strategy around personal AI. Barton Crockett of Rosenblatt Securities described the deal as a “natural fit”, noting that agent-based AI is central to Meta’s vision for more personalised and proactive technology.
Manus, which is now headquartered in Singapore after relocating from China, has positioned itself as a differentiator in the crowded AI market by promoting what it calls a “truly autonomous” agent. Unlike traditional chatbots that rely on repeated prompts, the company says its technology can independently plan, execute and complete tasks once given instructions.
The start-up has framed its mission as extending human capability rather than replacing human labour. Its leadership described the acquisition as a major endorsement of that approach.
Xiao Hong, Manus’ chief executive and one of its Chinese founders, said joining Meta would allow the company to scale on a stronger footing without altering how its technology operates or how decisions are made. He added that the firm would continue refining its product while serving its existing user base.
Meta confirmed that Manus’ AI service would continue to operate and be offered to users following the acquisition.
The deal is the latest in a series of high-profile investments by Meta as it ramps up its AI ambitions. In June, the company spent $14bn to acquire a 49% stake in Scale AI and brought its chief executive into a leading role within Meta’s AI operations. Zuckerberg has also increased spending across the division and reportedly intensified efforts to recruit top talent from competitors such as OpenAI.
