Is Meta’s $2 Billion bet on Manus the move that could redefine the Global AI Race?
Meta moves to acquire Manus in multi-billion-dollar AI deal
Meta Platforms has announced plans to acquire Manus, a Chinese-founded artificial intelligence startup, in a move widely seen as a strategic push to strengthen its position in the rapidly intensifying global AI arms race.
Although Meta did not officially disclose the financial terms, multiple reports, including Reuters, estimate the deal’s value at between $2 billion and $3 billion, marking one of Meta’s most significant AI acquisitions to date.
The acquisition underscores Meta’s growing focus on advanced autonomous AI agents, as competition heats up among major technology companies to build systems capable of independently executing complex tasks with minimal human input.
What Is Manus and Why Is Meta Buying It?
Founded by Beijing-based Butterfly Effect Technology, Manus gained global attention earlier this year after launching what it described as the world’s first general-purpose AI agent, a system designed to make decisions, conduct research, write code, and analyze data autonomously.
The company claims its AI agent outperformed OpenAI’s DeepResearch, a statement that helped Manus go viral on social media platform X and positioned it as a potential challenger to leading Western AI labs.
According to Manus, its platform has already:
- Processed over 147 trillion tokens
- Created more than 80 million virtual computers
- Served millions of users and businesses globally
For Meta, the acquisition offers immediate access to cutting-edge agentic AI technology, accelerating its ambition to integrate advanced AI tools across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta AI.
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How Manus Will Fit Into Meta’s AI Ecosystem
Meta confirmed that Manus will continue operating as a standalone product, while also being integrated into Meta’s consumer and enterprise AI offerings.
The company plans to scale Manus’ services to a broader business audience, positioning its AI agents as digital employees capable of automating research, workflows, and decision-making tasks.
Manus CEO Xiao Hong said joining Meta would provide a “stronger and more sustainable foundation” without changing the company’s internal operations or product roadmap. He emphasized that Manus would continue serving its existing user base while improving its technology.
Strategic Importance Amid Fierce AI Competition
The deal comes as global technology giants aggressively expand their AI portfolios through acquisitions and talent recruitment.
Earlier in 2025, Meta invested in Scale AI, a deal that valued the data-labeling firm at $29 billion and brought its young CEO, Alexandr Wang, into Meta’s leadership ecosystem.
Industry analysts see the Manus acquisition as part of Meta’s broader effort to close the gap with OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic, particularly in the fast-emerging field of autonomous AI agents.
Geopolitics, China, and Manus’ Singapore Base
Manus is officially headquartered in Singapore, a move analysts say reflects a broader trend among Chinese technology firms seeking to reduce exposure to Sino-U.S. geopolitical tensions.
Despite its relocation, Manus maintains strong ties to China, including:
- Strategic collaboration with Alibaba
- Backing from investors such as Tencent, HSG (formerly Sequoia China), ZhenFund, and Benchmark
The company raised $75 million earlier this year at a valuation of around $500 million, making Meta’s acquisition a dramatic leap in valuation within a short timeframe.
What This Means for the Future of AI
With Manus joining Meta, the focus now shifts to how quickly general-purpose AI agents can be deployed at global scale.
If successfully integrated, Manus’ technology could reshape how businesses and consumers interact with AI, moving beyond chatbots to systems that independently plan, execute, and optimize tasks.
As Meta accelerates its AI roadmap, the acquisition signals a clear message: the future of AI lies in autonomy, scale, and real-world execution.
FAQ
What is Manus AI?
Manus is an artificial intelligence startup that developed a general-purpose autonomous AI agent capable of executing tasks like research, coding, and data analysis with minimal human input.
How much is Meta paying for Manus?
While Meta did not officially disclose the price, reports estimate the deal’s value at $2–$3 billion.
Why is Manus important to Meta?
Manus strengthens Meta’s ability to deploy autonomous AI agents, a key next step beyond traditional chatbots, across its consumer and business platforms.
Will Manus remain independent after the acquisition?
Yes. Meta confirmed Manus will continue operating as a standalone product while also being integrated into Meta AI services.
Is Manus really better than OpenAI’s DeepResearch?
Manus claims its AI agent outperformed OpenAI’s DeepResearch, though independent benchmarking remains limited.
Where is Manus based?
Manus is headquartered in Singapore, though it was founded by a Chinese company and maintains strong ties to China’s tech ecosystem.
What does this acquisition mean for the AI industry?
The deal highlights intensifying competition in autonomous AI, signaling a shift toward systems that can independently execute complex real-world tasks.
