Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) has announced its acquisition of Manus AI, a Singapore-headquartered startup specializing in autonomous artificial intelligence agents. The move aims to enhance Meta’s capabilities in deploying versatile AI tools across its ecosystem of consumer apps and enterprise solutions. Manus AI, known for its subscription-based general-purpose agent that autonomously handles complex tasks like research, automation, and decision-making, has demonstrated growth since its launch earlier this year.
The company secured $75 million in funding in a round that valued it at around $500 million and recently reported surpassing $100 million in annual recurring revenue, with a total run rate exceeding $125 million.
Although financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, industry sources suggest the deal could value Manus at over $2 billion.
This transaction underscores Meta’s aggressive strategy to bolster its AI portfolio through targeted acquisitions and talent integration, following significant investments in areas like data labeling and wearable AI devices.
A key aspect of the agreement is Manus’s commitment to maintain independent operations from its Singapore base.
In a company blog post, Manus has emphasized continuity for existing users, stating that its subscription service will persist uninterrupted while benefiting from Meta’s resources to scale innovations.
The startup‘s team will contribute to developing advanced agents for integration into platforms such as Meta AI, potentially transforming how billions of users interact with Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and business tools.
Originally founded with Chinese roots before relocating headquarters to Singapore amid geopolitical considerations, Manus has positioned itself as a key player in “agentic” AI—systems that go beyond chat-based responses to execute real-world actions reliably.
Meta has confirmed that post-acquisition, Manus will sever any remaining ties to Chinese ownership or operations, aligning with broader regulatory sensitivities.
This acquisition caps a year of substantial AI spending for Meta, reflecting CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s vision to lead in practical, task-oriented intelligence.
By incorporating Manus’s technology, Meta seeks to unlock new automation opportunities for individuals and businesses, accelerating the shift toward more proactive AI experiences.
As competition intensifies among tech companies to dominate AI agents, this deal positions Meta to deliver more sophisticated, general-purpose tools at scale, potentially redefining productivity in all-digital environments.
