Meta Acquisition of Manus AI 2025: Zuckerberg Drops $2B for Profit-Making Agents
Meta acquires Singapore AI agent startup Manus for $2 billion. With $100M ARR, Manus represents a strategic shift toward revenue-generating AI agents and a clean break from Chinese ties.
Zuckerberg is writing a check for a startup that’s already writing its own. Meta Platforms just snapped up Manus, the Singapore-based AI agent startup that's been the talk of Silicon Valley since its viral demo this spring. By paying $2 billion, Meta is betting big on an AI product that doesn't just chat—it makes money.
The Meta Acquisition of Manus AI 2025: From Viral Demo to $2B Exit
Per the WSJ, Meta matched the exact valuation Manus was seeking for its next funding round. It's a meteoric rise for a firm that was valued at $500 million just months ago when Benchmark led a $75 million round. Manus’ AI agent, which handles everything from stock analysis to vacation planning, reportedly outperforms OpenAI’s Deep Research.
Severing Chinese Ties Amid Political Pressure
The deal isn't without controversy. Manus was originally founded as Butterfly Effect in Beijing back in 2022 before moving to Singapore. Early backers included Tencent and HSG (formerly Sequoia China), which raised eyebrows in Washington.
To navigate these geopolitical waters, Meta told Nikkei Asia that Manus will cease all operations in China and eliminate any continuing Chinese ownership interests. This 'clean break' is essential for Meta to avoid the regulatory crosshairs of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Meta is laying off 1,500 employees from Reality Labs and shutting down VR studios after a $73 billion metaverse bet failed to gain traction. Analysis of the shift toward AI and AR.
Meta initiates Reality Labs layoffs 2026, cutting 10% of the division. The company is pivoting from its $70B VR experiment toward AI and mobile-friendly metaverse experiences.
Meta has announced more than 1,000 layoffs in its Reality Labs division and the closure of VR studios. Learn about the Meta Reality Labs layoffs 2026 and the shift to AR.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announces 'Meta Compute,' an initiative to build hundreds of gigawatts of AI infrastructure, securing a massive energy moat for the future.
Meta is laying off 1,500 employees from Reality Labs and shutting down VR studios after a $73 billion metaverse bet failed to gain traction. Analysis of the shift toward AI and AR.
Meta initiates Reality Labs layoffs 2026, cutting 10% of the division. The company is pivoting from its $70B VR experiment toward AI and mobile-friendly metaverse experiences.
Meta has announced more than 1,000 layoffs in its Reality Labs division and the closure of VR studios. Learn about the Meta Reality Labs layoffs 2026 and the shift to AR.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announces 'Meta Compute,' an initiative to build hundreds of gigawatts of AI infrastructure, securing a massive energy moat for the future.