Metaset acquires AI startup Manus as integration efforts accelerate
This week, Meta announced its intention to acquire Manas, a pioneering artificial intelligence startup with Chinese roots. This strategic move reflects the tech giant's efforts to embed advanced AI capabilities across its diverse platforms.
Financial details of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but knowledgeable sources said the Singapore-based company's valuation is estimated to be between $2 billion and $3 billion.
Manas gained a lot of attention with X earlier this year following its launch, which was touted as the world's first general-purpose AI agent.
This innovative technology has demonstrated the ability to autonomously make decisions and perform tasks with significantly fewer prompts than existing AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
This breakthrough sparked debate, with many comparing it to China's next Deep Seek, and earned praise on Chinese state television.
The company has since moved its headquarters from China to Singapore, joining a number of Chinese companies making similar moves to reduce risks arising from escalating U.S.-China tensions.
“Increased surveillance is virtually guaranteed. Any entity associated with Chinese origins and labeled as 'AI' will immediately raise alarms in Washington,” said Jeremy Goldman, senior director at eMarketer.
Manas, which does not sell its products in China, claims that its AI agent's performance outperforms that of OpenAI's DeepResearch. The company also forged a strategic partnership with Alibaba to advance collaborative AI model development.
The acquisition will enable Meta to operate and sell the Manus service and incorporate it into consumer and business services, including the Meta AI platform.
“This integration seamlessly aligns with Meta's rapidly expanding footprint in the small business space on WhatsApp and reflects CEO Mark Zuckerberg's vision for a more agent-driven and personal AI experience,” said Barton Crockett, analyst at Rosenblatt Securities.
Given the intense competition in the industry, technology giants like Meta are significantly increasing their investments in AI through strategic acquisitions and talent hires.
Earlier this year, Meta invested in Scale AI in a deal that valued the data labeling startup at $29 billion and brought the company's 28-year-old CEO, Alexandr Wang, on board.
With the support of its parent company Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology, Manas successfully raised $75 million in funding this year, achieving a valuation of nearly $500 million, confirming previous media reports. It is notable that this funding round was led by US venture firm Benchmark.
Prominent investors also include HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, ZhenFund and internet conglomerate Tencent Holdings, according to PitchBook data.
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