Meta Platforms has purchased Manus, a startup specializing in AI agents for research and web development, for a sum over $2 billion, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This transaction stands out as one of the biggest takeovers of a company emerging from China's AI landscape.
Launched in March 2025, Manus followed closely the debut of another Chinese AI venture, DeepSeek. Initially operating under the name Butterfly Effect, the firm presented it as the pioneering universal AI agent capable of independently handling intricate operations, beyond mere concept generation. The technology integrates multiple external models, with emphasis on Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Alibaba's Qwen variants.
The platform aims to streamline operations such as competitive analysis, programming, examination of sales figures, and replicating or developing websites. One critic described it as a tool finely tuned for content creators, explaining its rapid popularity surge. Manus asserts that the product now supports routine requirements for millions of individuals and enterprises, achieving over $100 million in annual recurring revenue just eight months post-release.
Earlier this year, Manus reduced its workforce significantly in Beijing prior to relocating its base to Singapore to pursue international growth. At that point, it was preparing for an investment round aiming for a $2 billion valuation when Meta made its offer. Manus CEO Xiao Hong stated in an internal announcement, 'Integrating with Meta provides a more robust and enduring platform, while preserving our operational methods and decision-making processes.'