Meta "Joining Forces" With China-Founded Manus AI In $2 Billion Deal

Mark Zuckerberg is significantly shifting Meta Platforms' investments and focus towards artificial intelligence, aiming for "personal superintelligence" to enhance its existing apps and boost revenue. This AI pivot appears more promising than the company's substantial investment in the metaverse. Meta is reportedly acquiring the AI startup Manus, which has Chinese founders and conducts deep research into autonomous general-purpose agents. This acquisition aligns with Meta's strategy of buying successful competitors rather than solely developing in-house. The deal is estimated to be worth over $2 billion, a valuation Manus was already seeking in its fundraising efforts. Meta plans to operate Manus as a service and integrate its technology into products like the Meta AI chatbot. Manus's AI agents are capable of tasks such as market research, coding, and data analysis. The company might offer this new AI agent service for as little as $20 per month. This acquisition highlights the growing AI innovation in Asia and signals a trend of U.S. tech giants acquiring overseas AI talent and products. Manus previously raised $75 million and relocated its headquarters to Singapore due to political scrutiny. The startup has around 100 employees, mostly in Singapore, and its founders include Xiao Hong, Yichao Ji, and Zhang Tao. Experts note the rapid innovation of Chinese entrepreneurs in AI and express concern over such talent moving to the U.S.