Meta integrates autonomous AI tools into its products: the company acquired Manus for over $2B

Meta has agreed to acquire Singapore-based AI agent developer Manus. The deal, worth over $2 billion, is Mark Zuckerberg’s latest major investment in a rtificial intelligence and one of the rare acquisitions of an Asian technology asset by an American giant.

Meta plans not only to integrate Manus’ technology into its own ecosystem, but also to continue selling the service as a separate product.

Abandoning its Chinese roots 

• Manus (parent company Butterfly Effect Pte) was founded in China but later moved its headquarters to Singapore. Under the agreement, all previous investors, including Chinese giants Tencent Holdings, ZhenFund, and HSG, will be completely bought out.
• A Meta spokesperson said that after the transaction is completed, Manus will no longer have any interests held by Chinese owners. In addition, the startup will cease providing services and operating in China.
• This move may help avoid scrutiny from regulators, as US lawmakers have previously criticized venture capital firms such as Benchmark for funding companies with Chinese roots in the strategically important AI industry.

The Manus team, which consists of about 100 specialists, will join Meta. The startup’s CEO, Xiao Hong, will report to Meta’s COO, Javier Olivan. 

Monetization and opportunities

Unlike generative chatbots, autonomous AI agents are capable of performing digital tasks without constant human supervision.

Earlier this year, Manus reported annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $125 million from corporate subscription sales. For Meta, this asset could provide a faster return on its AI investments, on which Zuckerberg plans to spend around $600 billion over the next three years.

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