Meta Acquires Singapore-Based AI Agent Startup Manus in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal

Meta Platforms has acquired Singapore-based AI startup Manus, a developer of general-purpose autonomous AI agents, in a strategic move to accelerate its artificial intelligence ambitions and integrate advanced agent technology across its products, according to multiple reports.

The deal, reportedly valued at more than $2 billion, marks one of Meta’s largest AI acquisitions to date and underscores CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s commitment to building AI systems that can act on behalf of users, not just respond to queries.

Meta plans to integrate Manus’ technology into its Meta AI assistant and other consumer and enterprise products across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Originally founded in China as part of Butterfly Effect Technology, Manus relocated its headquarters to Singapore earlier in 2025 amid geopolitical tensions and global expansion efforts.

The company’s flagship AI agents are designed to autonomously handle complex, multi-step tasks — such as automated web research, coding assistance, data analysis, market research and workflow automation — with minimal human input.

“Joining Meta allows us to build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made,” said Xiao Hong, CEO of Manus in a statement.

Manus had achieved rapid commercial adoption, reporting an annualized revenue run rate exceeding $125 million earlier this year and serving millions of users and businesses via subscription services. Meta said Manus will continue to operate from Singapore and maintain its existing subscription offerings post-acquisition.

The transaction reflects Meta’s broader AI strategy — which includes its substantial investment in Scale AI and the creation of Meta Superintelligence Labs — aimed at staying competitive with rivals such as OpenAI and Google in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

As part of the acquisition, Meta has committed to severing any remaining Chinese ownership interests and will discontinue Manus’ operations in China, emphasising data security and compliance as it scales the technology globally.

Earlier this month, Meta acquired Limitless, a Denver-based startup best known for its AI-powered wearable designed to record and summarise conversations, marking Meta’s latest move to expand its footprint in consumer AI hardware.