Meta acquiring Chinese startup Manus to enhance AI capabilities

• Singapore-based Manus develops general-purpose AI agents that function as 'digital employees' capable of executing research and automation tasks independently with minimal prompts
• Meta plans to operate and sell Manus's service while integrating the technology into consumer and business products including Meta AI, though financial terms weren't disclosed
• Manus recently claimed its AI agent performance surpasses OpenAI's DeepResearch, and the company has gained attention by completing tasks for users on X for free

Meta Acquires Chinese AI Startup Manus to Bolster AI Capabilities

Meta announced Monday it will acquire Singapore-based Manus, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup that develops general-purpose AI agents. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition represents Meta's latest move to strengthen its AI position amid intense industry competition.

Manus, part of Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology Ltd Co, specializes in AI agents that function as digital employees capable of performing research and automation tasks independently with minimal prompting. The company recently launched its AI agent, claiming superior performance compared to OpenAI's DeepResearch. Manus has gained attention by completing dozens of free tasks for users on X (formerly Twitter).

Under the deal, Meta will operate and sell the Manus service while integrating it into both consumer and business products, including Meta AI. This follows Meta's earlier 2025 investment in Scale AI, a data-labeling startup, in a deal that valued Scale at $29 billion.

The acquisition highlights the ongoing AI arms race among tech giants, with companies pursuing strategic acquisitions and talent hires to maintain competitive advantages. Meta's move to acquire a Chinese AI firm comes as major technology companies continue to invest heavily in AI capabilities across their platforms.

The deal represents Meta's continued push to enhance its AI offerings and integrate advanced artificial intelligence throughout its ecosystem, positioning the company to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.