Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to acquire Chinese-founded artificial intelligence startup Manus in a deal valued between $2 billion and $3 billion. The move marks another major step by Meta as it accelerates its push into advanced artificial intelligence and strengthens its global AI capabilities.
The acquisition comes at a time when technology giants worldwide are racing to secure next-generation AI systems that can operate with greater autonomy, intelligence, and scale. While Meta has not publicly disclosed the final deal size, industry sources indicate that the transaction could be one of the company’s biggest AI acquisitions so far.
Why Manus Has Caught Meta’s Attention
Manus rose to global prominence after its AI agent went viral for demonstrating unusually high levels of autonomy. Unlike traditional AI models that rely heavily on user prompts, Manus’s system is designed to plan, reason, and execute tasks independently, making it a standout player in the emerging field of agent-based AI.
This capability aligns closely with Meta’s long-term vision of building AI tools that can think, adapt, and assist users more intuitively across platforms. The Manus technology is expected to complement Meta’s existing AI stack, helping the company build more advanced assistants, creator tools, and automation solutions.
A Strategic Boost to Meta’s AI Ambitions
Over the past year, Meta has significantly increased its investments in artificial intelligence, signalling a clear shift toward AI-first innovation. By acquiring Manus, Meta aims to strengthen its position against rivals that are also pouring billions into generative and autonomous AI development.
The acquisition reflects Meta’s belief that the next phase of AI growth will be driven by systems capable of complex decision-making with minimal human input. Integrating Manus’s technology could enhance Meta’s offerings across social media, messaging platforms, and enterprise-level AI tools.
From Chinese Roots to Global Expansion
Although Manus was originally founded in China, the startup later moved its base to Singapore, a strategic decision seen as crucial to its global expansion. This relocation helped the company navigate regulatory challenges and attract international investors amid growing geopolitical scrutiny of cross-border tech collaborations.
Analysts believe this move made Manus more attractive to global buyers like Meta, allowing smoother integration into international operations. Interestingly, earlier funding rounds valued Manus significantly lower, making the reported acquisition valuation a sharp leap and a strong exit for early investors.
What the Deal Signals for India’s Tech Ecosystem
For India’s rapidly growing startup and AI ecosystem, Meta’s acquisition of Manus highlights a key trend: innovative AI solutions, regardless of origin, are commanding global attention and premium valuations. Indian AI startups working on autonomous systems, machine learning tools, and enterprise automation may find increased interest from global technology companies.
The deal also reinforces the idea that AI talent and intellectual property are becoming central assets in today’s digital economy. As Indian developers and founders continue to build world-class AI products, such global acquisitions could inspire more cross-border collaborations and investments.
Looking Ahead
Once completed, the acquisition is expected to further strengthen Meta’s AI roadmap and accelerate the development of smarter, more autonomous digital experiences. For the global tech industry, the deal underlines the rising importance of agent-based AI and sets a new benchmark for startup valuations in the space.
As competition in artificial intelligence intensifies, Meta’s bet on Manus may prove to be a defining move in shaping the next generation of AI-powered platforms.