Meta’s Acquisition Strategy
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In December 2025, Meta Platforms made a significant move by acquiring Manus, a leading AI startup based in Singapore, in a groundbreaking Meta Platforms has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup for over $2 billion. billion deal. Manus gained attention shortly after its debut with innovative AI agents capable of performing complex tasks such as screening job candidates, planning vacations, and conducting market analyses, outpacing competitors like OpenAI’s Deep Research. This acquisition marks an ambitious step in Meta’s AI-focused strategy, bringing both cutting-edge technology and substantial revenue potential from Manus’s already impressive
- 00 million in annual recurring revenue.
Meta plans to maintain Manus’s operational independence while integrating its AI capabilities into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, enhancing these platforms with more robust automation and intelligent interactions. This purchase not only reinforces Meta’s commitment to spearheading AI-driven innovation but also signals its intent to remain competitive in a rapidly expanding AI sector. For Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Manus offers a rare combination of profit generation and technological advancement, proving critical in justifying Meta’s massive investments into AI infrastructure.
- The acquisition aligns with Meta’s aim to boost automation in consumer and business products.
- The deal was aimed at accelerating AI innovation and integrating automation into Meta’s platforms.
- Meta will keep Manus running independently while integrating its AI agents into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
- Manus’s AI agent tools have attracted interest from major tech firms like Microsoft, which tested Manus in Windows 11 PCs.
Manus’s Market and Financial Impact
- Manus achieved annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million shortly after its launch.
- The startup secured a $75 million Series B funding led by benchmark firm, valuing it at $500 million.
- Manus’s aggressive push to the market is highlighted by its claim of superior performance over OpenAI’s Deep Research.
- Meta plans to expand Manus’s current subscription service to reach more businesses.
Historical and Operational Shifts
- Manus originated from Butterfly Effect, founded in China, moving its headquarters to Singapore in 2025.
- Concerns about Chinese ties led Manus to end operations in China post-acquisition.
- The acquisition led Manus to sever links with Chinese investors amid political scrutiny.
Product and Technology Development
- Manus developed general-purpose AI agents used for tasks like market research and coding.
- Meta emphasizes scaling Manus’s technology across its platforms, meeting further business demands.
Strategic Business Alliances
- Manus paved the way for deeper technological partnerships, including a notable agreement with Alibaba’s Qwen AI.
- Benchmark and other global investment firms played significant roles in Manus’s funding.
- Meta aims to leverage Manus not just for technology but also for strategic global positioning against rivals.
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