AI startup Manus raises over $500 million after Meta exit

Key facts

• Manus AI raised over $500 million in a new funding round.
• The funding round was co-led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital.
• Tencent, Sequoia China, and ZhenFund participated as existing investors.
• Manus develops AI agents capable of autonomous task execution.
• Meta was ordered by Beijing to unwind its acquisition of Manus.
• Manus' annualized revenue run rate reached about $500 million.

Manus, an AI startup focused on developing general-purpose AI agents, has completed a funding round exceeding $500 million. The round was co-led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital, with participation from existing investors including Tencent, Sequoia China, and ZhenFund. This funding follows Beijing's order for Meta to unwind its acquisition of the company.

Beijing mandated Meta to divest its stake in Manus in April, citing increased scrutiny of U.S. investments in Chinese startups involved in advanced AI technologies. Manus announced its return to independent operations in August. The company's AI agents are designed to autonomously execute tasks such as research and automation with minimal human intervention.

Manus' annualized revenue run rate has reached approximately $500 million, a significant increase from the $100 million figure at the time of Meta's acquisition. The company is also reportedly exploring a joint-venture structure in China, potentially paving the way for a Hong Kong listing.