Key facts
- Chinese AI startup Manus is in talks to raise $500 million at a $4 billion valuation.
- Potential investors include IDG Capital, Boyu Capital, Contemporary Amperex Technology, Tencent, HSG, and Zhenfund.
- Manus is considering a restructuring to prepare for a Hong Kong IPO.
- The company's prior $2 billion acquisition deal with Meta was blocked by Chinese regulators.
- Manus deleted data generated after Meta's acquisition to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Manus offers AI products and agents similar to OpenAI, Lovable, and Replit.
Chinese AI startup Manus is reportedly in discussions to raise $500 million at a $4 billion valuation, marking its return to independent operations after a planned merger with Meta was blocked by Beijing. The company is also exploring a restructuring to pave the way for a potential initial public offering in Hong Kong.
Manus, which gained attention for its AI agent demo last year, had agreed to be acquired by Meta for $2 billion in December. However, Chinese regulators intervened, citing concerns over export controls and foreign investment rules, leading to the deal's termination. Following the separation, early investors reportedly assisted Manus in repurchasing shares at a valuation of approximately $2 billion. As part of regulatory compliance, Manus informed users in August that data generated after Meta's acquisition would be deleted.
The company announced this month that it has resumed independent operations under its founding team. Manus develops AI products and agents, including chatbots, coding tools, and browser assistants, competing with companies like OpenAI and Replit.