KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Meta is buying Singapore-based AI startup Manus to strengthen its AI agent push.
- Manus already generates strong revenue, giving Meta faster commercial returns.
- The deal puts Singapore firmly on the global AI map as Big Tech shops here.
Meta acquisition Manus news: The social media giant Meta Platforms has agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup known for its business-ready AI agents. For Singapore’s tech ecosystem, this is a big signal: global Big Tech is no longer just setting up regional offices here — it’s buying core AI capability built on our soil.
For Meta, this move is about speed. AI agents that can actually do work — not just chat — could help justify the billions the company is already pouring into AI infrastructure, talent, and data centres.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquirer | Meta Platforms |
| Target | Manus (Singapore-based) |
| Core Product | Business AI agents |
| Reported Revenue | US$125 million annual run rate |
| Prior Valuation | Close to US$500 million |
| Deal Terms | Not disclosed |
| Key Focus | AI agents that work autonomously |
Why Meta wants Manus — and why now
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made AI the company’s top priority. Over the next few years, Meta plans to spend a staggering US$600 billion on US-based infrastructure projects, many of them tied directly to AI.
That level of spending has made investors uneasy. The question has been simple: when will all this AI investment actually make money?
Manus offers a partial answer. Unlike experimental AI models, Manus already sells a subscription-based AI agent to businesses. Earlier this year, it was reportedly running at an annual revenue rate of US$125 million — real money, not future promises. For Meta, that means quicker commercial impact.
What exactly does Manus’ AI agent do?
AI agents are different from chatbots. They don’t just respond — they act.
Manus’ agent can handle practical business tasks such as screening job applications, building travel itineraries, and even analysing stocks, all based on simple instructions. No constant prompting needed, no human supervision for every step.
That’s why enterprise software companies like Salesforce and ServiceNow have been pushing their own agents so hard. For businesses, agents mean automation that actually saves time and headcount.
Singapore’s quiet role in a global AI race
Manus’ parent company, Butterfly Effect, was originally founded in China before relocating to Singapore. That move is telling. Singapore’s regulatory clarity, talent pool, and access to global capital have made it a natural base for AI companies that want to scale internationally.
Earlier this year, Butterfly Effect raised funds at a valuation close to US$500 million, led by US venture capital firm Benchmark. That round alone put Manus on the radar of every major AI player.
Now, Meta’s acquisition puts Singapore directly into the AI arms race against rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.
How Meta plans to use Manus
Meta has confirmed it will continue operating and selling Manus’ AI agent. Over time, these agents will also be integrated into Meta’s consumer and business products.
That includes Meta AI — the company’s chatbot already embedded across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — as well as its AI-powered smart glasses.
The idea is simple: move from AI that talks to AI that actually completes tasks across Meta’s ecosystem.
Who’s leading the AI charge inside Meta?
The Manus team will join Meta along with its technology, though the company hasn’t said exactly where they’ll sit internally.
Meta’s AI efforts are overseen by chief AI officer Alexandr Wang, who joined the company after Meta made a high-profile investment in his startup Scale AI.
Following the announcement, Wang publicly welcomed the Manus team. Manus co-founder and CEO Xiao Hong also struck an optimistic tone, saying the deal would allow the company to build AI agents at a scale that wasn’t previously possible.
Why this matters for Singapore readers
For Singaporeans in tech, finance, or business, this deal is worth paying attention to.
It shows that AI startups built and scaled in Singapore can attract acquisition interest from the very top of Silicon Valley. It also signals growing demand for AI agents that help businesses automate real work — a trend likely to spread quickly across local SMEs and MNCs here.
If Meta starts rolling out agent-powered tools across its platforms, businesses in Singapore may be among the first in Asia to use them at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manus a Singapore company?
Manus is based in Singapore, although its parent company, Butterfly Effect, was originally founded in China before relocating here.
Will Manus’ AI services still be available after the acquisition?
Yes. Meta has said it will continue to operate and sell Manus’ AI agent, while also integrating it into Meta’s own products.
Does this affect Meta’s existing AI chatbot in Singapore?
Most likely. Manus’ agent technology is expected to complement Meta AI, potentially adding more task-based automation to services already available on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
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