DETROIT -- Meta is buying artificial intelligence startup Manus, as the owner of Facebook and Instagram continues an aggressive push to amp up AI offerings across its platforms.The California tech giant declined to disclose financial details of the acquisition.But The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta closed the deal at more than $2 billion.Manus, a Singapore-based platform with some Chinese roots, launched its first “general-purpose” AI agent earlier this year.The platform offers paid subscriptions for customers to use this technology for research, coding and other tasks.“Manus is already serving the daily needs of millions of users and businesses worldwide,” Meta said in a Monday announcement, adding that it plans to scale this service — as Manus will “deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business products, including in Meta AI.”Xiao Hong, CEO of Manus, added that joining Meta will allow the platform to “build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made.” Manus confirmed that it would continue to sell and operate subscriptions through its own app and website.Popular ReadsSheriff releases dash cam video that may show missing 19-year-old girlDec 30, 7:53 AMMan doing target practice in backyard accused of fatally shooting woman blocks awayDec 26, 7:43 PMRob Reiner's son arrested for murder in stabbing death of famed director, wifeDec 15, 6:39 PMThe platform has grown rapidly over the past year.
Earlier this month, Manus announced that it had crossed the $100 million mark in annual recurring revenue, just eight months after launching.A Meta spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that there would be “no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus AI” following its transaction, and that the platform would also discontinue its services and operations in China.Manus reiterated that it would continue to operate in Singapore, where most of its employees are based.
