Meta just bought Manus, an AI startup everyone has been talking about (techcrunch.com)

Meta Platforms has announced its acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup that gained fame for its impressive demo video showcasing an AI agent capable of tasks like screening job candidates, planning vacations, and analyzing stock portfolios. Valued at $500 million after a $75 million funding round led by Benchmark, Manus has reportedly attracted millions of users and generated over $100 million in annual recurring revenue. Meta is purchasing the startup for around $2 billion, aligning with its strategy to integrate AI more deeply into its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This acquisition is significant as it reflects Meta's pivot towards profitable AI solutions amid concerns over its $60 billion infrastructure investments. By keeping Manus operationally independent while embedding its technology into popular social media tools, Meta aims to strengthen its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. However, the deal poses geopolitical implications due to Manus's founding ties to China, prompting Meta to assure that all Chinese investor involvement will cease post-acquisition, and Manus's services will no longer be available in China, amid broader bipartisan scrutiny of American investments in Chinese technology firms.