Meta Doubles Down on AI With Major Manus Acquisition

In a bold move to strengthen its artificial intelligence portfolio, Meta announced today it has acquired Singapore-based AI startup Manus in a multi-billion dollar deal. This marks the company's third-largest acquisition ever, following its purchases of WhatsApp ($19 billion) and Scale AI ($1.5 billion).

Why Manus Matters

The young startup caught fire earlier this year with its groundbreaking "general agent" technology - software that can understand complex requests, break them into actionable steps, and complete tasks autonomously. Imagine telling your computer "Plan my vacation to Japan" and having it handle flights, hotels, and itineraries without further input.

"This technology represents exactly where we see AI heading," said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a statement. "Manus' team has built something truly special that aligns perfectly with our vision."

The acquisition gives Meta immediate access to:

• Advanced natural language processing capabilities
• Automated task completion technology
• A proven revenue stream ($125 million in just months)
• Top-tier AI talent led by founder Shao Hong

What Changes After the Deal?

Current Manus users can breathe easy - the company will continue operating its existing products and services from its Singapore headquarters. Founder Shao Hong will transition to a VP role at Meta while continuing to lead his team's development efforts.

The deal comes as major tech firms scramble for position in the increasingly competitive AI landscape. Just last month, Microsoft invested billions more in OpenAI while Google rolled out significant Gemini updates.

Looking Ahead

While financial details remain confidential, industry analysts see this as a smart play by Meta:

"They're not just buying technology - they're buying speed," noted tech analyst Rebecca Cho of Bernstein Research. "Developing comparable capabilities internally could've taken years."

The acquisition positions Meta strongly as companies race to develop more sophisticated digital assistants capable of handling complex workflows rather than single commands.

The integration process begins immediately, with Zuckerberg personally overseeing what he calls "one of our most important initiatives" for 2026.

Key Points:

• Strategic Move: Acquisition strengthens Meta's position in competitive AI market
• Proven Tech: Manus' general agent platform already generating $125M revenue
• Talent Retention: Founder Shao Hong joins Meta leadership team
• Business Continuity: Manus products/services remain operational post-acquisition
• Market Impact: Deal accelerates Meta's timeline for advanced AI assistants