manus

The founder of the general-purpose intelligent agent Manus, Xiao Hong, stated that when Manus was born, Codex and Claude Cowork had not yet appeared in the market, and the product positioning has always been a general-purpose intelligent agent. He likened Manus to a computer-selling business, believing that users may primarily purchase computers for work, but if they cannot watch videos or play games, the experience will be quite limited; therefore, it should not be confined to office tasks.Xiao Hong indicated that videos and games are important scenarios for unleashing creativity, which need to be perfected through the local client Manus Studio. The related videos for Cue are entirely produced by Manus Studio, without using video generation models; instead, the agent first writes the code, which is then converted into video. With the help of cloud computers, Manus can also create online games that support user participation with friends.In terms of infrastructure, Manus cloud computers can provide cloud-based Linux, Mac, and Windows environments. Xiao Hong stated that when the agent operates the computer in the cloud, it will not compete with the user for the local mouse cursor, and he anticipates that individuals will be able to control large-scale computing clusters in the future to satisfy curiosity and conduct experiments and explorations in fields such as mathematics and science. He also described Cue as having an independent phone number, email, payment capability, computer, and sufficient intelligence, and stated that if such agents could be regarded as humans, there might be more changes in upper-level interactions. Xiao Hong mentioned that building product experiences in an overseas open ecosystem is relatively easier, and Manus is actively preparing a domestic version.

Manus officially launched version 2, which includes multiple updates in the underlying architecture, creative tools, and application layer.Upgrades to the underlying architecture and computing power: Equipped with the new generation self-developed Agent framework Cascade, tests show a 23.2% reduction in Token consumption, a 28.2% decrease in task duration, and a 32% reduction in costs; at the same time, the "cloud computer" was launched to provide a dedicated operating environment around the clock and supports automated workflows triggered by multiple software events.

According to Bloomberg, the AI startup Manus founded in China plans to complete approximately $500 million in financing, with its valuation expected to double to $4 billion. This is the company's first round of financing since Beijing requested it to split from Meta Platforms, and the related transaction is expected to be completed soon.Insiders say that negotiations are still ongoing, and the terms of the deal may change. After this round of financing is completed, Manus, a pioneer in the field of agent AI, will become the highest-valued startup in this sector in China. Existing investors include Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund. Representatives from Manus, Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund declined to comment.

Manus announced the resumption of independent operations and entered a new development stage. Founding team member Red Xiao and others will continue to be responsible for the company's operations, focusing on promoting product innovation and the development of general AI Agents.Manus stated that as an independent Agent laboratory, the company will continue to expand the capability boundaries of general AI Agents in the future and transform new capabilities into products to help users handle complex tasks. In the future, Manus will further integrate into users' daily workflows, interact more directly with the real world, and more proactively represent users in executing tasks. Manus also thanked users who recently helped with data backup and recovery and stated that more innovative products will be launched in the future.

According to the Financial Times, citing two informed sources, regulators are preparing to lift the exit restrictions on Manus founder and CEO Xiao Hong and others. Xiao Hong has informed employees that he plans to return to Singapore soon.Xiao Hong and Manus co-founder and chief scientist Ji Yichao were asked to stay in the country in March this year. At that time, regulators were investigating whether Meta's acquisition of Manus violated relevant regulations. In April, regulators requested Meta to withdraw the approximately $2 billion acquisition.Manus has officially confirmed this week that it will resume independent operations. The split plan is also taking shape. Original shareholders such as Tencent, ZhenFund, and HSG will participate in the buyback, and Tencent will also acquire most of Benchmark's shares, becoming the largest single shareholder of Manus, but its stake will not exceed 50%. Manus will not be merged into Tencent and will continue to operate independently in Singapore.The final plan still requires approval from regulatory authorities. From the current plan, regulators are requesting the dismantling of Meta's acquisition relationship with Manus, but they have not asked Manus to relocate its business.

According to Caixin's disclosure, Tencent, Zhenge Fund, Sequoia China, and other major shareholders of Manus previously repurchased Manus shares from Meta for $2 billion. This $2 billion transaction price is close to the acquisition price announced by the American social media tech giant Meta in December 2025. Benchmark was the largest shareholder before the acquisition but will not participate in this repurchase of Manus. Benchmark's previous shares will be acquired by Tencent, which will become Manus's largest shareholder. Currently, Manus is operating normally.Yesterday, Manus announced that it will soon resume independent operations. To complete this transition and meet regulatory requirements in some jurisdictions, affected users must complete data backups by 7:59 AM Singapore time on August 23 and begin data recovery from 8:00 AM on August 25 to ensure normal usage thereafter. Manus also stated that it is preparing a series of new features to further expand the capabilities of general AI entities and expressed optimism about the development prospects after the company resumes independent operations.

Manus announced that the company will soon resume independent operations. To complete this transition and meet regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions, affected users must back up their data by 7:59 AM Singapore time on August 23, and data recovery will begin at 8:00 AM on August 25 to ensure normal usage thereafter.Manus stated that affected users will be notified via email and in-app notifications; users who registered with an Apple ID or Facebook account should pay attention to in-app notifications. Affected users can perform multiple backups before August 23 and can continue to create data after the first backup, followed by re-executing the backup. Starting at 8:00 AM on August 25, the data recovery portal will officially open, and users can continue using their previous data after completing the recovery. During the transition period, affected users will incur no charges, and Manus will also provide rewards.For users not affected by this adjustment, no action is required, and they can continue to use Manus normally; the system will also confirm via in-app notifications that their accounts are unaffected. Manus understands that this adjustment may cause inconvenience to affected users and has provided detailed operational guidelines in the help center, while the customer service team will offer 24/7 support.Manus stated that it is preparing a series of new features aimed at further expanding the capabilities of general AI entities and expressed optimism about the company's development prospects after resuming independent operations.

According to informed sources, Tencent is in talks to become the largest shareholder of the AI entity company Manus.Most existing investors, including Tencent, ZhenFund, and Sequoia China, are discussing supporting a deal with a valuation of $2 billion to withdraw Meta's acquisition.

According to sources, Meta Platforms' previous acquisition of the AI company Manus for about $2 billion may be reversed due to a request from relevant regulatory authorities in China to withdraw the decision on the transaction. Early investors in Manus are currently planning to repurchase company equity at the approximately $2 billion price originally paid by Meta. This development could allow some original investors to regain control of the company and potential valuation reassessment opportunities.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Meta Platforms Inc. has completed the operational separation from Manus and has stopped data sharing between the two companies. According to informed sources, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has effectively established a firewall between itself and the Chinese company Manus. The sources stated that since the beginning of this month, Meta has prohibited Manus and its employees from accessing the internal data systems of the American company. The sources also indicated that Meta's employees are therefore unable to use Manus's tools for internal projects. Due to the involvement of internal decisions, these sources requested anonymity.An internal memo seen by Bloomberg News shows that Meta is gradually winding down Manus's operations. The memo indicates that employees have been instructed to migrate existing Manus projects to Meta's systems and not to undertake new work on the artificial intelligence platform. Informed sources stated that these measures aimed at separating the operations of the two companies mark a step forward in the eventual divestiture of Manus.

According to Bloomberg, the three founders of Manus are exploring various options to meet Beijing's demand for the withdrawal of the deal acquired by Meta, including raising about $1 billion from external investors to repurchase the China-founded agentic AI business at a valuation of at least not lower than Meta's original acquisition price of $2 billion.Insiders say that the founders may cover the gap out of their own pockets and plan to establish a joint venture with new investors in China, followed by an application for listing in Hong Kong. Negotiations are still in the early stages, with several obstacles remaining, including how to separate the deeply integrated Manus technology and team from the Meta system, as well as the specific arrangements for the deal structure.

According to Benchmark Studio, after the China Securities Regulatory Commission issued inquiries to multiple companies regarding overseas shareholding structures, Chinese tech startups such as Moonshot AI and DeepRoute.ai are evaluating the feasibility of relocating their company registration from overseas back to China. They are currently discussing related plans with lawyers and have not yet made a final decision. Shanghai AI model developer StepFun has taken the lead in initiating the process of dismantling its overseas shareholding structure to expedite the regulatory approval process for its Hong Kong IPO.The direct trigger for this tightening of regulations was Meta's acquisition of the AI agency Manus, founded by Chinese individuals, for $2 billion—relevant authorities have ordered the cancellation of this acquisition, leading to a systematic review by regulators of the "domestic operation, overseas registration" company model.Dismantling the red-chip structure is complex, typically taking six months to a year, involving multiple steps such as repurchasing offshore equity, establishing joint ventures, and investors re-entering shares. Additionally, the lock-up period for joint ventures listed in Hong Kong lasts up to 12 months, which is twice as long as that for ordinary red-chip stocks. Analysts point out that if the red-chip structure faces comprehensive restrictions, it will significantly weaken the ability of Chinese startups to obtain dollar financing from overseas.

According to CCTV News, the Office of the Foreign Investment Security Review Mechanism has legally made a decision to prohibit the foreign acquisition of the Manus project, requiring the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition transaction. Manus was initially developed by the Chinese company Butterfly Effect and became an overnight sensation after its release in March 2025. In June of the same year, it moved its headquarters to Singapore and ceased domestic operations, and in December 2025, it was announced by the American company Meta that it would acquire it for approximately $2 billion.Zhou Mi, a researcher at the Ministry of Commerce's Academy, stated that Manus moved the project to Singapore through funding and corporate transfer before selling it to an American company, which raises suspicions of intentionally evading regulation. If such practices are not controlled, more companies will follow suit, harming national development interests and security.Zhou Mi emphasized that China has consistently maintained an open attitude towards foreign investment but takes a cautious stance on sensitive investments involving key technologies and data security, stating that "evading regulation in a malicious manner will ultimately not achieve the intended purpose."

According to The Wall Street Journal, Meta is preparing to withdraw its acquisition of the AI startup Manus, after China banned the deal on national security grounds. Manus is a Singapore-based startup related to China, focused on developing AI agents.Meta completed the acquisition for $2.5 billion last December and has quickly integrated the related technology into its own systems. If the deal is ultimately canceled, both parties will need to separate the integrated technology and systems.

According to Jinshi reports, the Office of the Foreign Investment Security Review Mechanism (National Development and Reform Commission) has made a decision to prohibit investment in the foreign acquisition of the Manus project in accordance with laws and regulations, requiring the parties involved to withdraw from the acquisition transaction.

According to a report by Jinshi Data, the Ministry of Commerce held a regular press conference on the 2nd, where a reporter asked what measures China would take regarding Meta's acquisition of Manus and related issues of multinational operations by enterprises. He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, responded that the Chinese government supports enterprises in conducting multinational operations and technological cooperation as needed, and such activities must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and follow legal procedures.