Core Insights - Meta has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup with Chinese roots, for over $2 billion to enhance its AI capabilities [2][3] - The acquisition is part of Meta's strategy to catch up in the competitive AI landscape, following a significant investment of $14.3 billion in AI training data startup Scale AI earlier this year [3][5] - Manus will continue to operate independently under Meta, with a focus on integrating its AI technology into Meta's suite of products [4][6] Company Strategy - Meta's shift towards AI comes after a pivot from its initial focus on the metaverse, with plans to invest $600 billion in U.S. AI tech and infrastructure by 2028 [5] - The acquisition of Manus is expected to bolster Meta's AI product offerings across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp [3][8] Operational Changes - Following the acquisition, Meta plans to wind down Manus's operations in China and relocate remaining employees, ensuring no access to first-party user data from Meta's existing products [7][9] - Manus's CEO expressed that joining Meta will allow the company to build on a stronger foundation without altering its operational structure [4]

In a year defined by companies pouring shocking sums of money into AI, one more deal squeaked in just before 2026. Most Read from Fast Company Meta just made a play on Manus, the buzzy Singapore-based company with Chinese roots that turned heads earlier this year when it showed its AI agents executing complex tasks, like hunting for real estate and sorting through resumes. The deal is sure to turn heads too. Manus and its parent company Butterfly Effect are now based in Singapore but were founded in Ch ...