Meta announced on December 30, 2025, that it will acquire Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus to supercharge its AI capabilities across platforms like Meta AI. The move signals Meta’s latest play to dominate the AI arms race against rivals like Google and OpenAI.
Manus, a Singapore-based firm under Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology Ltd Co, developed a “digital employee” AI agent that autonomously handles research and automation tasks. Earlier this year, the startup gained attention by completing free tasks for users on X (formerly Twitter) and claiming its tech outperforms OpenAI’s DeepResearch.
While financial details remain under wraps, Meta plans to integrate Manus’s tech into its consumer and business products. This follows Meta’s earlier 2025 investment in Scale AI, valued at $29 billion, as tech giants scramble for AI talent and innovation.
🔍 Why it matters: With AI becoming as essential as WiFi for Gen Z, Meta’s acquisition could reshape how billions interact with social media, VR, and smart devices. But will regulators approve? Stay tuned! 💡
